The Process and Uses for Stamped Concrete in Kansas City, MO
Before stamping concrete, the slab must be at the right stage. The entire crew must complete the first row before beginning the next to forge a row. The stamping crew will start by placing the starter tools and leapfrogging from the first row to the next. Another person can tamp the concrete while the starter tool person moves. A third person is sometimes needed for details, such as grout joints.
In addition to creating beautiful patterns, stamped concrete enhances the overall appearance of concrete surfaces. This process alters the natural concrete form to give it a unique finish. For example, stamped concrete can be applied over an existing concrete slab to create a custom accent. Stamped concrete can be used horizontally or vertically. You can even give a concrete fireplace surround a natural stone treatment by stamping over it.
To apply stamped concrete, freshly laid concrete is first textured. Stamping tools are then placed on the concrete. This gives it a more natural appearance. The second step is to apply the pattern. This is the most complicated step of stamping concrete and requires extensive knowledge of the process. The process is divided into three main steps. One step is the base color, and the last is the finishing. A base color gives it a neutral look.
After the first step, the slab is power-washed to remove excess color hardener and allows the concrete to cure for several days. If necessary, the installers will acid-etch the areas where the color hardener has not been removed. Then, the concrete is sealed, which improves the appearance of the concrete and helps prevent surface discoloration. This sealer also prevents stain penetration from the elements.
A common misconception about stamped concrete is that it’s not as smooth as concrete. However, stamping concrete has numerous benefits. It’s durable, long-lasting, and almost maintenance-free. Stamped concrete is an excellent choice for driveways and patios, as it can mimic stone, bricks, tile, wood, and other materials. Stamped concrete is also a perfect choice for a driveway or sidewalk – as long as you have sufficient space and a level surface.
Stamped concrete can come in various colors, and you can also have a custom texture and pattern imprinted on the slab’s surface. There are three different ways to color concrete – with the first procedure, the base color, the accent color, and the pattern. All three systems are designed to add color to concrete, creating a similar look to the natural building material. The base color is the primary color of stamped concrete and is chosen to match the color of the raw building material. Color hardener can be applied using integral color or cast-on color.
The process of placing stamped concrete involves the use of a screed, which is a thin layer of cement and fine aggregates. This screed is placed on the concrete before the stamping process. The surface of the concrete must be flat and level before the cement paste can be applied. Stamping requires additional work immediately after the concrete is placed for the imprinting process to work correctly. Stamped concrete is a versatile material, and its many uses are limitless.
