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Decorative concrete is widely used in modern construction It is used to decorate building facades, fill floors in industrial and residential premises, and make garden paths and platforms.
Decorative concrete is produced using colored cements and special aggregates.
Concrete decor is used to imitate natural stone, brickwork, animal skins, etc. The manufacturing technology is quite simple, but requires experience working with concrete and certain knowledge.
DIY printed concrete on a vertical surface
You will need:
- cement-based glue or putty;
- polyurethane mold for embossing;
- aluminum smoother;
- putty knife;
- dry pigments;
- spray;
- fixative impregnation;
- primer for concrete.
After cleaning the walls from the old finish, the surface must be primed.
Do-it-yourself decorative concrete - not like that difficult task, as it may seem at first glance. The first step is to prepare the surface: completely remove the old finish, fill up potholes and cracks, clean from dirt and dust, and be sure to remove grease stains. After this, the wall is primed with a special primer for concrete, which does not form a sticky film on the surface. If the future concrete layer is 3-5 cm thick, then it is advisable to attach a plaster mesh to the wall - this will improve the adhesion of the materials and prevent their possible shedding or cracking. If stamping is performed on a 1-2 cm layer of concrete, then additional reinforcement can be dispensed with.
Decoratively printed concrete is made from tile adhesive or putty based on white cement, which must contain a plasticizer. Experts do not recommend making your own cement mortar for vertical stamping, since failure to comply with the proportions can lead to cracking and crumbling.
If the glue or putty does not contain a plasticizer, you can add it yourself, following the instructions on the package. Some craftsmen use PVA glue instead of plasticizer, but this must be done with skill, so it is better for beginners not to take risks.
The concrete layer must be applied to the wall using a spatula.
Concrete mortar is applied to the wall using a spatula; the thickness of the layer can vary from 1 to 5 cm (depending on the chosen form for embossing). The surface is leveled flat wooden slats, leave for 50-70 minutes.
Embossing begins when, when you touch your fingers, there is no trace of glue left on them. To prevent the mold from sticking, it is moistened with soapy water or a special separator. The form is pressed against the cement, tapped with a mallet or other suitable instrument, held for a while, then carefully pulled out. The entire wall is decorated in this way.
In order to paint concrete stone, it is necessary to mix dry pigments with a carrier impregnation. The dye is applied to the wall using a sprayer or a paint brush.
Some craftsmen add pigments directly to the concrete solution, but in this case it should be remembered that their amount should not exceed 5% of the total mass. Paint decorative rock You can use special acid dyes, it all depends on your imagination and wishes.
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DIY decorative blocks
You will need:
- silicone sealant;
- wooden box;
- purchased stone-like tiles - 1 pc.;
- white cement- 1 part;
- quartz sand - 3 parts;
- marble or granite chips- 2 parts;
- plasticizer - 0.5%.
Decorative concrete blocks you can make it yourself. The first step is to make a form. For this purpose you will need a box made from wooden planks(at least 12 cm high), as well as silicone sealant based on acetic acid. The box is being filled silicone sealant(in a thick layer), in order to avoid voids, the mass is pressed with a flat brush dipped in water. Store-bought tiles imitating stone (face down) are laid on the sealant and left until the material hardens completely.
To prevent the tile from sticking to the sealant, it is pre-lubricated with grease.
If you were unable to purchase a ready-made sample, you can proceed as follows: fill the box with silicone, place natural stones on top at a short distance from each other, leave until the silicone hardens completely, then remove the stones. The mold is ready, you can make blocks for walls and garden paths.
Next, you need to make a concrete solution: white cement is mixed with sand and stone chips, water and a plasticizer are added. The solution should not be too liquid; it should slowly slide off the instrument. Part of the concrete is poured into a silicone mold and laid reinforcing mesh, after which the remaining solution is poured in and left until the material dries completely. In order for things to move faster, it is necessary to make several silicone molds. Ready blocks can be used for finishing facades, floors and garden paths.
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Garden paths made of decorative concrete
You will need:
- cement grade M 300-500;
- quartz sand;
- crushed stone;
- plasticizer;
- roller;
- vibrating screed;
- polyethylene film;
- tamping tool;
- reinforcing fiber;
- ironers;
- stamping form;
- color fixative;
- disconnector;
- protective impregnation.
