How Can I Make My Stamped Colored Concrete Look Like When It Was New
This is a common question that we receive two or three times a day. I believe that the reason this is a common problem is because when the stamped concrete is installed, the concrete contractor does not provide instructions on how to maintain the concrete, how often it needs to be sealed and how to clean it.
The following will provide you with three options that you have to restore your concrete.
First things First:
What do I do to restore?
Test
Test Pass
Restore Sealer Only Option One
Test Fails
Final Note
Apply Two Coats Of Concrete Sealer
Seal the patio with two coats of MasonrySaver® Decorative Concrete Sealer per label directions. The sealer can be applied using a brush and roller or by spraying with a garden variety pump-up type sprayer. Avoid puddling or ponding of the product. Allow adequate time between coats for the sealer to completely dry before applying the second coat. The sealer must be applied within four hours. After four hours of cure time, the sealer is too hard to bond to. Allow a minimum of four hours before subjecting the surface to foot traffic. Full cure of the sealer is achieved within three to four days.
My Recommendation For The Best High Gloss Sealer Is:
This acrylic high gloss sealer will give your stamped concrete a very shiny look.
This is a low maintenance sealer that is easy to re-coat.
You can also use this sealer for garage floors, concrete floors, pavers and concrete previously sealed with solvent based acrylic sealers.
You can apply this sealer by pump up sprayer or roll it on.
Use the Chapin Stainless Steel Sprayer to apply it with.
Will Sealing The Concrete Make It Slippery?
A penetrating sealer doesn’t leave any kind of film on the surface, so it won’t make your concrete any more slippery than before you sealed it other than the water beading up on the surface.
A topical sealer leaves a very thin film of sealer on the surface and could make it slightly slipperier when it gets wet.
If this is a concern, just add a non-slip additive to the sealer when you apply it to help make the surface less slippery.
These are the 3 basic types of topicalstamped concrete sealers
Acrylic film forming sealers are the easiest to apply. They can be used on interior or exterior stamped concrete.
Acrylic sealers provide good protection against water and chemical damage. They are UV resistant, non yellowing, fast drying, and come in high or low gloss levels.
Acrylics offer a softer surface and are usually the least expansive.
Urethane film forming sealers go on about twice as thick as the acrylic sealer and provides excellent protection against chemicals and abrasives.
See how I do it HERE.
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What If Blisters And Bubbles Form On The Sealer Surface
Blistering or bubbling of a sealer is rare, but it can really detract from the beauty of a decorative concrete patio when it occurs. The problem is usually caused when air or gases are trapped by the sealer during the curing phase, and is more common with solvent-based products. If the sealer dries too rapidly or too slowly or the top dries before the bottom , the potential is there to trap gas and create blisters.
For advice on getting rid of blisters and bubbles in concrete sealers and other troubleshooting tips, see Fixing Common Sealer Problems.
When To Seal Stamped Concrete
When it comes to maintaining your stamped concrete, never doubt the effects of a good old spring cleaning. Once the weather warms, break out the hose, soap, and brush to clean off the surface. Give your patio a sudsy rinse, hose it off, and then let it dry completely. Wait at least a day, and work during dry, warm weather. If messier stains remain, additional cleaning or even stripping the sealer may be necessary. Solvents like xylene work well, as do rust removers, chemical strippers, or organic spot treatments.
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When Stamped Concrete Turns Dull
The use of acrylic sealers are popular for decorative outdoor concrete because they are UV resistant, enhance the appearance by forming a high-gloss, âwet lookâ are highly water-repellent, can be readily purchased from local hardware stores, and are relatively easy to apply.
The disadvantages of acrylic concrete sealers is that they are soft, less durable, susceptible to hot-tire pickup and have a short lifespan. Depending upon climate and surface traffic, acrylic-based sealers can wear away quickly, unevenly. Exposing the surface to tannin stains, freeze-thaw, oil slicks, deicing chemicals, leave stains, and road salts which will slowly degrade the color and overall appearance of your stamped concrete surface.
When maintenance is ignored, what was once an enriched looking surface, may now turn spotty and dull. If a store bought concrete stain was applied to refresh a color, the susceptibility of the stain peeling becomes much greater. Thus, making biennial application of a sealant crucial for the continued protection, luster, and aesthetic of the surface.
Is It Time To Get The Surface Sealed
Spring and early summer are also great times to reseal your patio or driveway. This should normally take place every three years.;
Natural penetrating sealer is the best option as it resembles and behaves like natural stone for a fraction of the cost, says Connie. This is what we use at Patterned Concrete. If you decide to do the sealing as a DIY job, you can get it from Concreation Canada.
