- Sweep the concrete thoroughly with a soft-bristled broom. Make sure that no particles are left behind. Clean the floor using a TSP (trisodium phosphate) and water solution. Scrub the floor with a medium-bristled brush, making sure that all surface dirt is removed. Use a putty knife to remove any gum or stuck-on materials.
- Sand the surface with coarse (60 grit) sandpaper. Use a large floor sander to sand the large parts of the floor and an orbital sander for the smaller areas. You can rent a concrete floor sander at a home improvement store. The clerk can give you instructions on how to use the sander. Don't worry about smoothing the floor before applying the concrete stain. The purpose of this step is to rough the surface so that the stain will adhere to the concrete. Reclean the surface with TSP and water.
- After you have thoroughly mixed the stain, cut in the areas against walls and corners with a fine-bristled trim brush. Pour the stain from the can and onto the concrete, working outwards from the hard-to-reach areas. Use a roller and long handle to spread the stain out onto the floor. Don't pour too much stain onto the floor at once; make sure that you get an even application of the stain. Follow the drying instructions on the can before applying a second coat.
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