With the help of decorative printed concrete you can make a wonderful garden path. The first step is to mark the future alley; rope and pegs are used for this purpose. After that, a 15-20 cm layer of turf is removed, all weeds are carefully uprooted, formwork is installed around the entire perimeter, and then the earth is compacted. A layer of sand and crushed stone is poured, compacted again, the surface is covered with plastic film, and the sheet is overlapped at the joints.
To make a concrete solution, take 1 part of cement, mix with 3 parts of sand and gravel, add water (about 2 parts) and a plasticizer (0.5%). It is advisable to add reinforcing fiber to the solution at the rate of 0.5 kg per 1 m³. The solution is stirred until smooth, left for about 5 minutes, then stirred again. The finished concrete is poured into the formwork, distributed over the entire surface using a vibrating screed, then passed over it with a roller. After such manipulation, sand and crushed stone are evenly distributed over the surface: fine filler rises, large filler falls.
After about 60-70 minutes, when the concrete has set but still remains damp, most of the colored fixer is distributed over the surface, smoothed out with a simple and corner trowel, after which the rest of the dye is poured out. Before embossing begins, a special release agent is applied over the fixative. Then take the embossing mold, press it forcefully into the surface of the track, and then carefully remove it. In this way, embossing is done over the entire surface.
Technology for laying decorative printed concrete.
1. Conditions for performing work
Carry out work in dry weather at a temperature not lower than +5 C.
2. Site preparation
- take off upper layer soil, level, compact
- pour a layer of crushed stone 15-20 cm, level, compact
- put plastic film with an overlap of 10 cm
- set up the formwork
- make reinforcement depending on the load
3. Characteristics concrete mixture
- The grade of concrete must be at least M-300 using Portland cement 400-500 with a plasticizing additive SP1 or C3
- mobility of the concrete mixture 10-15 cm (P3)
- When making concrete, we recommend using reinforcing polypropylene fiber (fiber) at the rate of 0.6 kg per 1 m3, which prevents the appearance of cracks and improves the performance characteristics of concrete
Composition of concrete when preparing it on a construction site (by volume):
- cement PC 400 - 1 part
- sand with a particle size modulus of at least 2.2 mm - 3 parts
- crushed stone (hard rock) fraction 5/20 mm - 3 parts
- plasticizer C-3 - 0.5% of dry matter (give in the form of an aqueous solution).
4. Laying concrete mixture
- Place the prepared concrete mixture into the formwork
- distribute evenly, compact with a vibrating screed or deep vibrator, level
- then roll the concrete surface with a roller, depositing coarse aggregate and bringing small particles (a mixture of sand and cement) to the surface.
- smooth the concrete surface using an aluminum trowel (large or small, depending on the area)
- process the edges of the concrete along the entire perimeter with an angle trowel
5. Installation of a decorative layer
- Before applying a colored fixer, make sure that there is no excess water on the concrete surface (the concrete surface should be matte)
- Apply evenly by manual scattering 70% of the fixer consumption rate (3 kg/m2 for dark colors and 4-5 kg/m2 for light ones), the surface must be evenly painted
- smooth with an aluminum trowel, process the edges of the concrete
- sprinkle the remaining 30% of the fixative, smooth with a steel trowel
- finish the edges with a corner trowel
- Before printing with textured polyurethane forms, the prepared surface must be coated (sprayed) with a hydrophobic release agent using a long-haired brush, in a thin, even layer (consumption 0.2 kg per 1 m2)
6. Printing a design using texture matrices
- imprinting of prepared concrete should be carried out without delay, while it still lends itself to light finger pressure
- Begin laying the first textured forms, moving along the entire length of the concrete platform along the formwork.
