27 January 2025|Barn Plans, Barndo Plans, Barndo Plans Austin Texas, Barndo Plans Dallas Tx, Barndo Plans LLC, Barndominium built on a budget, Barndominium Plans, Barndominiums, Barndominiums Austin Texas, Basic Barndominium Plans, Best Barndominium Floor Plans, Best Barndominium Plans, Best price guaranteed for Barn, How to stain floors, Rated #1 Barndominium designer, Stained Floors For a Barndo
I designed a plan and kit for a building project in Virginia and decided to check in with the owner to see how things were going. His response was that they were at a standstill. When I asked why, he mentioned that the flooring would cost $22,000, and they couldn’t afford it at the moment. I offered to help him stain the floors for only $1,200. He mentioned that his wife hated the idea, but I asked, “What do you have to lose?” In short, it’s their favorite part of the house, and everyone loves it.
Barndominium staining is an effective way to enhance the appearance of a dull concrete floor. Before you begin staining, make sure to fill in all cracks, gaps, and damaged areas with a concrete patching compound. After that, apply 1-2 coats of stain in your chosen color using a spray or a roller, ensuring even and complete coverage. Once the stain has dried to the touch, apply a coat of clear sealant with a brush and allow it to cure completely before walking on the floor or making any further modifications.
Step One:
Ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated. For safety reasons, it’s crucial to promote proper airflow in the room where you will be staining. Before you begin, open all doors and windows, and turn on an overhead fan, portable box fan, or air conditioner to help maintain a clear atmosphere.
Some acid-based etching agents and stains emit mildly toxic fumes. If possible, wear a respirator or dust mask to minimize your exposure to these fumes.
Step Two:
To mix the stain, combine it with the recommended amount of water according to the instructions provided with your concrete stain. Use a plastic pump sprayer to mix the stain and water together thoroughly until you have a uniform solution. Keep in mind that the specific ratio of stain to water may vary depending on the product you are using.
– Using a pump sprayer is the most efficient method for applying the stain. If you prefer to use a roller or brush, mix the stain in a large plastic bucket instead.
– Before you start mixing, make sure to wear rubber gloves. Stain can be stubborn to remove and may take weeks to wash off skin if it comes into contact.
Step Three
Begin applying the stain at the back of the room. Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to work your way from the furthest end of the room, opposite the door, toward the entrance. This approach will prevent you from accidentally trapping yourself in a corner and having to walk through the wet stain to exit.
Additionally, even if you are working from back to front, it is advisable to wear an old pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting potentially ruined.
Step Four:
To apply the stain to the concrete surface, spray it using overlapping strokes. Pump the handle on the top of the sprayer up and down to release a steady, concentrated mist of stain. Move the nozzle of the wand back and forth in a wide figure-eight pattern, or use alternating vertical and horizontal sweeps. This technique helps achieve more even coverage and prevents seams from forming between sections.
If you are using a brush or roller, apply the stain using outward-fanning strokes, making sure to overlap each previous stripe by 2 to 3 inches.
Be careful to apply just enough stain to create a thin, even coat; avoid using excess stain that could cause puddles to form on the concrete surface.
It’s important to wear rubber gloves and safety goggles while working to protect yourself from harmful chemicals and messes.
Step Five
Allow the stain to dry for 3 to 4 hours. It’s important to give the initial coat enough time to dry to the touch before testing the color or applying additional coats. Ideally, you should let the stain sit overnight, but most products will begin to set within 1 to 2 hours.
Keep in mind that different types of stains can have significantly varying drying times, so always refer to your product’s instructions for the exact drying period. Additionally, be aware that the color of the newly stained surface may change slightly as it dries.
Step Six
To achieve the desired color of the stain, it’s advisable to test a small section first. Pour a bit of water over a less visible area of the dried stain on the floor. This will give you an idea of how the stain will look once you apply the clear sealer. If the color appears too light for your preference, be prepared to apply a second or even third coat.
Step Seven
Apply additional coats as needed. Mix and apply the stain in the same way as before. An additional coat may be necessary if the initial application is too light or if there are visible seam lines or brush marks in the finish.
• Remember to use a spray, roller, or brush in an alternating pattern to minimize the appearance of stroke lines.
• Allow each coat to dry for 3-4 hours before deciding if more coats are required.
Step Eight Sealing
Allow the stain to dry for 12 to 24 hours. After applying your final coat of stain, it is important to let it dry and set completely for up to 24 hours. If the stain is not fully cured before you apply the sealant, it may smudge, streak, or result in uneven thickness in certain areas.
• The longer you let the stain dry, the better the results will be. Even if the surface feels dry to the touch, applying the sealant too soon may weaken its bond with the concrete.
Step Nine
To seal the stained floor, use a low-nap roller to apply the sealant. To make cleanup easier, first pour the sealant into a paint tray. Start by loading a small amount of sealant onto the roller, then glide it back and forth over the concrete to create a thin, even layer. Work in sections of 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 meters), starting from the back wall and moving toward the doorway, until the entire floor is sealed.
Step Ten
Allow the sealant to cure for 1 to 2 days before using the floor again. It is important to give the sealant enough time to harden before walking on the floor or replacing any furniture. For a more precise understanding of the curing time, refer to the instructions on the label of the sealant you are using. In the meantime, avoid touching the floor for any reason.
Step Eleven
Wait 24 Hours and cover with Ram Board. Barndo Plans recommends start the staining process after interior framing.
