Stained and Stamped Concrete
We also do Garages! Choose from a variety of colors using metallic epoxy or flake epoxy flooring.
Our team understands the importance of the project for you and your family. Our business is focused on the success of every project and the happiness of every customer who chooses Integrated Outdoor Designs.
THE STAMPED CONCRETE PROCESS
Before you begin your selection process, you must have a basic understanding of the stamped concrete process.
Pattern
Assuming you have chosen a primary location for your stamped concrete, you can now focus on your final product vision.
Stamped concrete can be broken into five basic pattern types:
- Brick
- Stone
- Slate, Wood
- Texture
These are just basic categories, but using these as a reference will help you determine which patterns to look at first.
One essential element to consider is complementing your hardscape rather than trying to “match” existing surfaces and the surroundings.
Base Color
Now that you have chosen your pattern, we move on to color picking. Most stamped concrete has two colors: a base color and an accent color. There are two ways to create the base color for new concrete: integral color and color hardener. With either method, the end result of your stamped concrete will emphasize this color.
Integral Color: Integral color is mixed into the concrete in the truck. The color is added at the concrete plant or project site before pouring begins.
Integral color is the most common way to color concrete, and we offer a premium integral color system called Uni-Mix Integral Concrete Color.
The Uni-Mix Integral Color System is the preferred system of contractors, specifiers, and owners. Uni-Mix Integral Color Concrete Color has proprietary ingredients that make it unique.
Our competition will try to “match” our color, but it has been our experience and quite a few dissatisfied customers’ experiences that the color does not turn out the same.
A quick and straightforward way to ensure that is to request the lot of numbers of the color before they pour.
Color Hardener: An alternate way to color concrete is to use a shake-on color hardener.
Butterfield Color Perma-Cast Shake-on Color Hardener is broadcast on the concrete during the initial stages of the finishing process. It is worked into the surface to create the base color.
Not all contractors use color hardeners, so discuss this with your contractor before choosing colors
Color hardener will create a base color similar to the integral color but has additional coloring options and a hardened, denser surface.
Release Color
When picking the release color, use a color that accents your base color. Usually, a darker release agent over a lighter base color works best.
Stamping
The texture and pattern are created as the tool is pressed into the concrete. As the imprinting tool is pressed into the concrete surface, a portion of the colored release agent is embedded into the textured surface of the concrete.
Washing & Cutting
We typically discuss the saw cuts’ location with you before pouring the concrete so that you are prepared once we begin. Once the area is thoroughly cleaned, you will see the integral color with accents of the release color.
However, the final colors will only appear once the concrete is sealed and fully cured.
Sealing
Knowing this, we use a non-slip additive when sealing, which is recommended for exterior applications. If you are looking for more of a matte finish, there is a flattening paste available.
MAINTENANCE
Maintaining your newly stamped concrete is important.
- Periodically inspect cured and sealed surfaces for wear or damage.
- All concrete curing and sealing compounds will eventually exhibit the effects of weathering and traffic.
- Wipe up all chemical solvent or petroleum spills for maximum coating life and performance as soon as possible.
- Remove abrasive debris by sweeping or vacuuming.
- Do not drag, drop, or place sharp edges on sealed surfaces.
- Periodic washings with mild detergents will help maintain surface luster.
- Do not use solvent or acid-based cleaning materials for general cleaning.
- Hot car tires, or turning tires while the car is standing, may damage the sealer.
- Surfaces subjected to car traffic, de-icing salts, or chemical exposure may exhibit wear more quickly.
- In most cases, stamped concrete does not need to be sealed yearly.
- A build-up of sealer can cause delamination issues. A Polyurethane sealant will give you several years of use until it needs sealant again.
Stamped & Stained Concrete FAQs