- to avoid sagging, press the matrices tightly against each other, this creates straight lines at the joints
- depending on the plastic hardness of the concrete mixture at the time of imprinting, the matrix should be pressed over the entire area into the concrete by pressing with hands, feet or a tamper (to evenly distribute the load over the entire area)
7. Washing and applying a protective layer
- after two days (at least) of hardening of the stamped concrete, sweep away excess release agent from the surface using long-haired brushes
- wash the surface clean water, use brushes to remove excess disconnector, if necessary, use a 3% hydrochloric acid solution
- prime the surface with acrylic impregnation, apply a protective coating on a dry, clean and not hot surface of washed printed concrete (surface temperature should be from +5 C to +30 C) acrylic impregnation brush, roller or spray with a consumption of 200 g per 1m2
- after at least 60 minutes, apply to a dry and not hot surface (surface temperature should be from +5 C to +30 C) finishing layer, protective acrylic impregnation (matte surface) or varnish for stone and concrete (glossy surface) with a consumption of 200 g per 1 m2
8. Temperature shrinkage joints
- to prevent the formation of uncontrolled shrinkage cracks, saw through the seams with a grinder diamond blade or a joint cutter for 1/3 of the concrete thickness. How thinner than a slab, the closer the seams should be. If possible, the slabs should be square; in extreme cases, their length should exceed the width by no more than 1.5 times.
9. Terms of Use.
- you can walk 4 hours after applying the topcoat impregnation with acrylic or varnish for stone and concrete
- it is not recommended to load finished surface in the first 12-14 days (drive by car, carts, etc.), only light pedestrian traffic is allowed
- the use of deicing agents is contraindicated
- do not use metal objects for removing ice and snow
- update finishing coating(varnish or impregnation) once every 2 years, in high-traffic areas annually (parks, squares, alleys, squares, etc.) to restore the original shine, protect against moisture and wear
Stamped concrete has gained real popularity over the past few years. To create an original surface and unique texture, stamp technology is used. After processing, the concrete will look like natural wood, stone paving stones, slate slabs. It attracts attention with its increased strength and long-term operation.
Technology development
Thanks to the development of stamping technology, specialists can create lightweight flooring. There will be a beautiful and original pattern on its surface. Concrete can be used for decoration summer cottage, streets and city parks.
There are several main advantages:
- unlimited possibilities for bringing any design ideas and solutions to life;
- minimal costs for the purchase of raw materials;
- beautiful and unique relief on the surface.
Decorative printed coating differs from other surfaces that are presented on the construction market. This technology first appeared in the United States of America. It was used to construct runways at airports.
Concrete is easy to process, so the surface can be given a rough texture and any texture. One of the main advantages is minimal costs and low production costs. Thanks to this, the presented concrete coating entered the world market. Now it is used for beautification summer cottages and sidewalks.
Opportunities for renovation and construction
Concrete with a decorative coating is a conventional concrete mass, onto the surface of which a decorative imprint is applied. Among the large and varied selection, the following imitations are presented:
Thanks to such opportunities and the offered assortment, everyone will be able to make their choice. Construction companies Such masonry is often used to decorate the area near the entrance to an office building.
Application area
Decorative coating has found wide application in different areas activities. Stamping an imprint on a concrete surface is used to design:
Over the past few years, concrete has begun to be actively used to design parking paths and parking lots. This coating looks original and unusual. Decorative material will become excellent option for gas station or stairs. If builders carry out complex restoration work, craftsmen will be able to create masonry under worn stone or ancient brick.
Types of stamps
You can create different printed impressions on concrete. To do this, use various stamps, which are presented in a wide range. They are made from different materials:
Forms are hard and soft. The further relief of the surface depends on their strength. If the matrix density is high, the print will be of higher quality during production. When an elastic mold is used during production, certain difficulties arise. This is due to the amount of force required during stamping.
Advantages of Printed Concrete
Thanks to modern technology creation decorative surface on concrete, manufacturers can recreate different patterns. The following advantages can be highlighted:
To get concrete High Quality, it is necessary to comply with the technology and established classic recipe. All activities must comply state standards. The result is a high quality product that will last long time.
What is the complexity of the process
During the work process, it is important to follow several rules and recommendations that will affect the final result. There are several problems that most often arise during the stamping process:
Everyone can try their hand at making printed concrete. At home, it is difficult to obtain high-quality products that will meet the requirements and standards, and also last for a long time. There is a generally accepted technology for creating decorative printed concrete in a home workshop.
