Decorating and Design - Staining cement/concrete floor

I asked this question in another forum but this looks like the right place. I know there are cement paints as well as stains. Which works the best and stands up the best under foot traffic. Doesn't the paint tend to chip off sooner? Also do you need to prepare the surface with an acid wash ahead of time?

Choosing the best solution really depends on where the surface is; how much ware and tear the area will get and the look you are trying to achieve.

You can add powdered cement pigment to colour cement for out door use. This can be effective and lasts a long time. The colours are more muted than with paint. This looks good on a patio area!

Paints can be used indoors (and out but do chip and ware) so you will need to apply yacht varnish to give a hard warring finish. You can achieve a number of effects this way from fake flag stones, chequered designs or one bold colour with a stencilled boarder!

Hope that helps...have fun!