How to Cut & Stain Concrete

1). Mark out the lines you need to cut to create the staining pattern on the floor with a piece of chalk. Use a straightedge for assistance in creating straight lines.
2). Put on a face mask and cover any exits leading to other rooms with a piece of plastic to keep the concrete dust from spreading.
3). Attach a masonry blade to a circular saw then set the cutting depth of the blade to 1/16-inch. Place masking tape along the bottom of the saw to prevent the base of the saw from creating scratches along the concrete floor.
4). Place the circular saw base on the floor with the blade placed at the start of a chalk line. Trigger the saw blade and cut along the chalked line to create the staining pattern. Switch to an angle grinder to handle sharp curves or short lines in the concrete.
5). Clear out the cut lines with a nylon brush then vacuum up all concrete dust with a shop vac. Mop the floor using a rope mop and a pH-neutral cleanser. Rinse the cleanser from the surface with clean water then wait overnight for the concrete to dry.
6). Spray the floor sections with the concrete acid stain, working from the center of each section towards the edge. Go over the stain with a brush to spread it evenly to the cut lines in the concrete. The lines will prevent stain colors from spreading outside its section. Switch stain colors as desired to create complex stained patterns using multiple colors.
7). Spray each section with stain a second time with a light coating to help even out the color and remove any traces of brush marks. Leave the stain to penetrate the concrete for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer.
8). Create an acid neutralizing solution by mixing 1 lb. of baking soda into five gallons of water. Mop the concrete with the solution, and then use a wet vac to remove the solution from the surface of the floor. Allow the floor to dry overnight.
9). Spray a coat of concrete sealer over the surface to seal in the color. Wait 24 hours for the sealer to dry before stepping onto the floor.