Stages of work
During the work process, it is important to follow a strict sequence in order to create a decorative coating. Several main stages can be distinguished:
This is followed by washing and varnishing, which helps make the material completely sealed. Each stage has its own characteristics and rules. If you follow all the recommendations, you can create printed concrete with your own hands.
Preparation of the workplace
To prepare the site, you need to ensure weather conditions. The day should be dry and warm. It is allowed to make concrete if the outside air temperature is not lower than +6 degrees Celsius. It is important to prepare the basis for subsequent work. To do this, follow the following technology:
At the last stage it is important to ensure optimal distance to soil level. There should be at least 5-7 centimeters left.
Concreting process
Another important stage for creation is concreting. The work is carried out strictly in the established sequence:
Thanks to the use of polypropylene fiber, it is possible to prevent the possible occurrence of cracks and problems on the surface of the concrete base. As a result, the service life of the concrete mass increases.
Use of hardeners
Before starting to make a decorative print, it is necessary to treat the surface using a special hardener. It helps increase the strength level of concrete. The hardener is a dry mixture in powder form, which contains the following components:
- coloring pigment;
- fine quartz sand;
- granite, presented in the form of crumbs;
- binder fillers.
The particles that are included in the composition help fill concrete pores as much as possible. Additionally, the surface is painted. Hardeners help increase the strength of concrete and make the mass denser and harder. To perform processing, you must follow the following sequence:
Thanks to special staff hardener, the color of the array becomes more uniform and stable. When the surface becomes smooth, you need to take care of its compaction.
At the end of the work, the craftsmen need to apply a release agent. It helps prevent the concrete from sticking to the matrix. During production, the concrete is colored. Among large selection you can find the optimal shade.
The release agent is a liquid or dry mixture. Masters choose best option depending on requirements and ease of use. The mixture is applied with a brush. Finally, the surface is sanded at the corners of the area. Final stage- stamping. Engage printing technology possible after the concrete base reaches the required level of plasticity.
If the concrete is too dense, the print will be unclear. To track the level of the array, you need to press your finger on the concrete surface. Another important requirement - the right technology printed concrete.
If the print has a depth of up to 5 mm, you can start creating a stamp. Special forms are laid out over the entire surface and numbered. Masters need to designate a sequence.
Next, use the tamping technique or press the matrix with its own weight. Craftsmen must ensure calm hardening concrete covering within 2−3 days. If defects or other damage occurs on the surface, it is necessary to use textured sandpaper or a hand roller.
Increasingly, technologies are appearing in construction that can create works of art from familiar coatings and materials. Such a transformation is possible even with such an ordinary material as concrete. By using polyurethane or metal stamps, a dull concrete surface can be made to look like stone pavers, wood flooring or slate slabs. This type of concrete is called stamped, printed or pressed concrete. We’ll talk about it now, as well as the possibility of creating a printed surface yourself.
The essence and possibilities of using this technology
Stamped concrete is ordinary concrete, on the surface of which decorative embossing is applied with special stamps. The relief pattern can imitate any material: brick, paving stones, boards, animal skins, weathered stone, cracked earth. You can choose stamps with leaf patterns, dinosaur footprints, and animal figures.
Stamped concrete is especially popular when decorating patios, areas near swimming pools, garden paths, sidewalks, gazebos, floors in restaurants and exhibition halls. This technology becomes indispensable for complex restoration work. For example, when it is necessary to recreate a destroyed part of an ancient pavement. It is often not possible to find exactly the same materials that have aged naturally. And with the help of stamped concrete technology, exact copies of existing old brick or half-erased stone can be easily created.
Variety of stamps for printed concrete
The first stamps for stamped concrete were made of cast aluminum and were massive molds equipped with handles. Such matrices are well suited for simulating ordinary brick or stone patterns. But they are unable to copy complex textures. Modern polyurethane stamps are a completely different matter. They are cast on real materials, the texture of which must be copied. As a result, incredibly authentic textural effects can be achieved using polyurethane molds.
