If you are a contractor considering adding stamped concrete to your services that you provide to your customers, you are definitely taking a step in a positive direction. Decorative concrete has become increasingly popular lately, and it is understandable if you want to invest in concrete stamps and take advantage of this very profitable process.
What is Decorative Concrete, and How Does it Work?
Decorative concrete products can include concrete stains, epoxy concrete coatings, concrete dyes, as well as patterned concrete mats. These products are used together to transform a boring concrete floor into a decorative, original, and/or elegant design.
Contractors can use concrete dyes and stains to change the color of the concrete and use concrete stamps to create a different texture and impression across the surface. The end result is often a concrete floor that looks as if it is made from brick, marble, granite, or another more expensive flooring material.
Beginning the Concrete Stamping Process
The beginning steps needed for creating a decorative concrete floor are typically very similar to those that you would follow when pouring any concrete surface. One of the primary differences is that you might mix concrete colors into the concrete mixture, if you want your surface to be a uniform color. Once the concrete is poured, it is leveled to create a foundation for rest of the decorative concrete process.
Once any optional concrete surface hardener has been floated in and concrete release agent applied, it is time for the concrete stamps. A diagram should be drawn previously showing exactly where the rubber concrete stamps are to be placed, resulting in a cohesive and uniform pattern across the surface of the concrete. The stamps must be pressed into the concrete fairly quickly, especially in warm weather, so that the impressions can be made before the concrete sets.
If you did not want the concrete slab to be a uniform color, this is when you would start the fun topical coloring process. Depending upon the type of effect that you want to achieve, there are many different methods that can be used to add color, using dyes and stains on the surface along with antiquing effect. You can achieve a splattered effect, use stains that react chemically with the concrete, or use one of many other fun and interesting techniques.
Once the concrete stamping is complete, contractors can then apply Low VOC concrete sealers to protect their beautiful handiwork for many years to come. For a more detailed guide to concrete stamping click here.
