How to Score Concrete for Staining
- 1). Mark the pattern for scoring onto the surface of the concrete slab using the orange chalk. The orange will show up well against the slab and wash away easily. Use a 2x4 straightedge where necessary to create straight lines for cutting.
- 2). Place the 2x4 onto the marked straight lines of your pattern and using it as a guide cut the lines into the concrete slab with a circular saw equipped with a masonry blade. Set the saw to cut to a depth of only 1/16-inch so that the scored lines will not collect debris, making maintenance easier. Mask the body of the saw with masking tape to keep the saw bottom from scraping the concrete as you move it across the slab's surface.
- 3). Switch to the angle grinder for making short cuts in the concrete, maintaining the 1/8-inch depth of the cuts.
- 4). Make round cuts using a small rotary tool with a mason's blade attached. The rotary tool also creates intricate patterns that may be difficult to create using the larger hand held grinder.
- 5). Remove the concrete dust created from cutting with a shop vac.
- 6). Mop the surface of the concrete with a pH-neutral cleaner diluted in water. Allow the floor to dry thoroughly before moving on to the staining process.
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