Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I purchase my stamps or rollers from Contractor Source?
A: Because we are that good. Our line of Tru Impressions stamps and rollers are every bit as good as the competition, and often better. Because we manufacture our products in-house, we are able to pass along the savings when we sell them directly to you. Due to our proximity in the Midwest, your order arrives much faster than from many other areas, especially outside the US borders.

Q: What if anything sets your stamps apart from your competitors?
A: Tru Impressions stamps are all made from original materials. We are not in the business of selling copies. This ensures that the jobs done with our stamps are different than your neighbors, unique to you. Our impeccable texture and level of detail is as good or better than any other stamps you will find. We truly leave the best impressions.

Q: Do you offer a warranty with the stamps?
A: We proudly offer a lifetime warranty on our rigid stamps when used under proper conditions while using appropriate stamping tools.

Q: Why not warranty floppy stamps or skins?
A: Although our floppy stamps and skins are very durable, due to the physical traits of those items, they are more vulnerable to damage from standard use and time. Floppy stamps are usually good for only one season with moderate use and can easily be used in fractions when they eventually tear.

Q: Why are there different colored stamps?
A: Each color has a slight variation in pattern and texture to compliment the other. A natural look will be achieved. We color code the stamps so it is more convenient when stamping. There is no pattern but you do not want to lay same colors next to each other.

Q: How many stamps do I need for my job?
A: You will need enough rigids to span the width of the job plus 1-2 more to begin the next row. You will also need your floppy, texture mat, a tamper and grout tools to complete the look. You want to make sure you are prepared for the job with enough stamps and the right tools, so the job will flow smoothly.

Q: What is the difference between a Rigid , Floppy and a Texture mat?
A: Rigid Stamps will be used for the majority of the job, have handles, are 3/4" to 1" thick and are weight supportive. The Flex / Floppies have no handles, are approx. 1/2" thick, are very pliable, and they allow you to stamp in confining areas, such as up against a wall, they will bend at a 90 degree angle or more. The texture skin is used to touch up minor blemishes and to create even more variation on any stamped surface.

Q: What is the minimal amount of concrete needed in order to use texturing mats?
A: You will need a minimum of 2" of normal concrete in order to stamp the area.

Q: Can I use Tru Impression concrete stamps with overlay?
A: Except for our most aggressive patterns, our stamps are very suitable for standard 3/8" overlay. For thinner overlay stay in our overlay section for best results.

Q: How do I care for my stamps?
A: Just spray them off and wipe them clean when your job is completed (not during); it is that simple.

Q: Can I use your rollers instead of stamps?
A: Tru Impressions rollers are designed to compliment our stamp line, not replace it. They make bordering very easy and will give you quick texture on long narrow applications.

Q: How can I view the status of my order?
A: Go to the Customer Service, Account Information page. This page lists all your orders. Click the date of the order whose status you wish to view.

Q: How will my order ship?
A: All orders ship via Fed Ex Ground with shipping insurance included as a courtesy. Shipping times vary depending on shipping method chosen.

Q: What are your shipping costs?
A: You can view an estimate of shipping costs by viewing your cart. However, final shipping costs will be displayed on the Invoice you see before confirming your order.

Q: How do I stamp concrete?
A: Wow, good question and it should probably be first on the list. Stamped concrete is very specialized and should not be attempted without a good working knowledge of the entire planning, forming, pouring, and finishing of concrete. Tearing out concrete is not fun. With that said, the following is an overview, nothing more. We at the Contractor Source assume no liability for poor results due to any information contained in this section.

Overview of stamped concrete process:

Decorative concrete is an attractive and economical alternative to natural paving materials or plain poured concrete. You can achieve many different looks, and with advance planning, will be able to get just the right look for the project.

