Scoring lines and acid staining a concrete porch or patio can really serve to dress it up and give your outdoor space a more finished look. Here’s how to go about it.

Using circular saw to score grooves in concrete.

Score Lines in Concrete Slab

  1. Decide on a scoring pattern for the concrete slab.
  2. Layout the pattern on the concrete using a chalk line.
  3. Score the lines in the concrete using a straight board or piece of plywood as a guide for the saw. Be sure to wear eye protection and a dust mask when scoring concrete.
  4. Rinse the concrete slab with a garden hose to remove the dust.
Staining concrete porch.

Acid Stain Concrete Slab

  1. Clean the concrete thoroughly with a scrub brush to remove any dirt or oil and rinse off any residue with a garden hose.
  2. Cover any surrounding surfaces to prevent damage to unstained areas.
  3. Spray the slab down lightly with water from a garden hose to dampen the concrete.
  4. Pour an acid stain, such as Quikrete Etching Stain, into a pump-up sprayer. Be sure to wear protective clothing and goggles, and follow all safety instructions on the container.
  5. Apply the acid stain evenly to the concrete slab, using a piece of plywood to keep the stain off unwanted areas.
  6. Allow the acid stain to remain on the concrete overnight.
  7. Once the stain has remained on the concrete for the recommended amount of time, apply a mixture of baking soda and water with a scrub brush to neutralize the acid in the stain.
  8. Use a wet-dry vacuum to remove any acid stain and baking soda residue.
  9. When the concrete has dried, apply a finish such as Quikrete Etching Stain High Gloss Sealer to protect the stained surface and give the concrete a finished look the job.

Watch the video above to find out more.

Stained concrete porch.

Further Information

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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