• Use two different concrete finishes to create a texturally interesting pattern.concrete and light image by Stephen Jacoby from Fotolia.com
  
  Concrete is increasingly becoming one of the most visible materials used in homes. It is still a top choice for the outdoor surfaces surrounding homes, and is also being used in home interiors. One of the reasons for concrete's new-found popularity is that homeowners no longer need settle for an austere finish. There are now many processes to choose from to finish your concrete in almost any way.
  
  

Grinding and Polishing

• Concrete is becoming a popular finish for interior floors in entryways or sunrooms and is even being found in kitchens and bathrooms. Grinding and polishing is one of the most popular finishing techniques for interior concrete. It involves using a concrete grinder with a series of grinding discs that are progressively finer grits. Plain grinding is usually performed dry, but when the intent is to polish, wet grinding may be used. This is especially true during the last grinding when the surface is being smoothed with very fine-grit discs, usually 3,200-grit or better.
  
  

Etching and Staining

• Patios and porches can seem a bit boring if made from plain gray concrete. Many homeowners would like to add color to these structures, but are not sure how. The best procedure for changing the hue of already-poured concrete is to etch the surface with acid and apply two coats of concrete stain. Muriatic acid is quite dangerous and should be combined with water in a 1:4 ratio. The acid creates microscopic, porous spaces in the surface of the concrete so that the concrete stain can be absorbed. Concrete stains are available in a wide variety of shades.
  
  

Prepping and Painting

• Paint can be a fine finish for concrete, but many people may be turned off by peeling painted concrete surfaces that they have observed in the past. This sort of peeling and chipping is usually a sign that the surface was not prepared correctly beforehand. Once the concrete has been cleaned and allowed to dry thoroughly, two coats of epoxy paint can be applied. Painting may be preferable to staining for some because the paint can generally be mixed to match whatever color your imagination can create and the paint will completely cover the masonry texture of the surface.
  
  

Sealing and Resealing

• No matter which finish you choose for your concrete, you should always use a quality masonry sealant to protect it. This is especially true of your concrete is outdoors and will be exposed to the elements. Initially, you should apply two coats of sealant. Following these, one new coat of masonry sealant once a year should be sufficient. Any spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible to avoid damage to your sealant that could leave your concrete vulnerable. Caustic substances such as abrasive cleansers or various salts should not be used on your finished, sealed concrete surfaces.