You need warm but not hot weather to apply sealer effectively. You also need to apply it to dry concrete. Make sure the surface is already dry and that you have a couple of clear days in the forecast. This will let the sealer dry thoroughly before the rain hits it again.
There are two issues that often arise if the sealer isnt properly applied.
If bubbles appear, the layer is likely too thick. The weather could also be too hot. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, including the temperature recommendations. Bubbling can also occur if the concrete is exposed to direct sunlight, so try to choose off times when the sun isnt beating down hard.
If you experience peeling, flaking, or a white or filmy look, its likely because the concrete was wet when the sealer was applied. The sealer needs to adhere directly to the concrete, but a layer of water has blocked it.
Over time sealer wears off. But if it is laid too thickly and then a next layer is laid on top of it, moisture can be trapped between the layers, making the surface look milky or white.
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Pea Gravel Stamped Concrete Patio:
Whether you want to redo your old-designed patio or want to install a new one, it is one of the best stamped concrete design options. The project can be implemented easily. You can bring unique texture and more of an organic sensation to your patio with a pea gravel design. You can place a pair of chairs with cushions on one side of the patio to add on the extra beauty.
Surface Preparation Stamped Concrete
Like any surface, you will need to wash the stamped concrete before sealing it. Use a concrete cleaner and a stiff brush or pressure washer. Remove any dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and any other stains. For severe mold/mildew, a mild bleach solution can work well. Follow the directions on the concrete cleaner and be sure to rinse well. Allow the stamped concrete to dry for a day or so before applying the;concrete sealer.
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Why Is It Important To Seal A Concrete Patio
There are a number of benefits that comes with sealing concrete patios. Firstly, water is the worst enemy of decorative concrete. If your concrete patio is not sealed well, it is likely to be vulnerable to moisture. Water from rains, melting snow, or the garden hose that you have used to wash the patio can get through the concrete surface and encourage the growth of moss and algae.
Sealing concrete patios can also help with stain protection. Patios are frequently exposed to a number of things like rust that can leave ugly-looking stains on the surface. These range from leaves and dirt, to fertilizers, pet urine, oil, or those occasionally spilled drinks. However, if you are using the right sealant, your patio will stay clean and these extraneous elements will not be able to penetrate the surface and leave an unsightly stain on the concrete.
Finally, concrete faces the risk of developing cracks because of the freeze-thaw damage that is common in colder climates. This means the concrete patio may crack and need filling because of the expansion of ice that has seeped into the gaps. The water that enters the gaps tends to expand when the water freezes. A sealer is helpful in such a case, since it will keep the water from sinking into the patio in the first place. The best way to check if your sealer is working properly is to check if there are water beads on the surface of the concrete. If water beads are not forming, it may be time for you to reseal your concrete patios.
Imprinted Concrete Sealer For Stamped Or Patterned Concrete
Smartseal imprinted concrete sealer is the perfect way to not only protect your patterned concrete driveway or patio. The stamped concrete sealer will protect your driveway and patio for years. The patterned concrete sealer will have a lifespan of 3-5 years dependent on use. This will also vary dependent on the quality and amount of patterned concrete sealer that was originally applied.
Our sealant for patterned imprinted concrete comes in two finishes – Matt & Silk . If your patterned concrete driveway or patio is in good condition and just requires a top up coat of sealer, use the Silk finish. This imprinted concrete sealer in a satin finish, will ‘melt’ and ‘key’ to any remaining imprinted concrete sealer previously applied. It is recommended that two coats of stamped concrete sealer every 3-5 years will keep the concrete in optimum condition.
The patterned concrete sealer;or imprinted concrete sealer Matt finish should be used if the condition of the concrete is poor.;If there is colour loss on the surface of the concrete, you can add a colour tint to the;concrete sealer. The viscosity of the patterned concrete sealant will allow the colour to penetrate and revive the original colour of the concrete.If the stamped concrete sealer for any reason cannot key into the surface of the imprinted concrete properly, there is a good chance it will peel off at some stage and create a problem that is difficult to fix.
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Stamped Concrete Patio For Path:
Imagine if you can customize the design according to your own choice for a patio on a mold. Isnt it going to be awesome? This will simplify your task by a considerable margin. It is easy to design any kind of flat surface with stamped concrete.
It is a one-time investment and in return, you can enjoy the fruits of stamped patios, stamped driveways, or even beautifully paved front entrances.
