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The Concrete Source - Outdoor Surfaces

A Monthly Newsletter about Decorative Concrete Outdoors               August 2009
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Q&A: How to Prevent Stamped Concrete From Fading

Applying sealer

Q: I always apply a dry-shake color hardener to my stamped concrete work, but some of my customers have complained about the color fading after a year or so. Why is this happening, and how do I prevent it?

A: Do you protect your stamped concrete with several coats of a good-quality sealer? This is the best way to preserve and enhance the color and prevent fading from UV exposure. Even properly sealed stamped concrete will require some routine maintenance to remove dirt buildup. If the stamped surface begins to dull or lose its sheen after time, recoating with sealer will usually restore the luster.

For more advice, read How to Pick the Right Sealer.



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Installation Dos and Don't for Great Stamped Concrete

Hi  ,
 
Stamped concrete drivewayThe beautiful surface effects possible with decorative stamped concrete are just part of the total package. You'll also be giving your customers one of the most durable paving materials money can buy -- if you install the concrete properly. Long-lasting stamped concrete starts with the basics: the right tools, good materials, ideal jobsite conditions, and knowing the biggest mistakes to avoid. Here are five important dos and don'ts to abide by on all your stamped concrete projects.

Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network

1. Don't overlook subgrade preparation.
Subgrade compactionA well-compacted subgrade is essential to the structural integrity of any concrete slab. It also helps drainage and can prevent soil erosion under the concrete. Read more about subgrades for concrete slabs and the types of compaction equipment.

2. Do install joints to control cracking.
Decorative jointsTo be effective, joints must be cut to a depth of at least one-quarter the slab thickness. If you're worried that the joints will detract from the appearance of the stamped surface, you can hide the joints by integrating them into the pattern lines wherever possible. Learn more about properly creating and locating joints in concrete slabs.

3. Do use the right concrete mix for exposure conditions.
Will the stamped concrete be exposed to freezing and thawing, deicing chemicals and a lot of wear and tear from foot or vehicle traffic? Then you'll need a concrete mix designed for high performance. In particular, pay special attention to the water-cement ratio, or the amount of water in proportion to the cement. Adding too much water weakens the concrete and makes it less durable.

4. Do use a dry-shake color hardener.
Applying hardenerThis "magic" powder, which is sprinkled onto the concrete surface before stamping, not only adds color, but will also produce a denser, more impermeable surface. Read more about the benefits of dry-shake color.

5. Don't skimp on reinforcement.
For many slabs on grade, concrete reinforcement (in the form of steel bars or welded wire mesh) is necessary to augment strength and help to control cracking. This is especially true for driveways and other surfaces that will support vehicle traffic. Synthetic fibers have also proven to be beneficial in driveways as a way to reduce shrinkage cracks.

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