Stamped concrete means different things to different people. To the layman, it’s simply concrete that’s been stamped with designs on it to make it look like something else. However, it’s a highly specialized form of concrete that involves highly detailed and precisely engineered concrete stamping to contractors and architects. Stamped concrete’s use is growing at an exponential rate across many different industries. The following article is an attempt to explain this increasingly popular form of concrete coating.
Stamped Concrete uses different textures and patterns to create a photographic facade. For instance, if you’ve ever seen a building that’s been stained with brick patterns, most likely, you’ve noticed a vertical striation running along the length of the way. This is because the patterns were intentionally stamped on the base material. Stamped concrete is typically used for driveways, sidewalks, patios, and other interior floors. Most of the time, stamped concrete will come with a complementary base color hardener already applied.
Another way in which stamped concrete can be used is in exterior decorating. For example, one of the most common types of exterior houseplants is ficus. However, ficus and other tropical plants don’t come cheap. Stamped concrete can be used to create realistic looking outdoor garden planters complete with multiple colors of decorative concrete borders and stencils. Or, you might use stamped concrete as a cheaper alternative to buying expensive decorative planters.
There are two primary ways that Stamped Concrete is made: through dry-dipping or wet-dipping. In either process, a highly detailed pattern is drawn on the base material using inkjet or laser technology. The pattern is either electronically engraved or hand stamped using either a stamping machine or a stamping tool. After the pattern is created, it is pressed at various points along the surface to create an array of repeating patterns using either flat iron or a stamping tool.
While both types of stamped concrete are highly impressive, the method of applying the pattern over the existing surface to create an overlay concrete coating is a little more complicated. To do this, a stencil is used to draw up a custom pattern onto the existing surface. Typically, the stencil is created using a computer-aided design program (CAD). Once the stencil is created, it is electronically applied to the surface using either a stamping tool or a stamping machine.
One of the most popular color options for stamped concrete patterns is to use one of the many available synthetic stone colors. There are several popular stone colors including red ochre, black onyx, coral, blue coral, green ochre, white coral, pink coral, black onyx, white coral, natural sandstone, pink sandstone, yellow ochre and brown sandstone. There are also a wide variety of patina options. Some patina choices include flat patina, annealed patina, anodized patina and an electroplated patina.
Another way to increase the value of your property and improve the curb appeal of your home is to incorporate stamped concrete Benefit into your remodeling projects. By sealing the edges of your driveways and sidewalks with a sealer that will prevent water from seeping in, you can prevent the fading of your concrete and prevent your new sealer from coming apart after heavy usage. A vinyl-based sealer is also beneficial. These two types of sealers have the added benefit of being able to withstand high levels of heat, preventing them from cracking and peeling.
Stamped concrete Benefit also has the benefit of adding decorative character to your landscaping. For example, if you have a stone driveway that’s been stained to match the color of your landscaping, simply remove the stain and apply a new sealer. If you want to give your stone patio a worn look, you could just knock it down and reapply the stain. Either way, you’ll add interest to your outdoor living space. Whether you’re replacing an existing patio with new landscaping or adding a new patio to your landscaping, stamped concrete Benefit is a smart investment.