Surrounds Concrete Fasteners Sawing and Patterning By Joe Nasvik Decorative cuts and sandblasted patterns achieved with stencils can enhance the appearance of stained surfaces. Timing of these operations, though, depends on the desired effect. When you want the overall stain finish to be as evenly colored as possible, cut lines and patterns after staining is complete.
Stains penetrate differently around indentations.
If there is to be a color change at a pattern line, cut the line first to form a barrier to stain movement. If sawed joints are to be grouted, complete the staining and sealing before grouting to help prevent grout accumulation on the unprotected stain. Pattern lines are generally laid out with pencil or chalk. Mark only where you cut, and don t use chalk colors that are difficult to remove, or adhere lines to the concrete surface using clear fixative sprays. Many tools are available for cutting pattern lines in concrete.