CONCRETE FLOORS OF HOME

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  At one time, solution to the first two problems was difficult. Etching the floor with acid to receive another inch or so of cement was the common treatment.  Now the "dusty" floor is treated with sealer paints, not only clear in color but also available  in a variety of shades. These paints may be in the silicone group, the epoxy-resin base materials or latex base paints. All work wonders.
  Should the floor be excessively sandy and paint, a bonding agent may be painted on, and over that as little as 1/4 to 1/2" of new cement may be spread, This same method will solve the problem of bumpy, uneven or poorly sloped floors. The amount of new cement added need be only enough to bring the entire floor level with its highest point,
  Treatment of a cracked and broken floor, usually accompanied by some flooding, is more difficult but the approach is similar. For minor breaks, cement putties may be used to seal the cracks in less then five minutes. If the floor is weak,  however, such attempts result in new breaks nearby. Stronger measures are needed-usually at least 1 1/2 to 2" of new cement reinforced with wire applied over the makes up for the lack of sufficient depth of the original floor.
 The only probable cure for condensation on a subgrade cement floors is adequate ventilation and reduction of humidity in the air by way of dehumidifiers.
  Stains, of course, are often unavoidable. Concrete and cement are quite porous. Anything spilled on them penetrates and becomes very difficult to remove. Oil stains may be slowly removed by softening the oil with gasoline (dangerous in confined areas) and then applying a poultice of a powder like material such as plain cornstarch or dry portland  cement. This is on put about 1" thick, allowed to remain 24 hours and then swept up. Most of the oil is absorbed by this method and a thorough scrubbing with a strong detergent takes up the rest. Other stains are often remove with  muriatic acid, which softens the cement momentarily and must be rinsed off with a lot of water. The acid is strong and dangerous to use, and the rinse must have a drain to flow into. These points make the better to consider the application of a coating of deck enamel to conceal all stains.