1. Choose a color and texture of concrete that complements the natural surroundings and adjacent structures. Special consideration should be given to the orientation of grout lines, particularly in repetitive patterns such as running bond, brick, or cobblestone. Generally, the area should be stamped so that long lines of the pattern run perpendicular to the length of the project. This will help reduce straight-line errors and provide a more pleasant and aesthetic overall appearance. Typically texture runs in straight lines, even when walks or drives are curved. Always perform a trial run, placing mats in the area prior to the pour. The crew should know ahead of time where the first mat will be placed, as well as aware of areas where a standard mat won't fit, and in what direction stamping will proceed. Always plan accordingly to ensure best results.
2. Place the concrete. Follow normal procedures with a sub-grade and concrete base that meets the planned specifications and local requirements for mix, depth and reinforcement. A normal, or retarded-set, water-reducing admixture, can be used, but admixtures must not contain Calcium Chloride. Yet, non-chloride accelerators and air-retaining admixtures can still be used. Refer to the admixture manufacturer for recommendations on the type and amount of admixture to use. (Please note: Some admixtures may affect color.) The concrete should be no less than four inches in thickness.
3. Color the concrete. There are two basic techniques:
• Integral Color: Liquid Color or powder color into the ready mix truck. This procedure combines the color with the mix prior to the pour and the slab is colored throughout, or:
• Broadcast Method: Apply color hardener powder directly to the freshly poured concrete surface. Color hardener will penetrate the top of the concrete slab 1/8" and color thoroughly. This often results in a more mottled affect and you may combine more than one color.
4. After initial floating and all excess bleed water has been absorbed, broadcast color hardener using a wide sweeping arm movement with the intention of covering as much concrete as possible with each throw. Allow the hardener to be absorbed for several minutes until it has moistened sufficiently to work the color in with a wood or magnesium float. One or two passes with the float should be sufficient; do not overwork the concrete. If necessary, repeat this process in areas where natural concrete is showing through. When you are satisfied with the color, finish with a fresno or hand float to remove any remaining lines.
5. Apply the color release agent or liquid release. Texture mats will not work without the use of a release agent. This specially formulated powder prevents mats from sticking to freshly placed concrete. Generally 3.5 lbs. of material is required per 100 square feet. As the slab approaches its optimum set for texturing, the release agent should be applied. It should be brushed onto the mats and broadcast across the surface of the concrete. There should be a uniform layer of release between the concrete and the texture mats; thick enough to prevent damp concrete from bleeding through to the mat, yet thin enough so as not to diminish the texture detail.
6. Choose a color of release agent to complement the color of the concrete. A release agent with a darker tone than the coloring agent will provide depth and shadowing in the finished concrete. Most of the release agent will be removed when the finished project is washed. The primary concrete color will dominate and approximately 20% of the release agent will adhere to the surface of the concrete.
7. Texture the concrete. At the optimum time for texturing, great force is not necessary to press the mat into the concrete. Timing is critical so work should proceed without delay once texturing begins. Likewise, inspect the area periodically so that necessary touchup work can begin as soon as possible.
8. Find a team to help you lay the mats. Below is an outline of a four-man crew as suggested for the largest recommended project pour, 400 square feet. More experienced crews may be able to color and stamp as much as 700 square feet per pour, but it is recommended to begin with smaller areas. This process can be adapted to fit specific project needs.
• Worker 1: Fluffs the release agent throughout the application process. Broadcasts release agent. Identifies areas that require touch up work. Acts as a general helper.
• Worker 2: Places the texture mats. The first mat should be carefully aligned, placed and tamped in at the starting point of the project. Repeat the process by placing the second mat next to the first. Place mats tightly together to avoid messy grout line patterns. Continue with mats on hand, leapfrogging the mats as they are removed and replaced in the concrete. A minimum of three mats should be used for smaller pours. Larger projects require additional mats.
• Worker 3: Tamps the mats as they are placed. Mats should be tamped straight down into the concrete using no more force than necessary to press the mat flush to the concrete. Do not over tamp!
• Worker 4: Carefully removes the tamped mats by lifting gradually from one side first to break the suction. Passes mats to Worker 1 for preparation of next placement.
9. Use water hose and broom or low power pressure washer(1500 PSI is recommended) approximately 24 hours after the concrete has achieved initial set. This is to remove excess release agent from the surface of the concrete. Vary the distance of the wand to the surface of the concrete or the scrubbing of the broom so that the release is unevenly removed. The idea is to keep the release in the grout lines and deeper indentations. This will result in a more natural, aged and shadowed effect.
10. Sealing the concrete. When appropriate, a high quality decorative concrete sealer should be applied using a roller or sprayer. Reapplication every other year is recommended for best preservation. Pay close attention to the type of sealer used as there are big differences betweens curing and non curing sealers.
    

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