The garage is usually visited at least twice a day — when you leave home and when you come back. Some garages have areas that are an extension of the home and undergo frequent use — think washing areas and mop sinks. Unfortunately, due to the occasional leaks from an internal combustion engine and spills of some household products, concrete acquires stains. What can you do about concrete stains?
What Stains Concrete
Concrete is stained or discolored by a number of different substances. For the garage, oil and grease from vehicles is a usual culprit. Organic matter such as leaves, dirt and mud often produce stains. Lastly, hard water, spilled or spattered paint, and other chemicals such as acids or dyes can also produce ugly stains on concrete.
What Helps Prevent or Remove Concrete Stains?
Stains happen! To prevent them, it is important to clean up spills promptly. Depending on the item spilled, power washing the concrete may be enough to remove the residue. For unsealed concrete with existing stains, various cleaners can be applied, dependent on the type of stain:
- Big oil and grease stains are absorbed by using cat litter or baking soda. Following up with a concrete cleanser is usually necessary.
- Organic stains can be tackled with a diluted bleach or less aggressive hydrogen peroxide solution.
- Mineral deposits from hard water can be reduced with vinegar for mild cases.
These are just some examples of techniques used to remove stains. As with any cleaning agent, it is important to wear appropriate protective gear, test a small area to ensure the result, and rinse the applied area thoroughly. Some find the removal of stains a tedious process that is not always as successful as they would like. If that is your experience, then we can help!
Professional Concrete Stain Removal and Prevention
The best option for removal and prevention of concrete stains is covering your concrete with epoxy coatings. Nevada Custom Coatings is an experienced and professional epoxy company that produces beautiful results for all of their clients. The key to success is always during the preparation phase of the epoxy process, removing existing stains by grinding the surface. If this is not enough to remove unsightly marks, then appropriate chemicals are used. The preparation process ensures that stains and any flaws such as cracks or uneven areas are addressed so that the epoxy coat adheres properly to the surface. It may be necessary to float a new layer of urethane concrete over the damaged areas to best prepare for epoxy coatings.
Once the concrete preparation is completed, the epoxy coating of your choice is applied. Epoxy coatings offer a wide range of color, style, and pattern possibilities. Some customers choose a design theme that matches their home, or the surrounding area in which they live. Whatever your need or desire, Nevada Custom Coatings will complete the application to your satisfaction.
When the epoxy coating is fully cured, your concrete is clean, beautiful, and protected, allowing you to enjoy concrete areas that are an extension of your home without the stress or fear of marks or stains. Contact Nevada Custom Coatings today for a free consultation and leave removing concrete stains to us!
