concrete stain
 

CONCRETE SCORING GUIDE

 

As you have been looking around the web you may seen concrete stain floors that look like tile. This is accomplished by scoring the concrete with a 4" grinder or a concrete saw. You can create amazing patterns with this simple process.

 

If you are really ambitious you can even take intricate patterns and transfer them to transparencies or slides and use them with an overhead projector or slide machine to project onto the floor and trace the pattern with a soapstone and then score the patterns. You can see an example of this on our Video page. The scoring in this case can be done with a hand held 4" grinder or for more intricate patterns a common dremel tool.

 

If you stain the floor after scoring and before sealing the score lines will be stained with the rest of the floor and will usually be a little darker than the floor stain color.

 

If the scoring is done after the staining is finished the grout lines will be the original color of the concrete. This will give you the apperance of looking more like tile without grouting.

 

You also have the option of scoring after the staining and then grouting the lines to give you more of an authentic look of tile. The grouting should be done after sealing the floor and prior to the application of your floor finish.

 

We recommend that score line only be 1/8" deep so as to make the floor much easier to clean. If you score the lines deeper than that it enable the grout lines to trap more dirt, animal hair etc. 

 

Equipment you will need:

  1. 2" x 4" wood board or a 2"x 2" angle iron
  2. 4" circular saw or a 4" hand held grinder
  3. 4" x 1/8" or 1/4" diamond tipped concrete blade
  4. Chalk box and chalk line-we recommend you use orange chalk as it does leave residual lines
         DO NOT USE RED CHALK


SCORING BEFORE STAINING
1. After you have decided on the pattern that you wish to score into the floor, mark the design onto the floor using a chalk box (chalk line), being careful to only make cutting lines where actual cuts will be located. As noted above, DO NOT USE RED CHALK, as it is a permanent color and cannot be removed from the floor.
2. Using the 2” x 4” or other straight-edged object, cut the lines with the circular saw, making sure to cut straight lines. If you are using a circular saw be sure to place masking tape on the underside of the saw so it does not leave scratch marks on the concrete. If you using a hand held grinder use the 2" x 2" angle iron as a guide. Have you helper place their foot on the inside of the angle iron, flat side up towars the grinder, as run the diamond blade against the angle iron. This is the safest method we have found.
3. After the cutting is complete, remove the concrete dust by using a shop vac to clean up the dust. You can then mop the surface with a neutral cleaner and water. Do Not Use Soap as this may leave a film and inhibit the penetration of the stain. Allow the surface to dry completely.
4. Apply the stain as recommended in the Do It Yourself Concrete Guide.


SCORING AFTER STAINING
1. Apply the stain as recommended in the Do It Yourself Concrete Guide.
2. Apply one coat of sealer as recommended in the Do It Yourself Concrete Guide.”.
3. Mark your pattern as directed in Step No. 1 above.
4. Cut your pattern as directed in Step No. 2 above.
5. Clean your floor as listed in Step No. 3 above.
6. Apply another coat of sealer as recommended in the Do It Yourself Concrete Guide.

 

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Testimonials of the Month:

Mr. Groom,   
    
At the risk of sounding like your other testimonials…(I’m willing to risk it!) …Thank you for your assistance with my floors.  Your products were easy to use, the assistance you provided by being available  was so helpful.  I admit that that, initially, I was skeptical about whether you would answer and assist they way you promised….AND YOU DID!  You always returned my calls/emails promptly and you were very patient and helpful during the process.    The products were safe and easy to use.  Frankly, the most difficult part of the process was (and you’ve said it) the prep work.  My floors were 40+years old.  So there was a lot of dirt, paint, etc build-up on the floors.   I didn’t use your floor cleaner…That’s probably where I went wrong and why the prep work was so difficult.   Lesson learned!   
    
I am very pleased with the finished product.  A friend and I were both working on our basement floors (both are concrete).  He opted for the 2 part HD epoxy system.   After seeing my floor he wishes that he had stained his floor.    
    
Very Grateful.   
    
S. Earl Williams, CFP®   

OK...just had to tell you how pleased I am with my floor. I stained my walk in closet to practice. I plan to take the same color into my bathroom and bedroom.
 
Next year...I'm going to my living areas and hallways...I am so excited.
 
Your instructions and products are top notch. I followed your instructions and spent the necessary time on the prep work. Once it was time to stain, seal, and use floor finish...felt so easy. My friends (the close ones that is...not everybody gets to see my closet) love the finished product. 
 
I just ordered additional stain and sealer to make sure I have enough for my bath and bedroom. I look forward to finishiing my project before the holidays.
 
Thank you for your superior service and your superior products!
 

Julie King

Ft. Worth, Tx.

I just wanted thank you for all your help and tell you thank you. I was amazed that you actually did answer my calls and emails promptly.  Thanks again.

R. Fallows

Tempe, Az. 

John

Wow this process really wasn't that hard at all and I can now understand why you say the cleaning process is really the most important process. The floor looks fabulous and I am recommending you to all my friends. It's nice to find someone that actually helps you after the sale I really appreciate all your help.

T. Chantal

Worthington, Oh.

Hey John,
thanks again for taking the time to speak with me and help guide me in the right direction!
I'm really itching to get started on this project.

Nicky Waters

Las Vegas, NV.

Your little tips on how to Faux Paint the imperfections along the edges were a real help to us. Thanks so much.

R Little

Grand Prairie, TX.

Thanks so much for all your help during our project. I know we could have done it without you but it made it much easier for you to answer all our questions. I will recommend you highly to all me friends and family. The floors look awesome. Thanks again.

M. Sidelain

Omaha, Neb

I can't thank you enough for all the help you gave me with my project, thanks alot.

Ken Owens

Wise, Va.

Wow is all I can say, the floor looks like a beautiful leather floor. We are so pleased with the outcome, thanks so much.

Susan DiMascio

Career Solutions International

Sanford, Fl.

You did a Great Job! Everyone loves these floors (us included). Send everyone by to take a look.

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Tropical Smoothie Cafe - Rock Quarry Rd.

Stockbridge Ga.

I just wanted to let you know that your site was very informative and really helped me with my decision to acid stain my basement on my own.

Jan Hunt

Yes I need another can of WB Sealer. Thanks so much for the great customer support!

Michele Dubroc

Denham Springs, La.
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