Stamp Concrete
Stamped Concrete
What is stamped concrete and how is it done?
Stamped concrete is a finish that is imprinted or embossed into concrete while it is still in its plastic or moldable state. Patterns often resemble a natural stone texture and look, but any pattern or design can be imprinted or stamped into the soft concrete surface.
This is a simple summary of how Stamped Concrete Contractor would install a typical stamped concrete finish.
1. The first step is to protect all adjacent or adjoining surfaces. Plastic is often used to protect and prevent damage or discoloration caused by concrete splatter, oxide colors and other chemicals used during the process.
2. Once the form work (the wall edging and outer shape of the slab) and reinforcement (often Steel Rebar) is in place the concrete is poured and placed into the form. The concrete is then smoothed and leveled to the desired slope and finish.
3. If the concrete color is not present in the mix, a dry shake surface colorant is now applied, this will add the desired color to the surface of the concrete.
4. The concrete is left to set until it is at the right state for imprinting or stamping. A trained professional will know when it is ready but it is generally when the concrete leaves an impression when pushed with a finger similar to putty.
5. A liquid or powder release agent is applied to the concrete surface and is used to help separate the stamp mats (patterns) from the surface.
6. The stamp mats are then applied to the surface and tapped down with a tamper tool to press them into the plastic concrete. When they are removed they leave behind the desired pattern. Using multiple mats, a ‘leap frog’ system allows the craftsmen the ability to work their way from one end to the other. It is important to know how to adjust the mats and place them randomly as not to obviously duplicate the exact same pattern.
7. Once the patterns have been applied the concrete is left to set and cure.
8. When the concrete is sufficiently cured or hardened, the surface is cleaned of release agents and loose debris. Control joints are cut and stamp seams are cleaned up. It can then be sealed to help bring out the color as well as protect the surface.
9. A clear sealer can be reapplied every two or three years to keep the stamped concrete surface looking its best.
This explains the basics of stamped concrete. There is a lot more than meets the eye though. A professional stamped concrete craftsman must understand concrete, slopes, grading, forming, finishing, coloration, sealers and more to achieve successful results every time. It takes years of practice and most professionals are truly talented craftsmen and artisans.
Related links:
About the Author
With over 10 years experience in the decorative concrete industry Mark Donaldson has a passion for design and taking regular concrete to a whole new level.Concrete ideas
|
|
RPPC 920706 Men Under Concrete Bridge on Logs AZO Stamp $2.00 |
|
|
RPPC 920702 Concrete Bridge AZO Stamp Box $2.00 |
|
|
RPPC 920712 Concrete Cement Bridge Rocks CYKO Stamp Box $2.50 |
|
|
RPPC 920708 Concrete Bridge Stamp Box AZO $2.50 |
|
|
RPPC 920705 Concrete Bridge Lebanon AZO Stamp Box $2.50 |
|
|
g626 Finish stamps FDC Suomi Finland 1974 old and new bridges concrete granite $3.39 |
|
|
RAJAH – Heart Of The Concrete City – UNPLAYED Vinyl LP- Gold Promo stamp $4.00 |
|
|
Switzerland Stamp, 2008 Concrete Art Stamp $4.50 |
|
|
CONCRETE FLOWER PLANTER l@@k @ photo examples ART IMPRESSIONS RUBBER STAMPS $4.79 |
|
|
2 STAMPIN UP Stamps – TRUCK LORRY WITH CONCRETE MIXER DRUM – RARE rubber stamp $4.88 |
|
|
Caution Tape – concrete stamps $6.00 |
|
|
Concrete Stone Stamps Letters & Numbers Set Traditonal $6.99 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP Wolverine track/print BORDER ART $7.50 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP Bobcat track/print BORDER ART New $7.50 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP Wolf track/print BORDER ART New $7.50 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP RED FOX tracks/print BORDER ART $7.75 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP GREY FOX tracks/print BORDER ART $7.75 |
|
|
Concrete Cement Texture Western WOLF track/print Stamp Mat Inlay BORDER ART New $8.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP Skunk tracks/print BORDER ART NEW $8.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP Spotted Skunk tracks BORDER ART $8.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP Beaver tracks/print Boarder Art $8.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP Porcupine tracks/print BORDER ART $9.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP Antelope tracks/print BORDER ART $9.50 |
|
|
Wagman Concrete Stamp Groove Tool-8×8-Excellent Condition-Fast lo Ship! $9.99 |
|
|
HOW TO CONCRETE STAMP PATIOS WALKWAYS DRIVEWAYS FORMS $9.99 |
|
|
HOW TO POUR LAY SET STAMP FORM CONCRETE PATIO DRIVEWAY $9.99 |
|
|
HOW TO STAMPED CONCRETE PATIO WALKWAY DRIVEWAY SET FORM $9.99 |
|
|
Cement Concrete STAMP grizzly bear paw 4″ BORDER ART texture STAMP Mat Inlay $10.00 |
|
|
Concrete Cement Texture Coyote tracks/print Stamps Mats Inlay BORDER ART New $10.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE Cement STAMP Maple Leaf 4″ BORDER ART MATS $10.00 |
|
|
Milestones Traditional Style Letter & Numbers Stamps Cement Concrete Stone $10.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE/STONE STAMP SET (LETTERS & NUMBERS)) VICTORIAN $10.95 |
|
|
CONCRETE/STONE STAMP SET(LETTERS & NUMBERS))TRADITIONAL $10.95 |
