How to Score Concrete

You can transform your drab concrete floor into something more artful. Etch a design into the floor, and then stain it to match your decor. The stain becomes a permanent part of the concrete without chipping, fading or peeling.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scoring (or rock) saw
• Stain applicator tool
• 2-inch masking tape
• ¼-inch quilting tape
• Concrete etching acid

1. Start with a clean, dry concrete floor. If there are any spots on the concrete, remove them with a wire brush. Rinse thoroughly after this procedure.

2. Score the concrete with a rock saw to achieve the look of tile. Set the depth of the cut on the saw, and then run the saw over the concrete to cut or score it.

3. Use the etching solution in the scored area. See some examples of decoratively scored floors on the Texas Etch and Score website. Concrete floors are the perfect option if you want to install radiant heating and the look of stained tile is elegant.

4. Put masking tape on any areas that touch the concrete floor such as walls and doors to protect them from the etching acid. Use ¼-inch tape to create grout lines and press down.

5. Stain the bare concrete flooring with stain suggested for this project. Dilute stain with water 2:1. Spray on or apply liberally with roller. The stain reacts with the calcium hydroxide (lime) in the concrete, thus allowing easier penetration of the coloring agent.

6. Allow to partially dry for 30 minutes. Any areas that need more stain should show up in this length of time.

7. Dry the floor 6-8 hours or overnight. Scrub away any residue that is present.

8. Apply concrete sealer over the entire floor as final protection. Use sealer according to product directions.

Tips & Warnings

• You should try the scoring procedure on smaller room areas when redoing floors in your home.
• Wax the finish of the concrete floor in order to get a darker, smoother finish.

Resources

• See Texas Etch and Score for ideas on concrete decoration.