Imprinted concrete moulds: types, differences and the most chosen ones

The moulds of imprinted concretethey are templates that are used to decorate surfaces that are coated with this material in the shape that is preferred, as we can choose from a large collection.

These moulds adapt perfectly to any type of area. Thus, they can be used on floors, walls or facades, so that each one has the desired appearance, regardless of its location.

Due to the material's resistance and the large number of finishes that can be achieved, thanks to the moulds, it is very common to find this compound in high-traffic public places, regardless of whether they are outdoors, such as squares, sidewalks, swimming pools or large terraces.

With these moulds, you can reproduce many different types of textures, such as cobblestones, tiles, natural stone, wood, among others, but always counting on a material with very high resistance. The wood mould is usually very successful because with each impression it fills every square centimetre with elegance and a rustic style that is very authentic.

In short, with imprinted concrete moulds, you can replace other conventional materials, to give pavements and walls a different look.

Main features of imprinted concrete moulds

Firstly, theimprinted concrete moulds they must have a certain thickness so that when applied to the surface and the material, it leaves a correct marking so that the finishes have a long durability.

Secondly, it is very important that their weight is balanced so that professionals can handle the moulds with ease and, thus, they can achieve the desired appearance on each surface.

Thirdly, it is essential that all pieces of a design system with imprinted concrete moulds fit perfectly, so that the aesthetic coherence of the overall finish is respected.

Fourthly, the handles of the moulds should be adjusted to facilitate the work of the professionals and, above all, so that each impression they make is identical to the previous one.

Advantages of using imprinted concrete moulds

Next, we are going to detail some of the advantages of using imprinted concrete moulds on any surface.

Diversity of designs

These moulds represent a great decorative resource for those who want to achieve completely different finishes and textures. In fact, moulds can also be made to the buyer's liking for those people who want to reach the highest level of personalisation of spaces, decoratively and constructively speaking.

Minimum execution times

Architecturally, it is always an advantage to use in situ mortars. This significantly reduces execution times. However, depending on the chosen mould, times can vary and increase.

Lower price

Compared to other moulds in the construction sector, those of imprinted concrete are much more affordable than more traditional ones, which will reduce the final amount of the budget.

Limit the growth of weeds

Using a material like this, it prevents weeds from making their way and displacing the surface on which the imprinted concrete moulds are placed on top. In case of using ceramics, cobblestones and stones, the roots and weeds can grow between the joints and, the water, can displace the pieces.

Minimal care for a long useful life

To preserve the imprinted concrete, once applied, no great care is needed. These must be applied when the work is being carried out. Almost exclusively, this only suffers from the wear and tear produced by vehicles passing over it. In this case, it will be enough to apply a layer of sealant. Thus, we have a material with great durability.

Occasional damages

Imprinted concrete is a material that is not, at all, easy to break or shatter. In fact, when it suffers a great impact, the most common thing is that only a mark remains; and for this to stay, it has to be a very strong blow with a blunt object.

The big differences between rigid and flexible moulds

As these are moulds that are produced with different materials, the great differential factor between both types of moulds is, precisely, the rigidity they present, which is going to condition the way of using each one.

This is where the biggest difference lies, with the works carried out with flexible moulds being much more bearable. On the other hand, rigid or semi-rigid moulds can support more weight, and have handles to be able to handle them more easily with firmness.

Another big difference is that flexible moulds are used in works where space can limit the work itself as these offer greater workability. This type of moulds can be bent in small spaces and, although they resist less, they can also be hit. Flexible moulds are the most suitable for marking corner gaps, joints between borders and work close to facades.

Types of imprinted concrete moulds: total adaptation to taste

The level of customisation of a surface depends on the types of existing moulds, so that any area can be renovated or created with imprinted concrete. Thus, there are moulds for floors, for walls and wood imitation.

Imprinted concrete moulds for floors

These are the most used moulds for imprinted concrete as pavements are usually the surfaces that are most often renovated using this material. This is because they are surfaces exposed to a lot of traffic and, consequently, to wear and tear.

Our range of floor moulds consists of 13 different collections with designs that cater to any taste. Thus, we have fan-shaped moulds, cobblestone, brick, stone, roadway, slab, border shapes, circular, blanket texture shaped, among others. The use of each and every one of these must occur when the material is fresh.

