How a Stamped Concrete Job Works From Start to Finish

Summary:

Cesar walks through stamped concrete as a job where timing controls the outcome more than any other finish ACR offers. It begins the same way every good job begins, with the base prepared correctly and the slab placed properly. Color is worked into the job, then a release agent goes down to keep the stamps from sticking and to give the finish depth in its coloring. The stamping itself has to happen inside a specific window while the concrete is setting: too early and the impression doesn't hold, too late and the pattern comes out uneven across the surface. Sealing follows after the slab cures, and that sealer is part of protecting how the color holds up over the years.

Answer:

Stamped concrete is a different animal than a broom finish, because the timing controls everything. It starts the same way any good job starts, with the base prepared right and the slab placed properly. The difference comes after that. Color goes into the work, and then we put down the release agent, which keeps the stamps from sticking to the surface and also gives the color some depth so it doesn't look flat. Then we stamp it. The hard part is the window. Concrete is setting the whole time you're working, and you have to stamp when it's ready, not too wet and not too far gone. If you're early, the impression doesn't hold the way it should and it closes back up on you. If you're late, you're fighting it and the pattern won't come out even from one end to the other. That's why stamped work needs a crew that's done a lot of it. After it cures we come back and seal it, and that sealing protects the color.