How to use Walttools Stampable Overlayment.
Don Ciesielski-Walttools
Overlays are a great, but underutilized, segment of decorative concrete. They allow you to take an old, plain, ugly slab or floor and transform it into a textured decorative surface, just like stamped concrete, without starting over. The following is an overview of the process.
It is important that the concrete you are going to use the overlayment on is structurally sound, clean, unsealed, or unpainted. Make sure it also free of curing compounds if this is a newer slab. The existing concrete should be at least 30 days old. The slab will need to have a good profile so that the Over Eze has a good surface to bond to long term. Typically that is done with shot or sand blasting, grinding or acid etching.
Clean & Degrease, Prep-
- Degrease the concrete surface with C Cleaner. Mix according to the instructions, scrub it into the surface and clean thoroughly with water when finished. Make sure any latent oil or grease is not beading water in spots.
- If shot blasting or grinding is your prep, proceed and completely rinse off any dust and residue. If you are not able to do either of those surface treatments, then etch the concrete surface with C Etch, a concrete etcher and remover. Mix according to instructions, work it into the surface and rinse and clean thoroughly when complete. Repeat if needed. The surface should feel soft like sandpaper.
- Protect all adjoining areas with plastic sheeting ir similar material to protect from the application of the overlayment system.
- Apply Colloidal Tru Hard. Colloidal Tru Hard is a very economical concrete treatment that will reduce the transmission of moisture up thru the slab. Most overlayment failure comes from a failure to bond issue. This products is a specialized concrete densifier that will improve the integrity of the slab and serve as a prebonder, improving bond strength overall. Apply in two treatments allowing the first to dry before the second. Saturate and use a broom to eliminate puddling. Allow to dry for 24 hrs.
- Applying the bonder. Mix Flexy Bo bonder 1:1 with water and apply to the surface with a 3/8 nap roller. Roll thoroughly to avoid any puddling or obvious excess material bands from the roller. Allow to dry 1 to 12 hours before beginning the overlayment. Do not exceed 24 hrs.
- If you have any major low points(more than 3/8 inch) from spalling, delamination, etc, you may want to apply a “bond coat”, filling those depressions. This is done by mixing up a batch of the overlay and filling those areas. You may use a broom to apply some profile to that surface before it cures out.
- If you plan to use stencils, you will often color a few batches a contrasting color that will show when the stencil is removed, this layer is applied very thin, just as described in the following section. You will then place your stencils on this initial surface before applying your second coat.
Scratch coats are particularly important in the world of vertical decorative concrete. I have even said a scratch coat makes or breaks the job. I say this because in vertical decorative concrete, contractors must lay up a lot more than a regular plaster application. Most of the time we are laying up over 1” of material and even up to 3” – 4” of material. This requires a good rough surface with plenty of aggressive texture to help hold material firm during the application process. If you have a very smooth scratch coat or brown coat, there is nothing to help with the weight of the mix. You are completely relying on the chemical bond of the products to hold fast to the wall. With an aggressive scratch coat, not only do you have a chemical bond but you also have a mechanical bond and this is key for thick applications of vertical decorative concrete mixes.
When using foam substrates, I always us Structure Coat from Walttools. This mix is specifically designed to fully adhere to the foam and ensure a maximum bond. One applied properly you have a very solid seamless surface. This mix reaches 12,000 psi in and offers great flexural strength. When applying with a 
Concrete comes in many different forms and is found in both exterior and interior applications. There are concrete driveways and patios, vertical concrete walls, basement floors, concrete countertops, etc., and all of these surfaces may have varying properties. One thing for sure is that concrete is very porous and can eventually breakdown from the elements (weather and sun), along with physical wear and tear. By sealing and/or waterproofing your concrete surface, you will not only protect the beauty of a decorative surface but truly extend the life of the surface.
The look of an acid stained concrete surface is attractive for many reasons. Its unique finish characteristics are such that the uneven, ugliness of plain concrete becomes the star of the show. Acid stain will not mask, nor cover imperfections in the concrete, but it will use transform them into something quite attractive. Though professional skills may result in a more professional look, the artistic nature of the process allows the handy DIY’er to achieve a most satisfying look just the same. Just follow some necessary principals and behold the results. Keep in mind this is merely an overview and not detailed instructions. For best results, always reach out to a qualified decorative contractor in your area for your job. Let the experts handle it so you can best enjoy the results.
Border stamping rollers from Walttools are the perfect decorative tool to set your work apart from the competition. Borders can add color, texture, and dimension to many types of concrete surfaces. Some common uses include jazzing up an otherwise un-inspiring plain gray slab, providing a more decorative aspect to control joints or pour breaks, or putting the final touch on a stamped masterpiece. Stamped borders really set your work off and walttools stamped border rollers make a tough job far easier. Here is an overview of using a border roller:
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Homeowners are always looking for interesting ways to improve their outdoor living spaces. This might include installing a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, or a pool deck with a bar. All of these spaces can be further enhanced with the help of concrete countertop supplies and a high quality concrete sealer.
As decorative concrete becomes more popular and decorative concrete products become more innovative, an increasing number of concrete contractors have come onto the scene hoping to capitalize on this trend. Unfortunately, not all of them have the skills and experience to produce the attractive, high performance surfaces that you want.