Stamping concrete is one of the easiest ways to turn a plain surface into one that exudes creativity and artistry through its patterns and designs. It is normally done by concrete builders; however, doing it by yourself is also feasible as long as you have some family members or friends to assist you.

Stamping Concrete Yourself

Concrete stamping is fast-gaining popularity because of the wonderful effects it leaves on any concrete surface it is done. If you are exploring the possibilities of having your floor, deck, patio, or driveway stamped, then the following section of this entry shall give the basic instructions of doing it.

1. Carefully select a concrete release agent colour. This powder should be thinly spread over the concrete surface to make certain that the stamping mats will not stick to the surface. You need to select a release agent that closely matches or complements the colour of your concrete surface. Some percentage of the colour agent will be retained and will affect the final colour of the surface.

2. Apply the concrete release agent over the freshly-poured concrete surface. Be sure not to apply it too thick or too thin either.

3. Stamp the concrete surface in sections that is not greater than some hundred square feet at a time. It will be better if you can do this in smaller sections especially if you are truly a beginner in this process. Work as quickly as possible while the concrete mixture is of optimal texture as this is perfect for stamping consistency.

4. Put the texture mats with assurance that they are aligned in straight edges. Slightly overlap the mats if the pattern permits for it. Make sure that seam lines do not occur.

5. Do not push the texture mat down too far to prevent disturbing the quality of the concrete surface. However, make sure to stamp the mat firm enough so as to transfer the texture properly onto the surface.

6. Move the stamps mats individually until the concrete surface is entirely stamped. Performing this step shall require the help of a family member or friend to finish moving and tamping the mats along the concrete surface.

7. After finishing the concrete stamping process, allocate adequate time for the entire surface to dry. Make sure that your children do not play around the surface to prevent any accident that may damage the pattern. Guard the surface against pets too.

8. Wash the entire surface after it has completely dried up. This process will remove excess release agents from the stamped concrete surface.

9. When the surface has been fully cured and stripped off of the excess release agent, be sure to apply concrete sealer to make sure that the stamped designs, texture, and pattern are protected for the longest time possible. Carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the concrete sealer.

By following the simple steps included herewith, be prepared to perform a concrete stamping process on your freshly-poured concrete surface in a fast and efficient manner. You will be glad on the simple concrete masterpiece you have done.

This article was originally published at http://www.concretecontractorbrisbane.com/2011/09/stamping-concrete-yourself.html.

Maureen Leonards maintains a blog about home improvement with primary focus on concrete building. The blog provides various tips and advices on finding reliable builders that offer services and fixes on gutters, decks, and other concrete structures.

Maureen Leonards is a writer and blogger whose main interests run on home improvement and renovations. She maintains a blog to where this article was originally published. Her blog is at http://www.concretecontractorbrisbane.com

Author Bio: Maureen Leonards maintains a blog about home improvement with primary focus on concrete building. The blog provides various tips and advices on finding reliable builders that offer services and fixes on gutters, decks, and other concrete structures.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: concrete stamping, concrete surface, deck, patio, concrete