Readers ask: What Is Concrete Stamping?

How concrete stamping is done?

Concrete stamping is the procedure which uses the concrete stamps to make the pattern in the stamped concrete. Concrete stamps are placed on the concrete after the color release has been applied. The concrete stamps are pushed into the concrete and then removed to leave the pattern in the stamped concrete.

How long does concrete stamping last?

Provided it’s installed correctly and adequately maintained, stamped concrete will last just as long as non-stamped, or standard, concrete—about 25 years. That’s because the processes of installing stamped concrete and standard concrete are mostly the same.

What is the difference between stamped concrete and regular concrete?

Stamped concrete is similar to a standard slab, but finished with texture to resemble flagstone, brick, and even wood. This decorative effect requires a higher budget but adds more style and curb appeal to your patio or driveway than an unfinished slab.

When should you stamp concrete?

“But, in general, when you can touch the concrete and not have any sand on your hand, it’s about time, when that laitance is crusted enough, to put a release agent on there. Generally, it’s within an hour or two.” Frazier recommends getting enough stamps to cover at least the width of the slab.

Can old concrete be stamped?

CAN YOU DO STAMPED CONCRETE OVER OLD CONCRETE? Stamped concrete overlays can be used on new or existing concrete and on interior or exterior surfaces. They can even be applied to walls and other vertical surfaces.

Is stamped concrete slippery?

Depending on the design choices of each client, stamped concrete can be polished to a glossy finish looking almost like marble instead of concrete; such shinier versions of stamped concrete can indeed become slippery when wet — or, when not carefully crafted.

How much does a 20×20 stamped concrete patio cost?

The average cost for a stamped concrete is $5 to $12 per square foot, not including the concrete slab which costs $2 – $7 per square foot. Most homeowners spend a total of between $3,751 – $8,540 for stamped concrete patio. Get free estimates from concrete pros near you.

Does stamped concrete increase home value?

According to real estate agents on Trulia, adding stamped concrete does increase your home’s concrete curb appeal and may help you sell your home faster than others in the neighborhood. Real estate agents can all agree that concrete driveways can increase your property’s value more than asphalt.

Why is stamped concrete so expensive?

You begin by having the client or designer pick out three things; the stamp design, the color of the concrete, and the color of the release which gives the highlights. It can also be cost prohibitive for the contractor to purchase a set of stamps as they can run upwards of $4,000 for a complete set.

What happens if you don’t seal stamped concrete?

An unsealed, decorative stained concrete surface will show faded colors in a matter of a few months. You could advise your customer that’s what happens with an unsealed project and let them make the decision about sealing, but rest assured that an “I told you so,” from you when the fading happens will not comfort them.

How do you maintain stamped concrete?

Stamped concrete should be resealed every 2 to 3 years, depending on your weather conditions. Here’s how to reseal your stamped concrete after it has been cleaned: Dry completely – allow 24 hours to air dry or use a leaf blower. DO NOT apply sealer to wet or even damp surfaces.

How thick should stamped concrete be?

How thick is stamped concrete? Our standard slab is a minimum of four inches. Some situations will require us to pour six inches of concrete, and this would be discussed before the project takes place.

Does stamped concrete crack easily?

Stamped concrete isn’t going to last forever. It will, eventually, start to crack and break down just like any other kind of concrete. However, stamped concrete is actually very resistant to cracking and, when you take steps to take care of it, it should hold up for a long time before it needs to be replaced.

What type of concrete is used for stamping?

“I like a mix that has lots of paste—that’s fatty.” He recommends a 5 ½- to 6-sack mix. As mentioned in the section on materials, aggregate size is important in controlling shrinkage and the larger the aggregate the better. For stamped concrete though, large aggregate interferes with the stamping.