Imprinted concrete: what it is, advantages, molds, colors and price

La aplicación del concreto estampado varía dependiendo de la superficie a revestir. La aplicación del pavimento estampado, tanto interior como exterior, se realiza de una manera determinada; mientras que la aplicación del concreto estampado vertical se ejecuta de otra distinta. Enesta página te explicamos el paso a paso de cada una de ellas.

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

No es coincidencia que cada vez más personas opten por el concreto estampado en piscinas por su condición de antideslizante. Una de las opciones más recomendables para cubrir tanto el borde de la piscina como los alrededores y evitar caídas. Siempre y cuando se use, eso sí, un barniz que le proporcione este acabado.

Additionally, it's more visually appealing since the imprinted pavement is capable of imitating stone or wood, among other noble materials.

Waterproofing is one of the particularities of imprinted concrete pavements, so it can be applied in areas exposed to rain as it does not let water pass, thus avoiding leaks and related problems. A quality for which imprinted concrete pools are on the rise. However, it is very important to apply a varnish that gives it this property.

El precio del concreto estampado depende de múltiples factores. Desde la calidad de los materiales empleados o los moldes de concreto estampado, hasta los colores elegidos, la mano de obra y la complejidad de la obra a realizar. Pero también de las texturas y acabados finales. De esta manera, el precio por metro cuadrado del concreto estampado varía mucho en función de estos elementos. De manera aproximada, en España el costo por m2 se encuentra entre los 40 y 100 euros.

La resistencia y la durabilidad son dos características que comparten el concreto estampado y el concreto pulido. Ambos son pavimentos ideales para las superficies de alto tráfico por su gran resistencia e inalterables a los cambios de temperatura extremos. Depende del uso, la superficie que se vaya a recubrir y las necesidades particulares de cada persona, es más recomendable utilizar un tipo de concreto u otro. Estas son las principales diferencias entre el pavimento estampado y el pavimento pulido:

1. In the print, molds are used to stamp different drawings and textures on the surface, so the shapes that have been applied with these molds are found in the surface layer of the stamped concrete. On the contrary, the surface layer of polished concrete is completely smooth and continuous since molds are not used.
2. El grosor que presenta la capa de concreto pulido es ligeramente superior al del concreto estampado.
3. El concreto pulido es un material con una gran demanda para las superficies interiores, sobre todo en viviendas particulares. En cambio, encontramos pavimentos de concreto estampado tanto en exteriores como interiores e incluso concreto estampado vertical en paredes, fachadas o muros.
4. Las técnicas de acabados son totalmente diferentes. Mientras que el pavimento impreso tiene un acabado con relieve y texturas, el concreto pulido ofrece un acabado mucho más liso y sin texturas ya que no requiere de moldes.

Although it is not usual, because the use of imprinted concrete is more widespread in outdoor surfaces, it can also be used without problems indoors in two ways. The first, as pavement; and the second on facades, walls or walls.

If over time you get tired of the imprinted concrete, you will be able to remove it without problems. The most practical way is to use the existing surface as concrete pavement and put whatever you want on top. For example, you can place cobblestones, stoneware, tile, tile or microcement, among others.

Otra forma para remover el concreto estampado, aunque un poco más brusca y que se utiliza principalmente en grandes obras, es la de destruir la superficie con un martillo compresor o perforador.

The duration of an imprinted concrete installation depends on multiple factors: square meters to cover, the finishes that are sought to achieve, the surface on which the stamped concrete will be poured or the degree of inclination of said surface, since it is necessary to level it. Taking into account all these elements, the installation of an imprinted concrete floor can last approximately one week.

The imprinted concrete does not require exhaustive cleaning, although it depends on the degree of dirt on the pavement or vertical wall. In principle, it will be enough to clean the surface every 3 months. We recommend using our detergent cleaner for this. Ecoclean Pro . Enjuagar a continuación con agua a presión.

El mantenimiento del concreto estampado no requiere de mucha complejidad, ya que es un tipo de revestimiento muy resistente cuya durabilidad puede incluso superar los 20 años. En el caso de que con el transcurso del tiempo el pavimento estampado haya perdido algo de color o empiece a hacerse notar el cemento, es recomendable aplicar una resina mezclada con el pigmento del suelo.

Although this is the most used option, we as specialists recommend applying Covercem® Stone. A renovation mortar that is aesthetic and has a very natural look that is ideal for renewing concrete that has lost its old color or some hardness. In addition, it offers greater resistance than applying only a resin.

Cracks or fissures in stamped concrete can appear for various reasons. From an excess load on the ground, a poorly placed steel mesh or the absence of it, to the deficient compaction of the ground before concreting, among others.