Vertical imprinted concrete moulds

In this case, these types of moulds are for applying on walls or facades. The size of the moulds for applying on these vertical orientation surfaces tends to be smaller, not exceeding 80 cm in length.

To decorate any area, we have a line of moulds for vertical surfaces where stone, brick or slate finishes always provide a touch of naturalness.

Imitation wood imprinted concrete moulds

Imprinted concrete is undoubtedly the best way to replace natural wood. The same wood finish can be achieved in a more sustainable way (avoiding cutting down wood) with our wood imitation imprinted concrete moulds. But also faster, cheaper and, above all, creating new shapes that are more durable over time.

With our wood imitation imprinted concrete moulds, we not only perfectly imitate the beauty and appearance of wood, but they can also be applied to almost any interior or exterior surface.

The release agent and the imprinted concrete, always together

The release agent, in powder or liquid form, is a basic product when doing a job with moulds and imprinted concrete as its function is very important as it will prevent the mould from sticking to the concrete.

You can choose between different shades of release agent colour among which we can choose a shade similar to cement or another that evokes other types of effects.

Tips for applying the liquid release agent on the mould

Firstly, to apply Desmocem Liquid, it needs to be sprayed onto the imprinted mould and the surface that is going to be worked on. Next, you need to imprint by applying a bit of pressure and remove the piece that has already been used. Thirdly, we apply the product, with a brush, roller or sprayer. As long as it is done with this last tool, a distance of between 30 and 40 cm of separation must be given. Lastly, the area must be covered forming a homogeneous film in which there are no puddles or very thick layers.

As advice, we will say that to apply this water-insoluble product, the ambient temperature should be between 5ºC and 30ºC and try to ensure that there is not excessive wind. If the temperatures are above 30ºC, there is a risk that the solvent may evaporate. If this happens, the release agent would have to be applied again.

Tips for applying the release agent powder on the mould

Before applying the mould, the Demoscem® Powder release agent must be sprinkled on the surface. Once we do this, we place the mould for imprinting and apply some pressure. We then demould and remove the piece. Once the mould has been removed, we apply the product covering the entire surface, at a distance of between 30 and 40 cm. Once the area is covered, we distribute the release agents so that they spread evenly.

A final warning: it is key that applications of Desmocem® Powder are carried out at temperatures that are between 5 and 30ºC and that the wind does not blow aggressively.

Recommendations for buying imprinted concrete moulds

We will start by emphasising that the order for imprinted concrete must be supervised by the site management, which will also decide the thickness of it when applying it.

Another important issue that can lead to misunderstandings is the composition of imprinted concretes. So, which one to buy? Well, from Topciment we recommend purchasing imprinted concretes that do not have an excess of additives. Why? Because these, by having too many additives, prevent water from rising by capillarity and make it difficult, to the point of preventing, the grip of the concrete and mortar.

Let's go with a colour tip: on light-coloured imprinted concrete floors it is preferable not to apply if there is an excess of water as in addition to shooting up consumption (3-4 kg/ m2), resistances are also lost and the pavement will suffer a discolouration when drying.

Price of imprinted concrete moulds

As with all materials or accessories in the construction sector, the price of these will depend on many factors and, when it comes to imprinted concrete moulds, it could not be any different.

Thus, as is natural, in the first instance it will depend on the model you choose and its characteristics. In fact, in the first instance the main variables that influence the price of these products are the shapes and their size.

In this way, there are forms like the border that can be more economical but, for example, the rose of the winds mould has a cost much higher than that of the border or other models.

As we mentioned in the previous paragraph, the size of the moulds can be definitive in their price, with the larger ones being the products that will be more expensive.

In addition to this, it should be noted that the price range in which imprinted concrete moulds move is as wide as their catalogue of options. Thus, with so many references, it is not surprising, and we can say that the cost ranges from 30 euros to less than 200, approximately.

This makes imprinted concrete moulds a great option, both constructively and decoratively, for any space, regardless of whether it is indoor or outdoor, as in our catalogue you can find countless shapes, exactly, 100.