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  A beautiful stained finish on a cement floor can be achieved through a variety of techniques. Concrete stain is an opaque, transparent or semi-transparent coating that penetrates the surface of cement to achieve a lasting, colorful effect. Techniques for staining concrete can include brushing, rolling or applying the stain using a pump sprayer. Each method of application provides its own set of benefits for the project.
  
  

Brushing

• Cement stain may be applied by using a wide, good-quality paintbrush. This method can take longer than other techniques, but the increased control over the application of the stain can be used to create designer effects. If this technique is used, it is best to allot enough time to complete the project in one session. Smaller spaces can be brushed within an hour or two, but larger areas may take most of the day. Stopping in the middle of the project while brushing can cause differences in the thickness and application pattern of the stain. These effects may be undesirable to someone wanting to achieve a uniform designer pattern with the cement stain.
  
  

Rolling

• The most common application technique for concrete stain is rolling. It is important to use the best quality roller available on cement, to prolong the life of the applicator and ensure the stain is distributed evenly. If the cement is relatively smooth, rollers should be at least 1/2-inch nap, while on rougher concrete, a 3/4-inch or thicker nap roller is desirable. Rolling tends to create the most uniform finish for concrete stain, which is desirable over large areas, or in places where different colors of stain may be used to create special effects. Rolling on cement stain can take as little as one to two hours to complete, even over large spaces.
  
  

Spraying

• Concrete stain may also be applied with a pump-operated hand sprayer. This technique can create a broad pattern across the floor, giving it high and low areas of depth of color. This application is most desired over a large area, as many people find the variegated color pattern pleasing to the eye. It is important to check that the pump sprayer is meant to be used for staining, as this ensures that the stain will not damage or react with any parts in the sprayer itself. Depending on the output of the pump sprayer, this technique can take as little as one to two hours to complete over a larger area.