In the past few years, homeowners have discovered the beauty of concrete. Decorative stains have been around since a Roman found if iron was left on the concrete, it would discolor the surface. Frank Lloyd Wright used decorative stains in his architectural masterpieces. Today, we have a wide selection of stains, waxes and sealers to choose from. Pigmented, opaque and acid stains are used to color existing concrete. The use of decorative scoring or engraving can turn a slab of dull gray concrete into something resembling cut stone. So it all depends on what you want!
First the surface must be clean. It must be ready to receive the stain. This may mean a wash with muratic acid to open the surface and give some "grip" for pigmented stains or a simple mop with clean water to prepare a surface for acid staining. (you never want to acid etch a floor prior to acid staining!)
Second you apply the stain. You can use brushes, rollers, sprayers or even mops depending on the effect you want.
Sometimes the surface needs attention before the staining. If you have a home the carpet has been removed from, there may be divots where the tack strips were nailed to the floor. There may be drywall mud and paint from the original construction. The floor will need to be scrubbed with a neutral cleaner and possibly the use of a paint stripper to remove the dried paint. The surface may need to be overlaid with a polymer re-surface material.
Depending on the effect, you may want to do the decorative scoring before or after the staining.
Third the newly stained surface is then sealed to protect the surface.
Pretty simple process. Even a rocket scientist can do it!
Just remember that even a small slab can take three or four days to do properly. There are drying times that must be followed for a satisfactory result. It takes nature a long time to create stone. That is what you are doing.
What? You are better than Nature????

Dont let the procedure scare you. Break it down into the steps and do each one. Again, dont rush it or expect the job to be done overnight. Between a acid etch and the stain can take from 12 to 72 hours before the surface has properly dried. After a acid stained slab is rinsed, you may need to wait two or three days to apply the sealer. A lot depends on the materials that are used. Some of the materials found in the megs-discount home warehouses are designed for the do-it-yourselfer.
To do over.
And over. And over.
Have reasonable expectations. The six food deep floor you saw in Las Vegas is professionally maintained every day. It has a high speed buffer with buffing spray to enhance the gloss. If this is the look you want, be prepared to pay the price. In materials and maintenance. If you want a carefree, mop it once a week floor, you cant beat plain old wax. Not high tech, but it works!
Research your project. Become familiar with the process and limitations. Get some ideas with what you want to do. There are two forums on the net that allow the exchange of ideas and answer questions. Check them out and dont be afraid to ask questions or offer input.

Engrave-A-Crete

Decorative staining and scoring discussion