Stamped Concrete is famous for its wide variety of colors, patterns, and flexibility to be applied on various surfaces. However, for you to get it during installation, you need to have some basics on the stamped concrete. The following are details about the basics of stamped concrete to help you make an informed decision when you are choosing stamped concrete for your surfaces.
Patterns
Stamped concrete is available in 5 common patterns, which include slate, brick, texture, stone, and wood. When choosing the pattern to install, consider the hardscape or décor of the area around to ensure they match. This is because, despite being flexible, stamped concrete surfaces can look out of place when installed in areas that don’t match in terms of décor.
Base Color
The stamped concrete base color is made either through integral color or by a color hardener. Integral color is mixed into the concrete in the truck and can be added to the concrete plant or on the project site. When you want to color the concrete by using a hardener, you have to broadcast a shake-on color hardener on the concrete when you are doing the finishing process and work into the surface to end up with base color. You should discuss with your contractor, which means they will use to get the base color to choose the means that will give you a hardened and durable surface.
Release Color
A release agent prevents the stamp from sticking when the stumping process. When washed and sealed, a release agent gives the surface an accent color. Therefore, when choosing a release color, pick one that matches the base color. Darker release agent works best compared to lighter ones.
Stamping Concrete
After applying the release agent, the stamping process begins by tamping the stamping tools into the concrete surfaces, where you get the alluring texture or pattern exhibited on stamped concrete surfaces. A portion of the colored release agent embeds into the textured surface of the concrete as you press the imprinting tool.
Cleaning and Cutting Stamped Concrete
Washing and cutting are done approximately 12-24hrs after pouring concrete. A saw is then used to cut. After you are done cleaning, you will see the integral color with accents of the release color. To get the final color the surface, you will need to seal and cure it.
Sealing
When sealing, you should be careful of the slippery surfaces, which is common during the process. Furthermore, the surfaces are also slippery when they have water even after drying. You can add non-slip additive when sealing exterior surfaces and non-slip wax on interior surfaces to keep safe.
Stamped Concrete Maintenance
Stamped concrete should be properly maintained to make it serve you for long. You should clean chemical solvent or petroleum spills immediately from the surface to avoid getting stubborn stains from forming. Avoid dragging or dropping sharp or heavy objects on the surface. Sweep or vacuum any abrasive debris on the surface before they cause damage.
You should also wash the surfaces using mild detergents to retain the sheen appearance of the stamped concrete surface. Avoid acid-based cleaning products or hot car tires being on the surfaces for too long to avoid damaging the sealer. You don’t have to apply seal regularly because a build of seal can lead to delamination problems.
A hardscaping company can help with your next stamped concrete project. Contact us today