Three-Step System Rejuvenates Stamped Concrete

After years of exposure to the sun, harsh weather, and heavy traffic, even the best stamped concrete can begin to look faded and worn. Now there’s an effective way to rejuvenate existing stamped concrete and completely revive its appearance. Called Rztore, the system is engineered to bring back to life the coloring and antiquing accents used when the concrete was first placed.

“Rztore is the only material on the market that renders the natural look of a freshly stamped concrete surface. It can also be used to change the color of an old patterned or textured stamped surface and create an entirely new look,” says Pat Soler of Concrete Earth, Lemont, Ill. The company introduced Rztore in 2011 and now distributes the system throughout North America and Mexico.

How it worksApplied by sprayer in a three-step process, Rztore adds small amounts of highly penetrating color and specialty surface minerals that simulate the natural mottling of stamped concrete. The first step is the application of Rztore Color Base, which binds with the concrete matrix and permeates the surface with a semi-transparent color tone. That’s followed by Rztore Accent Antiquing, a blend of compounds and minerals that act as a true antiquing agent. “It highlights the peaks in the surface and accents the base color, while accumulating in the valleys and darkening those areas to highlight the texture of the stamp pattern,” says Soler. The antiquing solution can be applied as needed to add different degrees of darkening or highlighting, depending on the texture of the surface.

The final step is to apply Rztore Surface Seal, a clear protective topcoat that binds cohesively with the accent antiquing without affecting the color. The sealer comes in both high-gloss and matte finishes.

The Rztore system is available in 15 earth-tone color shades and eight antiquing shades, so it can be color matched to most stamped surfaces. If you wish to change the color of the existing concrete, that can be done by spraying on multiple applications of the color base, depending on the degree of color change desired. All components of the system are VOC-free.

ApplicationsRztore is specifically formulated to refurbish stamped concrete surfaces that have faded from natural weather exposure, been subject to chemical or salt attack, or have worn down due to routine traffic. Because the coloring it imparts is semi-transparent, the system will not cover up surface blemishes, major color variations, or the existing texture of the stamped concrete. “Rztore is not an opaque system, hence it doesn’t have a painted-over look. The tints are purposefully engineered to be semi-transparent and completely UV stable. The applicator must apply just enough color base to alter the color without losing transparency,” Soler explains.

Rztore can be applied over any stamped concrete surface that has been thoroughly cleaned by a pressure washer to remove embedded dirt and stains and any loose or worn sealer. “Our formulation allows the placement of Rztore over older, remnant single-compound sealers, but the cleaner the surface, the better the color hues and natural finish,” says Soler.

The lifespan of Rztore-treated surfaces is said to be the same as that of freshly stamped concrete, and depends on the degree of exposure to foot and vehicle traffic. “For sustainability, we recommended periodic reapplications of the surface seal at intervals dictated by the wear factor,” says Soler.

For more information:To see a color chart and a video of Rztore being applied, visit www.concreteearth.com.

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