Color the concrete brown for the entrance of the home will look perfect.
How To Recolor A Faded Stamped Concrete Patio
- Written by Anubhav Kapoor on Oct 05, 2010To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by
Even the most well-maintained stamped concrete patios are liable to fade over time. External agents like sunlight, surface traffic, dust, and grime are responsible for the slow wearing away of the color. However, you can recolor the concrete with some basic tools and the following information.
Step 1 Clean Your Patio Surface
Get started by thoroughly cleaning the patio. This is vital because you need to remove the debris lining the surface that has to be re-colored. You can use various kinds of solutions depending upon the condition of the concrete and your preference, but an organic washing solution can be prepared by mixing lukewarm water and some baking soda. This is the simplest and safest cleaner for scrubbing away stains, and you can use a brush or mop to apply and spread it.
Many landscapers prefer using cleaners prepared from muriatic acid. These concrete cleaners are safe to use and very potent. Using one of these is recommended if the stamped concrete is very old and heavily stained.
Step 2 Remove Old Color
Step 3 Prime
Step 4 Paint/Stain Surface
Follow your painting or staining with a protective sealer for concrete so that your new color lasts as long as possible.
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Do I Need To Seal My Concrete Patio
Even though concrete patios arent exposed to vehicle traffic or deicing salts, like concrete driveways are, they still take plenty of punishment. Backyard barbecues, outdoor campfires, heavy foot traffic, and unrelenting sunshine can cause patios to fade, discolor, and abrade if you leave them unprotected.
Find concrete patio contractors near me.
The reasons for sealing a concrete patio are similar to those for waxing a car, wearing sunscreen, or applying stain repellent to new carpeting. Its done to enhance the appearance, keep the color from fading due to sun exposure, and protect it from stains and moisture absorption.
If your patio is located in a region of the country subject to freeze-thaw cycles, applying sealer will reduce the chance of freeze-thaw damage – the ugly surface spalling and scaling that can occur after water is absorbed into concrete and expands when it freezes. Although concrete patios arent typically exposed to deicing salts, which can aggravate the problem, they are still porous and will absorb water if left unsealed.
Three Wait For The Right Weather
Weather is an important factor to consider when it comes to sealing outdoor concrete. It is important that you apply the concrete sealers only when you can count on getting at least 3 days when the temperatures stay between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This part is often overlooked by many as they do not realize how important it is. Moderate temperatures ensure that the application is effective and that you end up with the best curing. Do not seal the concrete if you expect any sort of precipitation rain, dew, snow, etc. – during this period.
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Why Seal Stamped Concrete
To the untrained eye, your stamped concrete surface may look fine, save for some wear and tear – but over time all concrete can and will degrade. Really, the answer is simply this you need to protect your investment.
Sealing is recommended if your new concrete driveway has cured or whether it has been a few years since you put in the concrete. You can tell that it has been sealed due to its glossy sheen. If it looks faded and old, you may want to know how to reseal stamped concrete to make it look new again.
Your surface will be exposed to all kinds of elements such as leaves, dirt, fertilizer, pet urine, and chlorine salts. The right type of concrete sealer will keep these elements off, stop them from penetrating the surface, and prevent ugly stains. If your house is located in an area with colder climates, the chances of freeze-thaw damage will be reduced if the concrete is sealed. Freeze-thaw damage happens when the water that has been absorbed by the surface first freezes, and then expands, causing cracks in the surface that will need to be repaired with crack filler.
What the concrete sealant does in this case is stop the water from penetrating the surface, causing it to bead up. If you do not see beads on the concrete surface, you might want to seal your stamped concrete again. You also need to re-seal surfaces which see a lot of heavy traffic.
Maintenance For Stamped Concrete
Maintaining your newly stamped concrete is important. Periodically inspect cured and sealed surfaces for wear or damage.
All concrete curing compounds will eventually exhibit the effects of weathering and traffic. For maximum coating life and performance, wipe up all chemical solvent or petroleum spills as soon as possible. Remove abrasive debris by sweeping or vacuuming. Do not drag, drop or place sharp edges on sealed surfaces.
Periodic washings with mild detergents will help maintain surface luster. Do not use solvent or acid-based cleaning materials for general cleaning. Hot car tires or turning tires while your car is standing may damage the sealer. Surfaces that will be subjected to car traffic, de-icing salts or chemical exposure may exhibit wear more quickly. In most cases stamped concrete does not need to be sealed every year. A build-up of seal can cause delamination issues, so be sure to discuss re-sealing with your contractor.
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