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Installation Steps of Stenciled Concrete

Photo Tour of Stencil Application

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Forms need to be set square to keep patterns aligned. After concrete is placed, the surface is bull floated and then edged. Stencil borders are then placed and adhered to the surface. The field pattern is aligned and then placed (all stencils are precut to save time before concrete is poured). Optional tools to adhere stencil to the concrete are speed trowel, stencil roller, or Fresno. (DO NOT USE BULL FLOAT!)

Dry shake color hardener is cast over the slab to the color manufacturer's specifications. Normally two applications are necessary to achieve color. Using the recommended amount of color is very important to achieve surface abrasion, wear resistance, and the true color. (Follow color per manufacturer's instructions). Float color into the slab with a bull float and then close up the concrete with a trowel. Optional finishes: broom, sponge float, wood float, cork float, and hard trowelled.

Release agent is cast over the surface according to the manufacturer's specifications as soon as concrete is finished. After release is applied the surface is ready for texture (roller, or seamless texture skin).

Once the concrete has lost its ability to adhere to the back of the stencil it will be ready for removal. The concrete will chip off the stencil when lifted. You are walking on the slab at this time. Within 24 hours expansion joints are cut to ACI standards.

Rinse slab first to remove the majority of chips and excess release. A muriatic acid solution is sprinkled over the dampened surface and scrubbed with a stiff bristled brush to remove desired amount of release agent. Minimum removal is 90% of the release agent. In larger areas to speed the cleaning process, a floor buffer with a medium grit pad can be used (concrete must have cured sufficiently). Once concrete has been cleaned to desired color and allowed to dry completely, two coats of sealer are applied. We recommend 15 to 20% acrylic for the first coat and 25 to 35% acrylic for the second coat (always use a 15 to 20% sealer first!)

After the floor is completed, review this requirements for maintenance and care of stenciled concrete floors.

Step-by-step process of stenciling exterior concrete -- View a pictorial overview

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