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- Saint Paul, MN
Modern stamped concrete could be just what you need, if you are looking to add a driveway, patio, walk away, or any other paved surfaces
Stamped concrete is concrete that is textured or patterned to replicate tiles, wood, stone, and other materials.
Today’s modern concrete stamp design varieties are next to perfect duplicates of the materials they aim to mimic. Even though stamped concrete can perfectly mimic these materials, it still upholds concrete’s superior durability.
The stamping process involves the use of texturizing mats or rubber stamps to imprint a specific pattern into wet cement.
To get the desired texture, the stamps are mostly designed from molds of the original material. Also, there are other methods to apply a pattern on existing concrete, but it should be in good shape.
For instance, they can make your concrete look like slate, brick, stone, tile, wood, among others. It is also possible for you to add large huge medallions and other custom accents to a concrete slab.
Each stamped concrete pattern has its own best practices and layout. The stamps can be applied vertically and also horizontally, which makes the most suitable flooring. For example, for patios and themed areas, stone patterns could be the ideal option since the stone patterns replicate the natural stone pavers.
Furthermore, you can still use a stamped concrete inside your home. It can be both a practical and appealing finish. The common option is to stamped concrete basement floor to make it look like wood. As for the kitchen, you can opt for stamped concrete that mimics tiles.
Professionally made tile patterns stamps give you an even, consistent, and appealing look. However, it can be cold and hard on your feet, so area rugs are highly advisable.
Creating stamped concrete is quite simple. All you have to do is follow this process:
Add the primary color. The primary color can be added to either in the mixer or after the cement placement. The integral coloring method is where you combine the color with the mix before your pour. The broadcast method involves applying the color powder directly into the freshly poured concrete surface.
Apply the color release agent. A color release agent is a unique formulated powder with a nonsticky effect that allows texturing mats to come off without tearing up the cement. It should be applied on the mats and broadcast across the surface of the concrete.
Lay the texturing mats. When it comes to texturing the concrete, timing is very critical. Work should begin as soon as texturing begins. At this point, you don’t need a great force to press the mat into the concrete.
Since there are not enough mats to cover the entire area in most cases, they must be applied and moved to cover the other areas while the cement is still wet. If the pattern has continuous lines, it is crucial to carefully line up the mats as you reposition them.
Leave the concrete to dry for approximately 24Hours.
Use a high-powered pressure wash to remove the release agent
Add a clear sealing and leave it to dry. It takes around 48 hours for the concrete to be dry enough to walk on, a week to drive on, and about a month to be completely cured.
Like other materials such as bricks and stones, stamped concrete is appealing and increases the value of your home. Stamped concrete is ideal for covering uneven ground since it forms a surface of many interlocking pieces.
It can be difficult to level concrete on an uneven surface. Weeds can protrude in the spaces between pavers and nothing is supposed to grow through the concrete.
Finally, if you want an appealing material without compromising durability, then stamped concrete could be just what you need. And if you have been searching for “the best stamped concrete contractors near me”, you are at the right place. Contact St Paul’s Concrete Contractors today.
