Floor staining and epoxy finishes bring new color and long-term protection to wood and concrete. The focus is thorough prep, correct product selection, and clean edges so floors look consistent and stand up to traffic.
Overview
- Surfaces: hardwood and engineered wear layers, interior concrete slabs, garages, basements, utility spaces, and porches.
- Systems: penetrating stains/dyes with clear coats for wood; 2‑part epoxies for concrete with optional urethane topcoats and anti‑slip media.
- Goals: even color, durable film build, safe traction, and tidy transitions at thresholds and stairs.
What This Service Includes
- Assessment & testing: species and existing finish identification for wood; moisture readings (wood and concrete) and slab profile checks.
- Prep for wood: full sand or screen, edge blending, vacuum and tack, water-pop if specified, masking at bases and casings.
- Stain & seal: on-floor samples for approval; penetrating stains or dyes; clear coats (waterborne or oil-modified polyurethane) in selected sheen.
- Prep for concrete: crack chasing and patching, control joint cleaning, diamond grinding/shot-blasting to a uniform CSP profile, dust extraction.
- Epoxy systems: primer, build coat(s), optional flake or quartz broadcast, metallic effects if desired, and UV-stable urethane or polyaspartic topcoat; anti-slip media on request.
- Detailing: stair treads and nosings, thresholds, base/shoe removal and reset, clean lines around posts, cabinets, and floor registers.
Surfaces & Options
- Wood: oak, maple, pine, fir, and engineered wear layers; stain/dye selection adjusted for grain and density.
- Clear coats: low-odor waterborne polys for quick return; oil-modified for warm tone; matte to gloss sheens.
- Concrete: solid-color high-build epoxy, flake or quartz broadcast for texture, metallic pigmented effects for show areas, and chemical-resistant systems for shops.
- Add-ons: moisture mitigation primers on high-reading slabs, joint fill with polyurea after cure, anti-slip aggregates for wet zones.
Prep & Standards
- Progressive sanding grits for flatness and scratch control; edge and corner blending to match fields.
- Concrete profiled to manufacturer-recommended CSP; all dust removed before coating.
- Moisture within limits for wood and slab coatings; temperature and humidity conditioned during application and cure.
- Test patches reviewed in natural and artificial light prior to full application.
Sequencing & Return to Service
- Performed after dusty trades and before final trim paint and hardware install where possible.
- Light foot traffic typically allowed after initial set; heavier traffic, furniture, and vehicles only after full cure per product guidance.
- Area kept dust-free during application and early cure; rugs on wood delayed (often 7–14 days).
Coordination
- Aligns with painters for base/shoe timing and cut lines.
- Confirms door and appliance clearances and threshold heights with carpentry and cabinetry.
- Schedules around HVAC availability for ventilation and temperature control.
Quality Markers
- Even color with no lap lines or swirl marks; consistent sheen across rooms.
- Smooth, well-bonded epoxy with uniform coverage; flakes/quartz evenly distributed; clean joints and edges.
- No debris or bubbles trapped in film; traction meets the space’s needs.
Safety & Compliance
- Dust control and respirators for sanding and grinding; containment where needed.
- Ventilation managed; low-VOC options specified where appropriate; isocyanate-aware PPE for urethane topcoats.
- Oil-soaked rags stored in sealed metal containers; coating waste handled per local rules.
Care After Completion
- Felt pads under furniture; avoid dragging; control grit with mats at entries.
- Neutral, manufacturer-approved cleaners; avoid steam mops on wood and harsh solvents on epoxies.
- Periodic screen-and-recoat for wood clear coats; epoxy topcoat refresh as wear dictates.