It’s not a mystery as to why stamped concrete is rapidly gaining in popularity. Once homeowners learn the basics about stamped concrete, they naturally choose it as their top choice for their next home improvement project.
But there is more to stamped concrete than just the fundamentals regarding the material. There is a process composed of various stages which helps explain how and why stamped concrete is so appealing.
Stamped concrete has various aspects to it; these basics include the following.
The patterns Stamped concrete comes in patters, of which there are five. They are wood, stone, brick, texture, and slate. When you chose to go with stamped concrete you will be presented with these pattern choices. This decision should be based upon where the stamped concrete is going to be used and installed. For example, if you are going to use stamped concrete inside your home and your home has wood throughout its interior, you’ll probably lean toward the wood stamped concrete pattern.
The colors Your next decision will be the color of the base as well as the accent. This means you have two color choices to make. For your base color, you need to know that it involves a process of using an integral color or a color hardener. Each of these involves a method for achieving the desired color.
The integral color is mixed on location inside the truck. This can also be done at the concrete facility. This is much more prevalent than the color hardener option.
The accent color is referred to as the release color; this means it puts emphasis on the base color. It has an additional benefit in that is preempts the stamp from adhering to the concrete during the stamping process.
Speaking of which, after the release color is applied, the actual stamping occurs. With special tools, various designs and patterns are carved onto the concrete. As the imprinting tools are pressed on the concrete surface, the release agent is implanted onto the concrete surface.
Once the slab of concrete is prepared, it undergoes a washing and cutting process. The cuts, made with a saw, might give the stamped concrete an unnatural appearance but it can’t be avoided; it’s a fundamental part of the process. Before it begins, decide where the cuts should be made so you can adjust your expectations accordingly.
After it is washed, the concrete’s base and accent colors prevail adding a luster and glow to the concrete. This glow will be elevated after the concrete is sealed.
To ensure your stamped concrete maintains a spotless glow and to prevent any concrete erosion or staining, a sealer is applied. It’s important to understand the nuances of sealers before randomly choosing one. This is the final part of the stamped concrete process. It should be managed and conducted as diligently as all other decisions and steps.