|
|
Safety Cone – concrete stamps $11.00 |
|
|
Concrete Cement Texture deer tracks/print Stamps Mats Inlay BORDER ART New $11.00 |
|
|
Concrete Convention – CHICAGO – Old ART DECO Poster Stamp, 1924 $11.99 |
|
|
How to Stamp concrete DVD– Random Rock.3 colors,56min $12.00 |
|
|
How to Stamp concrete DVD– Random Rock.3 colors,56min $12.00 |
|
|
How to Stamp concrete DVD– Random Rock.3 colors,56min $12.00 |
|
|
How to Stamp concrete DVD– Random Rock.3 colors,56min $12.00 |
|
|
How to Stamp concrete DVD– Random Rock.3 colors,56min $12.00 |
|
|
Small Gecko Southwest Art Decorative Concrete Border Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SW10-S $12.00 |
|
|
Small Starfish Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SS04 $12.00 |
|
|
Mesa Stone color 5 lb bag- concrete stamps $13.75 |
|
|
CONCRETE STAMP BLACK BEAR TRACK 6″ BORDER ART MATS NEW $14.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP Buffalo track/print Boarder Art $14.00 |
|
|
473 mls Satin Concrete Sealer X-5 for stamped concrete $14.49 |
|
|
Concrete Finishing Utility Stamp “Water” 17891 $14.95 |
|
|
Concrete Finishing Utility Stamp “Sewer” 17892 $14.95 |
|
|
473 mls Gloss Concrete Sealer X-4 for stamped concrete $14.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE OAK LEAF CONCRETE JOINTER TOOL – AWESOME STAMPING – LQQK !! $15.00 |
|
|
Knee pads – concrete stamps $15.00 |
|
|
Concrete placer- concrete stamps $15.00 |
|
|
Poplar Leaf Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9LV04-R $15.00 |
|
|
Eucalyptus Leaf Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9LV03-L $15.00 |
|
|
Elm Leaf Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9LV06 $15.00 |
|
|
Sycamore Leaf Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9LV08 $15.00 |
|
|
Small Sycamore Leaf Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9LV11 $15.00 |
|
|
Poplar Leaf Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9LV04-L $15.00 |
|
|
Eucalyptus Leaf Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9LV03-R $15.00 |
|
|
Garibaldi Fish Decorative Concrete Border Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SF01 $15.00 |
|
|
Angelfish Fish Decorative Concrete Border Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SF04 $15.00 |
|
|
Butterfly Fish Decorative Concrete Border Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SF02 $15.00 |
|
|
Lion Fish Decorative Concrete Border Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SF06 $15.00 |
|
|
Sunfish Fish Decorative Concrete Border Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SF08 $15.00 |
|
|
Large Starfish Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SS01 $15.00 |
|
|
Bass Fish Decorative Concrete Border Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SF03 $15.00 |
|
|
Trout Fish Decorative Concrete Border Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SF07 $15.00 |
|
|
Oak Leaf Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9LV05-L $15.00 |
|
|
Large Nautilus Shell Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SS02 $15.00 |
|
|
Scallop Sea Shell Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SS06 $15.00 |
|
|
Spiral Sea Shell Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SS03-R $15.00 |
|
|
Spiral Sea Shell Decorative Concrete Border Accent Art Stamp Tool Mat 9SS03-L $15.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP Moose track/print Boarder Art NEW $16.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE STAMP Ram Scene 14″ BORDER ART STAMPS MATS NEW $18.00 |
|
|
1 Quart Satin Concrete Sealer X-5 for stamped concrete $18.99 |
|
|
Bon Tool Mag hand float- concrete tools, concrete stamp $19.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE cement STAMP kokopelli 13″ BORDER ART STAMPS $19.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE Cement STAMP large Leaf 12″ BORDER ART MATS NR $19.00 |
|
|
Stamping Decorative Concrete Instructional DVD in English & Spanish $19.95 |
|
|
1 Quart Gloss Concrete Sealer X-4 for stamped concrete $19.99 |
|
|
Shok Paris Gold Stamp Promo LP-CONCRETE KILLERS $20.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE STAMP Bear Scene 14″ BORDER ART STAMPS MATS $20.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT MOUNTAIN LION 8″ TEXTURE BORDER STAMP MAT INLAY FORM NEW $20.00 |
|
|
Marble Seamless Vertical Concrete Cement Texture Faux Stone Rock Stamp Mat 1′ $20.00 |
|
|
Concrete Cement plaster Flaming Sun 10″ Stamp Texture Mat Inlay BORDER ART New $20.00 |
|
|
Concrete Cement plaster Sun 12″ Stamp Texture Mat Form Inlay BORDER ART New $20.00 |
|
|
Concrete Cement Sand Dollar 12″ Stamp Texture Mat Form Inlay BORDER ART New $20.00 |
|
|
Concrete Cement Flower Rose 12″ Stamp Texture Mat Form Inlay BORDER ART New $20.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE Cement STAMP shamrock clover Symbol BORDER ART $20.00 |
|
|
Marble Concrete Rock Stepping Stone Texture Stamp Mat $20.00 |
|
|
Medium Alabama Ochre color 7.5 lb bag- concrete stamps $20.62 |
|
|
CONCRETE STAMP (FLOPPY) ASHLER SLATE 23″ X 23″ “MATCRETE” LEADER IN STAMPS $21.88 |
|
|
MagnumCrete Color Hardener Stamp Concrete – Nutmeg $21.99 |
|
|
MagnumCrete Color Hardener Stamp Concrete – Brick Red $21.99 |
|
|
MagnumCrete Color Hardener Stamp Concrete – Buff Tan $21.99 |
|
|
MagnumCrete Color Hardener Stamp Concrete – Light Grey $21.99 |
|
|
MagnumCrete Color Hardener Stamp Concrete – Cream Beige $21.99 |
|
|
CONCRETE CEMENT STAMP BLACK BEAR PAW Print track 9″ BORDER ART Inlay texture MAT $22.00 |
|
|
CONCRETE cement STAMP Eagle 12″ BORDER ART STAMPS MATS $22.00 |
