Painting

• When concrete is poured it is a dull gray color. This does not go with the decor in most homes, but the color can be changed easily. You can paint or stain your concrete floor to add color and warmth to any room.
  
  The floor should be completely cleaned and free of dirt and debris before painting. Use masking tape along the bottom of the walls to protect them from the paint. Paint the floors in any color you like. Several thin coats should be used for the best coverage. When painting concrete floors, use masking tape to make designs on the floor. Paint a colored path down the main walk way area in the room, paint one half of the room dark and the other half light or paint around furniture to create permanent "rugs" in the room.
  
  Staining a concrete floor is different than painting. Staining is actually a coloring process that causes a chemical reaction with the concrete and creates a marbled or mottled look on the floor.
  
  A protective coating of sealant is needed for both painted and stained concrete floors.
  
  

Cutting and Stamping

• Saw cutting is a great way to add a personal touch to your floors. Concrete can be cut by a professional to create a drawing, design or certain pattern in the existing floor.
  
  Wet concrete can be stamped to create patterns and then stained to complete the look. This can create the look of marble, bricks, rocks or various other patterns. If you have existing concrete floors but want them stamped, a contractor can add a thin layer of new concrete, stamp the floor and then allow it to dry. You get a new floor for a fraction of the cost of any other type of floor covering.
  
  

Overlay

• Overlaying existing concrete floors can create an entirely new floor. Professionals use a polymer resin to add to the existing floor. This can be shaped and formed into many different shapes and designs. Overlaying the concrete can give the floor a texture or 3-d look. Overlay floors can look like polished marble or textured stone with many other options.
  
  Sand, cement and other additives can be added to the polymers to create a more durable, comfortable and maintenance-free floor.