Stamped concrete: what it is, advantages, moulds, colours and prices

The application of stamped concrete varies depending on the surface to be coated. The application of both interior and exterior stamped paving is carried out in a certain way, while the application of vertical stamped concrete is carried out in a different way. On This page we explain the step by step of each one of them.

The high durability of stamped concrete makes it one of the preferred materials for covering all types of paving. If the installation has been carried out with full guarantees and the use and maintenance are correct, the durability of a stamped concrete pavement can reach more than two decades.

It is no coincidence that more and more people are opting for stamped concrete in swimming pools because of its anti-slip properties. It is one of the most advisable options for covering both the edge of the pool and the surrounding area to prevent falls. Provided, of course, that a varnish is used to give it this finish.

In addition, it is aesthetically more attractive as stamped paving is capable of imitating stone or wood, among other noble materials.

Waterproofing is one of the particularities of stamped concrete paving, so it can be applied in areas exposed to rain, as it does not allow water to pass through, thus avoiding filtrations and derived problems. This is one of the reasons why stamped concrete swimming pools are on the rise. However, it is very important to apply a varnish to give it this property.

The price of stamped concrete depends on many factors. From the quality of the materials used or the moulds, to the colours chosen, the labour and the complexity of the work to be carried out. But also on the final textures and finishes. Thus, the price per square metre of stamped concrete varies greatly depending on these elements.

Resistance and durability are two characteristics shared by stamped concrete and polished concrete. Both are ideal for high-traffic surfaces due to their high strength and resistance to extreme temperature changes. Depending on the use, the surface to be covered and the particular needs of each person, it is more advisable to use one type of concrete or another. These are the main differences between stamped paving and polished paving:

• In stamped paving, moulds are used to stamp different patterns and textures on the surface, so the surface layer of the stamped concrete contains the shapes that have been applied with these moulds. In contrast, the surface layer of polished concrete is completely smooth and continuous as no moulds are used.
• The thickness of the polished concrete layer is slightly thicker than that of stamped concrete.
• Polished concrete is a material in great demand for interior surfaces, especially in private homes. On the other hand, we find stamped concrete pavements both in exteriors and interiors and even vertical stamped concrete on walls, facades or walls.
• The finishing techniques are totally different. While stamped paving has an embossed and textured finish, polished concrete offers a much smoother and untextured finish as it does not require moulds.

Although it is not the norm, because the use of stamped concrete is more widespread on exterior surfaces, it can also be used without problems in interiors in two ways. The first one, as paving; and the second one on facades, walls or walls.

If you get tired of stamped concrete over time, you can remove it without any problems. The most practical way is to use the existing surface as concrete paving and put whatever you want on top of it. For example, you can lay paving stones, stoneware, earthenware, tiles or microcement, among others.

Another way to remove the stamped concrete, although a little rougher and mainly used on large construction sites, is to destroy the surface with a hammer, compressor or perforator.

The duration of a stamped concrete installation depends on many factors: the square metres to be covered, the finishes to be achieved, the surface on which the stamped concrete is to be poured or the degree of inclination of the surface, as it needs to be levelled. Taking all these elements into account, the installation of a stamped concrete floor can take approximately one week.

Stamped concrete does not require extensive cleaning, although it depends on the degree of soiling of the paving or vertical facing. In principle, it is sufficient to clean the surface every 3 months. We recommend using our Ecoclean Pro cleaning agent. Then rinse with pressurised water.

The maintenance of stamped concrete does not require much complexity, as it is a very resistant type of coating whose durability can even exceed 20 years. In the event that over time the stamped paving has lost some colour or the cement begins to show, it is advisable to apply a resin mixed with the pigment of the floor.

Although this is the most commonly used option, as specialists we recommend applying Covercem® Stone. An aesthetic and very natural-looking renovation mortar that is ideal for renovating concrete that has lost its former colour or some of its hardness. It also offers greater strength than applying a resin alone.

Cracks or fissures in stamped concrete can occur for a variety of reasons. From an excessive load on the floor, an incorrectly placed steel mesh or the absence of it, to a deficient compaction of the ground before concreting, among others.

Here is a step-by-step guide to repairing a crack or fissure in stamped concrete:

• Thoroughly clean the area of the pavement or vertical facing that needs to be repaired, with special emphasis on the inside of the crack or fissure. If necessary, vacuum up any dust that may have been stored inside the crack or fissure.
• Generously fill the crack or fissure with a concrete repair putty. This can be flexible (acrylic or polyurethane putty) or cementitious. If necessary, open the crack wide to allow the repair product to enter.
• The time has come to renew the surface finish of the stamped concrete. To do this, apply Covercem® Stone or Covercem® Monocrom in the colour of your choice.
• In the case of using Covercem® Monochrom, the surface must first be stripped with our Ecoclean Stripper. Afterwards, the floor must be cleaned with pressurised water.
• When the Covercem® is completely dry, apply Sealcem® WT or Sealcem® DSV sealers depending on the desired gloss or finish.

