STAMPED CONCRETE AND COLORED CONCRETE MAINTENANCE

Source:www.stonediamondtool.com Date:2019/11/5 Read:292

YOUR STAMPED CONCRETE IS COMPOSED OF FOUR PARTS:

1. The concrete slab that has been stamped to provide a beautiful pattern

2. The primary color which covers the entire surface

3. The secondary color or antiquing that provides highlights; that special look of light and dark shades

4. The sealer which makes the colors deep and rich.  provides the shine and protects the entire surface

The sealer is the most important part of your stamped concrete because it is the protection layer. Once this is damaged it will allow water penetration, hazing or white milky spots, color discoloration and ultimately concrete deterioration.

National average cost of placing stamped concrete is between $12.00 and $18.00 per square foot. In other words it would cost between $1,200 and $1,800 to replace a 10’ by 10’ patio.  Most people do not realize the huge investment they have in stamped, colored concrete.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

· Never use a pressure washer to clean your stamped concrete.  Over time the high pressure breaks down the sealer and reduces the protection, the shine and expected life of the sealer.

· Always use a gentle cleaner when washing stamped concrete. The cleaner will release the dirt that gets trapped in the valleys and crevices of the stamped concrete. We recommend using SealGreen Oil Cleaner/Degreaser.

· Always use a garden hose to rinse your stamped concrete. This will extend the life of the sealer.

· Plan to reseal your stamped concrete at least every 18 to 24 months.  If you wait too long between sealer applications the sealer will breakdown and allow the color to start fading.

· Avoid pet accidents over the stamped concrete. The urine of the pets is very acidic and tends to stain and destroy the sealer over time.

· Avoid over-spray from lawn sprinklers. Constant exposure to water on the surface will break down the sealer, create milky white stains (humidity) and eventually expose the color of the concrete to the environment.

· Avoid salts and deicers. Salts and deicers are very acidic and breakdown the sealer very quickly. We recommend using a concrete and environmentally safe deicer such as SealGreen Snow and Ice Melter.

· Never shovel the snow or ice off the stamped concrete with a metal shovel or blade as it can scratch or chip the sealer and the concrete.

· Pots and planters on top of the stamped concrete should be at least ½ off of the surface to allow the stamped concrete to dry and reduce white, humidity staining under the planter.  Or better yet, use a drip tray that catches the water.

· Avoid watering plants with plant food or fertilizers that have high acidity over stamped concrete because it stains the concrete white and destroys the sealer.

· Avoid portable fire pits or chimeras over stamped concrete because the heat destroys the sealer creating white stains. And if is too hot it may weaken and destroy the concrete under it permanently.

· Never drag sharp objects such as metal patio chairs or tables over the stamped concrete. Lift them to move them as they can scratch the sealer and allow for water penetration into the concrete.

· Do not over-seal your stamped concrete. Usually a good sealer will last at least 18 months.  Sealing more often such as every year can build up the coating. Over time the sealer can turn yellow, hiding the original color stain.  When this happens, you will need to completely remove the coating and start over.

· Always apply antiskid every time a new coat of sealer is applied. This will prevent the glossy floor from being slippery when wet.

· Do not drain gutters on top of your stamped concrete. The constant water and the minerals in the water can breakdown the sealer and permanently stain the surface of the concrete.