"Taking Stamped Concrete up a Notch"

by Jeff Potvin, The Concrete Network

Contractors should keep in mind when installing stamped concrete what their main competitor is, "the real thing." A good way to understand how natural stone and brick are installed is to study them. Study everything from pattern layouts to colors and textures. Applying this knowledge to your stamp jobs will improve their final appearance. Here are a few things to keep in mind on your next installation.

The base color consists of color-hardener, integral color or a combination of both. If you're looking for a light color you will need to use color-hardener. Contractors prefer integral color for the speed of installation and in most cases color-hardener has given them a bad taste in their mouth. I like to use two different colors of a good quality color-hardener that floats in well and doesn't crack. But when using more than one color stay in the same realm, for example, red and light brown will probably look a little spotty. A better combination could be red and terracotta. Be careful when mixing colors so that you don't end up with a spotted dog.

The release color that you use should be a contrast to your base color. Light colors of release have a tendency to be washed out and all but disappear. Darker colors in the gray and brown area seem to work the best. Using more than one color of release is also a possibility. Remember the release should only be left in the grout lines and low areas of the texture which is approximately 10 – 15 percent of the color. How you remove the release agent is a key, some use a pressure washer and others acid wash. Both work well, but acid washing will give way to a more natural appearance by removing the release from the high points in the texture. To agitate the acid solution, some use a soft bristle push broom and others, who have a lot of time on their hands, use a straw broom on its side.

A couple of things can be done to take a project to the next level. One is to accent the stones with acid stains or dyes. Staining intermittently will not only give way to another color but more natural colors or color deposits, similar to what can be found on natural stones. You can use the same color cut to different concentrations for more of a natural look. Follow the manufacturers directions on when to apply their stain, some say the concrete must be 14 days old and others say 28. Most natural stone and brick is set in a bed of mortar and grouted. Stamped concrete can also be grouted to add to its appearance. One trick that will make grouting much easier is to first seal the surface with one coat of acrylic sealer.

The last step that can be used for that natural look is the sealer. Look for a company that sells a low or no gloss sealer or flattening agent. Using a glossy sealer may give you a plastic look and most natural surfaces have no gloss or shine.

Stamped concrete can replicate natural stone and brick with a little attention. Using the right color combinations and with the addition of acid stains, grouting and the proper sealer a customer looking for the real thing can be satisfied.

Jeff Potvin

Jeff Potvin, a Civil Engineer and the owner of Architectural Concrete Consultants, has nearly fifteen years of experience in the architectural concrete industry. His experience includes stamped concrete, overlays, form-liners, acid stains, counter tops and coatings.

He helps contractors get started in the industry with hands on training, promoting, product selection and troubleshooting. Property owners such as theme parks and retail stores consult with him on product sourcing and maintenance issues. Architects and Engineers utilize Jeff's knowledge on the preparation of specifications and on educational presentations. He is a member of ASCE, ACI, ASCC, IAAPA and the DCC.

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