Table of Contents
Table of Contents Step 1: Clean the Surface. Step 2: Etch the Concrete Porch Floor. Step 3: Prep the Porch for the Skim Coat. Step 4: Mix the Skim Coat. Step 5: Apply the Skim Coat. Step 6: Mix the Thin Finish and Texture Pave. Step 7: Apply the Thin Finish and Texture Pave. Step 8: Stamp the Concrete.
Can you stamp plain concrete?
Finish work, detailing and cutting contraction joints finish the project. Most often, stamping is done on newly poured concrete. However, existing concrete that’s in good condition can be covered with a stamped overlay, which gives you the same look as conventional stamped concrete.
Can you do concrete stamping over existing concrete?
Fortunately, it is possible to place stamped concrete over existing concrete. Stamped concrete overlays are durable options for upgrading, repairing, and enhancing existing concrete.
How long after pouring concrete can you stamp it?
“But, in general, when you can touch the concrete and not have any sand on your hand, it’s about time, when that laitance is crusted enough, to put a release agent on there. Generally, it’s within an hour or two.” Frazier recommends getting enough stamps to cover at least the width of the slab.
Is stamped concrete worth it?
Many homeowners wonder if it is worth the cost to install a stamped concrete patio or driveway. The answer is yes, because it adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.
How thick should stamped concrete be?
How thick is stamped concrete? Our standard slab is a minimum of four inches. Some situations will require us to pour six inches of concrete, and this would be discussed before the project takes place.
How thick is stamped concrete overlay?
The overlay mix is usually applied by a gauge rake (a tool with an adjustable depth gauge for achieving a uniform topping thickness), and then imprinted with stamping mats or texturing skins. Overlay thicknesses range from 1/4 to 3/4 inch, depending on the depth of the imprint.
How hard is it to stamp concrete?
Stamping. The most unforgiving part is the actual stamping itself. A good stamped concrete job looks good, while a fair-to-poor stamp job looks horrible. Dealing with poor placement or poor finishing is one thing, but if the imprinting process isn’t done properly, it’s extremely difficult and expensive to repair.
Is concrete overlay a good idea?
They’re Strong and Durable Concrete is one of the strongest materials available for your floors. The decorative overlay consists of stain or pigments, so the floor remains as strong as ever. The floor coatings themselves are resistant to most damage, including stains and etching from chemicals or heavy equipment.
How do you know when concrete is ready to stamp?
If you leave a clean imprint about 3/16 to 1/4 inch deep, you can generally begin stamping. Another test is to place a stamp on the concrete and step on it. The stamp should hold your weight and not slide around or sink too deeply into the surface.
Which is cheaper pavers or stamped concrete?
Pavers vs concrete: cost Pavers are more expensive for materials and installation compared to concrete slabs, but can be about the same price when compared to stamped, decorative concrete.
What makes stamped concrete crack?
Answer: The crack in this stamped overlay is caused by a crack in the underlying concrete that reflected through to the overlay. The sticky gray material is the epoxy that was used to repair the original crack. The original colored and stamped concrete slab had developed cracks running through about 30% of the slab.
Is stamped concrete cheaper than a deck?
The average price range for stamped concrete patios is $15-$25 per square foot. Compared to a wood deck, this is actually cheaper. The primary reason for this is that concrete materials are much cheaper than wood products. You may be surprised to find that stamped concrete is more affordable than wood options.
What are the disadvantages of stamped concrete?
Cons: Stamped concrete WILL CRACK, many designers call this a feature. Only rated at 3,500-5,000 psi, should not be driven on. Will absorb moisture, not resistant to freeze thaw cycles. Quality control often an issue, multiple trucks on a job can produce unwanted variation in color. Must be re-sealed every 2-3 years.
Do you have to put rebar in concrete?
Even though it’s possible to build a concrete patio without rebar, it’s not recommended. All concrete is subject to cracks, but rebar holds all the cracks together and keeps the slab level and even. Without rebar, the cracks would become quite wide and the concrete would become uneven.
Can you stencil over old concrete?
Stencilling can be done in both freshly placed and existing concrete by using a concrete resurfacing system (an alternative to replacing concrete entirely).
How do I make concrete look like flagstone?
Roll a coat of concrete sealer over the entire sidewalk to protect the design. Look for a low-gloss sealer to mimic the natural matte finish of flagstone or use a high-gloss sealer to achieve a polished flagstone look.
How do you make concrete look like granite?
To create the realism of natural stone, cast the concrete in an integral color and then apply acid stain in layers to the top surface. Vary the pigments and degree of marbelizing to achieve one-of-a-kind custom pieces. If the countertop has seams, you can make them less noticeable by hiding them in the veining.
Can you make concrete look like Bluestone?
Custom-blended accent colors, applied both during and after the stamping process, closely replicate bluestone’s natural color variations. These homeowners were able to achieve the upscale appearance of a natural bluestone patio for about half the cost by using stamped concrete in an ashlar slate pattern.
How do you stamp concrete after it dries?
Set the first stamp in the center of one side of the slab and press it down. Use a tamper or mallet to apply equal pressure. Align the second stamp and press it down beside the first. Continue setting the stamps following the pattern.
Is concrete overlay expensive?
Concrete Overlay Cost for Floors, Patios & More. A basic floor overlay runs from $3 to $7 per square foot, which is comparable to high-end carpet or tile. The price can increase to $20 or more per square foot depending on textures, embeds, saw cuts, or other design elements that are added to the design.
Does concrete overlay last?
A concrete overlay can last as long as 20 years with the correct maintenance. In addition to overall care, one should properly seal the overlay. If the slab is cracked or severely damaged, the concrete overlay used to resurface the slab will also begin to crack with time.
