A thin-stained overlay is one of the more popular finish looks. Coloration can be relatively even or take on a faux look through the layer-ing or mixing of coloring processes. You can also score or sawcut the surface. Scoring is done with different diamond blades on a grinder or worm gear skill saw. There are also special power tools designed by manufacturers for this type of scoring work.
Lines can be straight or diagonal to the edges of the flatwork.
Sawcut lines are done after the concrete is hardened using a special rotary saw. They can be inserted straight or diagonally to the edges of the overlay. Or, you can cut diamonds, stars, squares and other shapes into the overlay. These shapes can then be stained or colored in a contrasting color to the one on the abut-ting surface. This would leave 2 to 4 mils of material in the pores of the sub-strate and have little effect on the surface s original texture.