Cement or Concrete Floor Dyeing

 Cement floor dyeing it is called or concrete dyeing,  the process is as such:

The cement or concrete floor process is very similar to sanding wood as the use of different “grits” of diamonds or segement disks on a specialized floor machine are used to eliminate (or grind) the top layer of the surface (like using sand paper). A trained concrete floor care professional realizes when it is time to change to the next grit. The concrete floor professional can either stop the grinding or “sanding” process at a matte finish look (called honed finish) or will take it to a shiny look (called high gloss finish). The concrete grinding process can either contain about 7 passes with the diamonds or up to 14 passes with the dimonds. This depends mostly on the condition of the concrete slab or surface before the process begins. If the concrete is newly poured and troweled properly, then the process will be shortened quite a bit. However, if there is another flooring, such as ceramic tile or carpet, on top of the slab, this can make the process take longer due to the addition of possible floor glue or mastic that will need to be removed before starting on the grinding of the concrete surface.

Now, when talking about dyeing or coloring the concrete or cement floor, this is done near the end of the grinding process. The customer would pick out a desired color and the concrete floor professional will add the color. Depending on the darkness of the desired color, it may need to be applied more than once on the concrete surface. When the grinding and dyeing process is done, then  a product called a sealer on the concrete to aid in the resistance of stains and spills.

Article on Pervious Pavement - Enviromental Friendly Concrete

This is a link to another article I found that is about pervious pavement and how it is enviromentally friendly concrete. (more…)

How to Maintain a Interior Concrete Polished Floor

Once the floor surface has been beautifully enhanced, it is time to discuss how to maintain the lovely look on an ongoing basis.

• Sweep with a dust mop or vacuum across the floor at least twice a week.
• Mop the floor with a light detergent (like Dawn) with water at a ratio 1:4 cups at least once a week.
• If a liquid is spilled on the floor (especially coffee, soda, wine or tea), be sure to wipe up the spill as soon as possible with a clean cloth dampened with water and a bit of dish detergent.

Here is a list of items or products not recommended to use on the surface:
• Any type of bleach detergent as this tends to start breaking down the sealer or polish on the floor.
• Any acid based products such as vinegar or ammonia.
• Any type of abrasive cleaning cloths such as SOS pads, scrubbers, or brillos.
• Harsh cleaning detergents such as Bon Ami, Comet, or Mop & Glo on these surfaces as it will dull the surface and may leave slightly “scuff” marks because of the abrasive qualities of these detergents.
Please be sure to rinse or clean off the residue of the cleaning products that you use thoroughly from the surface. In order to ensure this, it is best to use a clean cloth or sponge with water so there isn’t any remaining substance from previous use (such as using the sponge that you use to clean the dishes). Keep it clean and enjoy the beauty of polished concrete!