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The Concrete Quest
 
A Weekly Newsletter about Decorative Concrete            April 16, 2009
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Q&A: Does Stamped Concrete Fade?
Brickform stamped concrete

Q: I love the rich look of colored stamped concrete, but will the color fade after time? What measures should I take to help preserve the color?

A: The color hardeners and stains used on stamped concrete are permanent, but they can loose some of their luster after exposure to traffic, dirt and weathering. The best way to protect the color is to apply a high-quality sealer and reseal every 2 or 3 years, or when you notice the color begin to fade. Be sure to use a sealer recommended by your concrete contractor. Like waxing a car, resealing your stamped concrete will keep the color as vibrant as the day it was installed.

Learn more about sealing colored concrete.

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Installation Dos and Don'ts for Great Stamped Concrete

Hi ,

Stamped drivewayThe beautiful surface effects possible with decorative stamped concrete are just part of the total package.You'll also be getting one of the most durable paving materials money can buy -- if the concrete is installed properly. Long-lasting stamped concrete starts with the basics: the right tools, good materials, an experienced installer and ideal jobsite conditions. Here are five important dos and don'ts to discuss with your contractor before the work begins.

Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network

1. Don't overlook subgrade preparation.
A well-compacted subgrade is essential to the structural integrity of the concrete slab. It also helps drainage and can prevent soil erosion under the concrete. Read more about subgrades for concrete slabs.
2. Do install joints to control cracking.
Sawed 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, ask your contractor to hide the joints by integrating them into the pattern lines wherever possible. Learn more about the purpose of joints in concrete slabs.
3. Do insist on the right concrete mix for exposure conditions.
Will your 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.
Dry-shake colorThis "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.
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