Next, we explain the step by step to repair a crack or fissure in the imprinted concrete:

1. Clean the area of the pavement or vertical wall that needs to be repaired in depth, with special emphasis on the inside of the crack or crevice. If necessary, vacuum the dust that may have accumulated inside it.
2. Fill the crack or fissure generously with a repair putty for concrete. This can be flexible (acrylic or polyurethane putty) or cementitious. If necessary, open the crack well to allow the entry of the repair product.
3. Ha llegado el momento de renovar el acabado superficial del concreto estampado. Para ello, aplicar Covercem® Stone o Covercem® Monocrom en el color que queramos.
4. En el caso de usar el Covercem® Monocrom, es necesario realizar previamente una decapación de la superficie con nuestro Ecoclean Stripper. Después tendrás que limpiar el pavimento con agua a presión.
5. When the Covercem® is completely dry, immediately apply the Sealcem® WT or Sealcem® DSV sealers depending on the desired shine or finish.

Although stamped concrete is a very resistant decorative continuous pavement, over time there can be a loss of color or shine in its finishes due to erosion, rain, sun, or misuse of it.

Un problema que tiene fácil solución. A continuación te explicamos cómo recuperar el color o brillo del concreto estampado:

1. Clean the area you want to renew the imprinted concrete well. For this, the use of the Ecoclean Pro detergent cleaner is recommended, following the instructions given above.
2. Once the floor or wall is completely dry, apply the Sealcem WT T or Sealcem DSV sealers depending on the desired shine or finish. At least two coats of the chosen sealer will be applied. Specifically for the Sealcem® WT varnish, it can be pigmented with our range of Arcocem® colorants.

The last step of the decorative technique of imprinted concrete consists of applying a varnish. A fundamental product that will not only protect the new coating from impacts and weather conditions, but will prolong its good appearance.

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

En Topciment hemos desarrollado una línea de barnices específicos llamada Sealcem®. En esta página te explicamos cómo barnizar el concreto estampado, paso a paso.

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

1. First, you have to strip the imprinted concrete coating to leave it in the best possible conditions. With a roller or brush, apply our Ecoclean Stripper gel stripper until the surface is well covered.
2. When the surface is perfectly stripped, it will be completely covered with plastic for 1 hour. This period must be guaranteed to prevent the stripper from drying out and to promote its deep action.
3. Una vez que se proceda a quitar el plástico, se limpiará la superficie con agua a presión.
4. After checking that the imprinted concrete is dry, it's time to seal the surface again with our Sealcem® WT or Sealcem® DSV varnishes or with our range of Covercem® products.

A misuse of imprinted concrete can cause significant deterioration over time. In case you need a considerable repair, this is the action protocol:

1. Clean the area to be repaired well. It is recommended to use the Ecoclean Pro or Ecoclean Construction detergent cleaner. Depending on the degree and type of existing dirt, use one or the other. Let the specialized cleaner act between 5 and 15 minutes. Brush afterwards with a bristle brush and then rinse with pressurized water.
2. When the surface is completely dry, it will be time to repair the imprinted concrete. We recommend Covercem® Stone mortar in the chosen color. Apply two coats, allowing a drying time of between 4 and 8 hours between each coat, covering the surface well. Allow to dry for between 24 and 48 hours after applying the second coat.
3. In case you want a finer finish, you would have to apply the mineral consolidants Covercem® Monocrom or Covercem® Restaura to repair the damaged imprinted concrete. Previously, we would strip the floor with our Ecoclean Stripper. After cleaning the surface with water, we would proceed to cover the surface with two coats of Covercem®. Let it dry for 2 hours between each coat, 24 hours after the second coat and just before applying the sealer.
4. Once the Covercem® Stone, Covercem® Monocrom or Covercem® Restaura is dry, apply the Sealcem® WT or Sealcem® DSV sealers depending on the desired shine or finish.
5. If in addition to repairing the imprinted concrete you are looking to provide a waterproof character to the coating, apply two coats of Covercem® Xtrem. Allow to dry between 4 and 8 hours between coats. Then, polish. This mineral consolidant, ideal for polishing, will improve the surface protection against water and atmospheric agents.

In the case of a deteriorated stamped concrete coating and lack of color, painting it can be the best solution for it to look like the first day again. It is very important to assess the damage to get the right treatment.

If for example the imprinted pavement or wall has only discolored or you want to change the color for whatever reasons, we recommend two methods to paint the imprinted concrete. Use our Sealcem® DSV Colour paint or our Arcocem® pigments and pigment pastes.

Now, if in addition to the loss of color the surface shows major damage and therefore requires repair, the method would be very different. In this particular case, the Covercem® family would have to be used. These are mineral consolidating coatings that not only fix the defects of the imprinted concrete floor or facade, but also give it color to recover the vigor of the initial stamped concrete.