How can I get a floor like this?

[copper00]

Hi - I have a painted concrete floor and would like to get it to look something like the attached. Is this just a matte poly coat or something else? It's a hi-traffic gallery space so needs to be somewhat durable. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Floorist]

Looks like paste wax. Highly buffed.

 

[copper00]

Paste wax over bare or painted concrete? Right now I have a flat grey paint on the concrete.

Looks like paste wax. Highly buffed.

 

[Floorist]

Should work over either.

 

[BudCline]

The floor in the photo looks like acid stain to me. Once a concrete floor has been painted you will never get it to take an acid stain unless the surface is mechanically abraided. Shot-blast, sand-blast, surface grind.

That thing could be a paste wax but my guess is many coats of acrylic sealer but I'm just guessing. I'll bet it looks pretty good being there in person.

 

[Floorist]

Sure looks like rough concrete in that picture. Kind of a waste to put a bunch of sealer on that floor.

 

[Darol Wester]

Bud sent this article my way a few years ago that might just help you out a little. A talented lady. I'm sure she would be able to answer your question.

http://www.acidstainconcrete.com/

 

[BudCline]

Ole Gaye Goodman. I wonder how much business I have sent her over the years.

 

[BudCline]

Sure looks like rough concrete in that picture. Kind of a waste to put a bunch of sealer on that floor.

Yup it's not the flattest concrete I've ever seen and it has had some hard use it appears but to tell you the truth, I kinda like the looks of it. To try to smooth it out and patch the divots and then acid stain it would make a real ugly mess.

Besides if that too is a gallery of sorts then those types would love that appearance. Artists are generally a more forgiving breed than us perfectionists.