Although stamped concrete is a highly resistant decorative continuous paving, with the passage of time a loss of colour or shine can occur in its finishes due to erosion, rain, sun or misuse.

A problem that has an easy solution. Here we explain how to recover the colour or shine of stamped concrete:

• Clean the area of the stamped concrete to be renovated thoroughly. To do this, we recommend the use of Ecoclean Pro detergent cleaner, following the instructions given above.
• Once the floor or wall is completely dry, apply Sealcem WT T or Sealcem DSV sealers depending on the desired gloss or finish. At least two coats of the chosen sealer should be applied. In the specific case of Sealcem® WT varnish, it can be pigmented with our range of Arcocem® colourants.

The last step in the decorative technique of stamped concrete is the application of a varnish. This is an essential product that will not only protect the new coating from impacts and weather conditions, but will also prolong its good appearance.

A varnish that, on some occasions, enhances the colour of the paving or vertical facing while increasing its resistance. As a general rule, this resin is applied every two or three years. The purpose is none other than to recover the shine lost over the years and to reinforce the resistance.

At Topciment we have developed a line of specific varnishes called Sealcem®. On this page we explain how to varnish stamped concrete, step by step.

As stamped concrete is a textured/textured surface, to remove the sealer or varnish from the surface, it is necessary to strip it. To do this, use our product Ecoclean Stripper. The steps to follow are:

• First of all, the stamped concrete coating must be stripped in order to leave it in the best possible condition. With a roller or brush, apply our Ecoclean Stripper gel stripper until the surface is well covered.
• When the surface is perfectly stripped, it should be completely covered with plastic for 1 hour. This period must be guaranteed to prevent the stripper from drying out and to allow it to act in depth.
• Once the plastic has been removed, the surface shall be cleaned with pressurised water.
• After checking that the stamped concrete is dry, it is time to seal the surface again with our Sealcem® WT or Sealcem® DSV varnishes or our Covercem® range of products.

Misuse of stamped concrete can lead to significant deterioration over time. In the event that it requires considerable repair, here is the protocol for action:

• Clean the area to be repaired thoroughly. It is recommended to use the detergent cleaner Ecoclean Pro or Ecoclean Construction. Depending on the degree and type of dirt, use one or the other. Leave the specialised cleaner to act for 5 to 15 minutes. Then brush with a bristle brush and rinse with pressurised water.
• When the surface is completely dry, it is time to repair the stamped concrete. We recommend Covercem® Stone mortar in the chosen colour. Apply two coats, allowing 4 to 8 hours drying time between coats, covering the surface well. Allow to dry between 24 and 48 hours after applying the second coat.
• If a finer finish is required, Covercem® Monocrom or Covercem® Restaura mineral consolidants should be applied to repair the damaged stamped concrete. Beforehand, the floor should be stripped with our Ecoclean Stripper. After cleaning the surface with water, proceed to coat the surface with two coats of Covercem®. Let dry 2 hours between coats, 24 hours after the second coat and just before applying the sealer.
• Once the Covercem® Stone, Covercem® Monochrom or Covercem® Restaura is dry, apply Sealcem® WT or Sealcem® DSV sealers depending on the desired gloss or finish.
• If, in addition to repairing the stamped concrete, the aim is to make the coating water-repellent, apply two coats of Covercem® Xtrem. Allow to dry for 4 to 8 hours between coats. Then polish. This mineral consolidant, ideal for polishing, will improve the protection of the surface against water and atmospheric agents.

In the case of a deteriorated and discoloured stamped concrete covering, painting it may be the best solution to make it look as good as the first day. It is very important to assess the damage in order to find the right treatment.

If for example the stamped paving or wall has only discoloured or you want to change the colour for whatever reason, we recommend two methods for painting stamped concrete. Either use our Sealcem® DSV Colour paint or our Arcocem® pigments and pigment pastes.

If, however, in addition to the loss of colour, the surface suffers from major damage and therefore requires repair, the method would be very different. In this particular case, the Covercem® family should be used. These are mineral consolidating coatings that not only repair the damage to the stamped concrete floor or façade, but also give it colour to restore the vigour of the original stamped concrete.