Stamped Concrete PROCEDURE

After the organic ground is excavated and removed and replaced with a crushed stone. The area then is formed up creating a pitch of 1/4″, allowing water to flow in that direction. Once the forms are up, the sub-grade is ready to be graded.
Depending on the project, the slab thickness should be 4″ to 5″ thick. Grading the sub-grade uniformly is crucial. Not only does it make it easier to estimate the amount of concrete needed for the job, but also cuts down the chances of unwanted cracking, since concrete will crack at the thinnest depth of the slab. Concrete will always crack. That is the reason for control joints, to control the crack. Once the sub-grade is graded it must be compacted. 10M rebar as an option or 9 gauge steel wire mesh, depending on end use and load factors on concrete can now be put into place. Depending on the temperature, the sub-grade is sometimes dampened.

Next, the project is ready to cast the concrete in place. There are basically two ways to color concrete. The first method, integral, is where the coloring is mixed right at the concrete plant and in the concrete truck, giving the concrete uniform color throughout the slab.

This is the most expensive and best way. The second option, is called the dry shake-on method. After the concrete is floated, the dry powder (which is called color hardener) is broadcast across the slab. The color hardener is then floated in. This process is repeated a second time to ensure an even coloring.

This method of coloring colors approximately the top 1/8″ of the slab, ONLY. At Pro Pavement Services Ltd. we ONLY use the integral method for superior color consistency.

The powder release agent is applied prior to stamping. The release agent will keep the stamp tools from pulling up concrete and impart another color shade to the work. Then, texture skins are used to texture the surface of the concrete.

Texturing continues down the edge of the form boards as workers in the background start running the Regal Ashlar mats. The first mat laid is critical to the layout of the job as all other mats will be placed square to the first mat.

A tamper, or body weight is used to firmly imprint the texture and pattern of the stamp into the concrete. Keeping the stamps fitted tightly together is important.

Bands can be placed on the border outlines in order to break up the primary pattern used and provide a straight line along the edges breaking up the pattern. This is an easy and unique way to distinguish your work from others as well as creating a more aesthetic and realistic appeal.

The concrete is allowed to set after stamping for 1 – 2 days, depending on weather, before the excess release agent is pressure washed from the surface. After the slab is allowed to dry completely, two coats of 25% Solids Clear Sealer are applied to the surface using a 1/2” nap roller, or sprayer. The sealer protects the slab from staining and enriches the final color by amplifying the colors in the hardener and release agent. A non-slip shark grip powder is sometimes mixed in with the sealer, making your decorative concrete not slippery when wet.