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ConcreteNetwork.com MAY 2010
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Tips for Turning Flaws in Outdoor
Concrete into Assets



Greetings!

Concrete SolutionsTo homeowners, cracks or discoloration in concrete sidewalks or driveways are real eyesores that can ruin the curb appeal of their property. But as a concrete contractor, you should view these flaws as opportunities to come to the rescue with a decorative makeover. There's no reason to cringe at cracks. As long as they're not creating structural problems, they can be disguised or even incorporated into a new design. Discolored surfaces can be given new life with a variety of coloring techniques, ranging from minor color adjustments to a complete color change. Just take a look at these creative ways contractors have transformed flaws in exterior concrete into assets.  

Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network

Stain-enhanced cracks

Accentuate the cracks
To rejuvenate this cracked and discolored driveway, Rick Metzler of Pizzazz Painting in Las Vegas stained the driveway a rich, leather-like brown and accentuated the existing cracks to achieve a rustic look.  "Clients get so excited when I tell them I can make their driveway look like leather," says Metzler, who also faux painted the garage door to look like wood.  Learn more about this project.

Red acrylic stain

Change the color
Are your clients unhappy with the color of their existing stamped concrete? You can change the color by applying different types of stains, tints, or dyes. The type of coloring method you use will depend on the look desired and amount of color changed needed. Here's a handy guide.

Engraved porch

Enhance by engraving
Minor cracks and flaws in existing concrete can actually contribute to the look of engraved concrete and be incorporated into the pattern to produce the look of aged brick or stone. Applying stain to the surface before engraving will create realistic grout joints and further disguise flaws and discoloration. Learn more about the engraving process.
Stenciled topping

Hide with microtoppings and stencils
If the concrete has small plastic shrinkage cracks, you can cover them up with a thin overlay and use a decorative stencil to create a brick or stone pattern. The overlay can be pigmented any color, and you can choose from dozens of different stencil patterns. Get more advice for using microtoppings and stencils to rejuvenate ugly concrete.
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