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.
A word of caution: Handheld grinders can be very dangerous and sometimes they are easier to work with if you remove the safety guard that is usually provided, So Be Very Careful, Please!
4 1 2 Angle Grinder
If you are really serious about this 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. The scoring in this case can be done with a hand held 4" grinder or for more intricate patterns a common dremmel 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 appearance 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 the first coat of sealer. Allow the grout to dry overnight and then apply the second coat of sealer. This of course should be followed by three coats of floor finish to act as a sacrificial lamb for the sealer.
It is best that the 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 enables the grout lines to trap more dirt, animal hair etc.. If you feel you need to score the lines deeper then you may want to use a 100% solids epoxy as this will help fill in the grout lines and it will give the floor a much deeper look.
Equipment you will need:
2" x 4" wood board or a 2"x 2" angle iron
4" circular saw or a 4" hand held grinder
4" x 1/8" or 1/4" diamond tipped concrete blade
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 towards 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.
Dust Muzzles, which are shrouds for the grinders are available in the clear plastic, they may be used for this application but we have found that it is very hard to see through them and get a straight cut. They hook up direct to a shop vac for dust control. You may want to give one a try. They only cost around .
4. Apply the concrete stain as recommended by the manufacturer.
SCORING AFTER STAINING
1. Apply the stain as recommended by the manufacturer..
2. Apply one coat of sealer as recommended by the manufacturer.
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 by the manufacturer.
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Bare-Tool Makita BGA452Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 4-1/2-Inch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder (Tool Only, No Battery) Feature
- Makita-built motor delivers 10,000 RPM for 50% faster grinding
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- 3-year warranty on tool
Bare-Tool Makita BGA452Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 4-1/2-Inch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder (Tool Only, No Battery) Overview
This 18-volt cordless cut-off/angle grinder from Makita has an LXT Lithium-Ion battery and an optimum charging system that produces 280 percent total lifetime work, with twice the cycles of an ordinary battery. This tool grinds up to 50 percent faster, with an impressive 10,000 rpm top speed -- and its ergonomic shape fits like a glove, offering even pressure and smooth control. The BGA452Z features a built-in electronic control circuit with LED warning lights for overload protection, a slide switch with lock-on, and a compact design that's only 12-1/2 inches long and weighs just 5.6 pounds.Bare-Tool Makita BGA452Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 4-1/2-Inch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder (Tool Only, No Battery) Specifications
Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 4-1/2-Inch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder delivers 10,000 RPM of compact grinding power to the jobsite. The BGA452Z is engineered to grind, cut, and sand a wide range of materials including tile, concrete, pipe, conduit, and more. | ||||
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The BGA452Z features a Makita-built high-torque motor that delivers 10,000 RPM, as well as an all-metal helical gear transmission which is longer lasting and delivers a more efficient transmission of energy when compared to angled gears. The BGA452Z also has a built-in electronic control circuit with L.E.D. warning lights for overload protection, and an electronic current limiter that automatically shuts off the current when the motor continues to be overloaded. This feature protects the motor for longer life.
Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BGA452Z weighs just 5.3 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with a more compact design at only 12-1/2 inches long. The ergonomic shape fits like a glove with even pressure and even control, and the built-in L.E.D. light illuminates the work surface for more efficient work.
Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BGA452Z will grind, cut, and sand through a range of materials including tile, concrete, all-thread, Unistrut, pipe, channel iron, copper pipe, tubing, and more. It is ideal for tile setters, masons, welders, electricians, pipe fitters, sprinkler installers, HVAC, plumbers and any general contractor seeking a best-in-class engineered cordless cut-off/angle grinder. The BGA452Z is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.
About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.
About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.
Warranty
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.
What's in the Box
Makita BGA452Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 4-1/2-Inch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder (tool only).
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