Concrete Scoring
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Scoring the concrete creates a more realistic pattern in your concrete.
If you intend to score a pattern into the concrete, you should do so before final cleaning. Concrete Scoring is just that. A slight 1/16" deep or less score in the concrete to replicate a mortared joint. If you cut the concrete deeper, then it will only collect dirt. |
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Measure your lines out, mark each end with a pencil, and then mark the lines with a chalkline, using blue chalk. Never use red chalk as it stains the concrete.
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Use a straight edge of some sort ( 2 x 4 board, piece of angle iron, etc.) Holding the straight edge firmly and the proper distance from the line to ensure the diamond blade is on the line, score away.
Tip. Using a 4 1/2" grinder to score the lines, is much faster and you can use a flat straight edge.
Tip. Use a diamond blade. Masonry blades, though cheaper, get smaller as they go.
Tip. You can get flat and angle iron type straightedges that are made from aluminum, at Lowes.
Tip. You can cut the lines deeper and mortar them in later, which looks very realistic. Just be sure to clean up the mortar mess as you go, once mortar dries, that's about it.
To do this, just cut the concrete a little deeper, apply the stain, wash the residue, apply one coat of sealer, mortar the saw cuts in and clean the mortar mess, apply second coat of sealer, apply two coats of wax. Allow sufficient drying and cure times between steps.
Tip. You could really use a helper or two for this step, someone to hold the chalkline and the straightedge.
Tip. To keep the mortar joints the color of natural concrete, simply stain first and then score the concrete.
Tip. Taping the lines does works well also, especially if you don't want to use power tools. The lines will look flatter and not quite as realistic as they have no depth or separation for the 3D effect as scoring the lines does, though it still looks quite good.
The trick to taping the grout lines when concrete staining is to use packaging tape. The packaging tape that is kinda clear but thick, and has the strings running through it. Be sure to really rub the edges of the tape down well and try to spray the stain more directly down, rather than at an angle, over the taped areas.
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