How to Replace Carpet With Stained Concrete

Carpet Removal

• 1

  Pull up one corner of the carpet with pliers and check what adhesive was under the carpet. If the adhesive is black or brown colored, then it is tar. You'll need to purchase wood spirits to remove the tar from the concrete. If the adhesive is yellow, then it is carpet adhesive and can be chipped away. If the adhesive is too stubborn to chip, apply a carpet adhesive remover.

• 2

  Pull back the carpet further until you have a workable chunk to pull. Cut it loose with a utility knife and start a pile.

• 3

  Remove all the carpet in the same way, adding to your pile.

• 4

  Remove the adhesive using one of the two mentioned methods in step one.

• 5

  Inspect the concrete for cracks and fill any with concrete filler. Let the filler dry for the manufacturer's recommended time.

• 6

  Sweep the concrete and vacuum the corners to remove all dust.

• 7

  Tape off the walls and any area you do not want the stain touching.

Concrete Staining

• 8

  Test your stain on a small, less conspicuous area of the concrete and let the stain sit for three hours before verifying the color.

• 9

  Put on your face mask, eye protection and gloves and dilute the stain with an equal amount of water. Pour the stain into the sprayer.

• 10

  Begin spraying the floor at the back corner, working left to right. Have a second person follow behind you with a push broom to press the stain into the concrete. Once you are halfway done with the room, apply a second coat to the stained area to erase the broom lines. Do not walk on any areas stained once the second coat applied. Finish off the room and allow to dry for the manufacturer's recommended time.

• 11

  Combine equal parts of water and baking soda in a bucket and place in the sprayer, after it has been cleaned. Spray down the stained floor, starting at the front and working to the back with the baking soda mixture. This will neutralize the stain. Have someone follow behind you with a shop vac and vacuum up the dirty water. Do no step on any areas that are not neutralized. Let the concrete dry completely before continuing, generally at least overnight.

• 12

  Pour sealer into a paint pan and use a paint roller to cover the floor with sealant. Let the top layer of sealant dry completely and then apply a second coat. Once the second coat is completely dry, it is safe to walk and place furniture on the floor. Drying time varies by brand.