Ready-made stamps can be purchased at many construction stores or centers. When choosing, you should pay attention to the degree of rigidity of the shape. The denser the stamp, the easier it is to create a clearly visible design. Forms that are too soft and pliable are more difficult to work with and require more effort during the printing process.
Self-production technology
The technology of stamped concrete is quite simple, but you should only take it on if you already have some skills in working with concrete. Otherwise, the result may not be what you expected. Problems may arise for the following reasons:
- concrete hardens quickly, after which the use of stamps does not produce clear embossing on the surface;
- To perform embossing using stamps, you need to apply physical force;
- errors in embossing a concrete surface are difficult to correct;
- stamped concrete technology requires the worker to be able to use special tools to form and smooth the surface.
Once you are confident that you can handle the potential problems, you can begin creating the concrete pad and performing the stamping work.
Step 1. Preparing the concrete site
The basis for stamping is ordinary concrete platform with reinforcement, made of concrete grade M350 and higher.
Technology for creating such a platform:
- using pegs and a cord, mark the boundaries of the area where stamping will be carried out;
- remove the top layer of soil (depth 15-20 cm), compact the soil bottom;
- pour a crushed stone cushion (10-15 cm thick) onto the bottom of the excavation and tamp it down;
- formwork made of boards is installed along the border of the site;
- lay a reinforcing mesh in the formwork, raising it above the ground level by at least 3-5 cm (by placing stones and bricks under the mesh);
- concrete is mixed manually, using a concrete mixer, or ordered ready-made;
- concrete is poured into the formwork, a metal rule is used to obtain the required level of the site;
- compact the concrete with a vibrating screed;
- The top layer of concrete is smoothed with a trowel, achieving a smooth and uniform surface.
Step #2. Application of color hardener
For more fresh concrete A colored hardener is applied, which simultaneously colors the surface and increases its strength. A colored hardener is a powder that contains coloring pigments, binder filler and ground granite particles and quartz sand. Due to the dispersion of the mixture, its particles penetrate into the pores of concrete and fill them. The concrete surface becomes more dense and durable. At the same time, the particles give the concrete a lasting color (about 30 tones to choose from).
Work on applying a colored hardener begins after the initial setting of the concrete surface. You can focus on the moment when all the water that appears from the surface has evaporated.
Colored hardener powder is scattered over the concrete surface manually, from the center of the site to the edges. At the same time, they perform movements similar to throwing a bowling ball. Scoop up a portion of the powder, move your hand back and with a sharp movement throw the mixture forward from waist level. This principle of applying powder minimizes the number of particles flying through the air.
The first layer of hardener should be absorbed into the concrete, which takes 5-10 minutes. During this time, the surface of the concrete is smoothed by rubbing the dye into it using a magnesium smoother. Corners are also processed using corner smoothers to make them curved and neat.
Then a second layer of colored hardener is applied. It is necessary to paint the surface more evenly and compact it. The powder is applied in exactly the same way as in the first case. After application, the surface is leveled with a steel trowel.
Step #3. Application of the release agent
The release ink prevents the concrete from sticking to the dies during the printing process. In addition, it additionally colors the surface of the concrete, giving it subtle shades of color. The release agent is available in the form of a dry powder or liquid. Most often, powder is used, applying it to the surface of the concrete with a wide brush (brush).
The brush is immersed in a bucket with a separating component so that the bristles are evenly covered with powder. Then, holding the brush at waist level, throw your hand forward and “spray” the powder over the surface of the concrete.
After painting, the corners of the area are treated with textured sandpaper.
Step #4. Surface stamping
Before you start stamping, you need to make sure that the concrete has acquired the required degree of plasticity and has become similar in consistency to plasticine. If you start stamping too early, the concrete surface will not be able to support the weight of the workers and maintain the print lines. If you are late, you will have to put more effort into the stamps to print clearly. In addition, the texture of the stamps may not be imprinted at all on concrete that is too dense, especially at the end of the job.
To determine the degree of density, just press your finger on the concrete surface at several points on the site. If there are prints left with a depth of 4-6 mm, then stamping can begin. You can also check it another way: place a stamp on a concrete surface (at the edge of the site) and step on it. The stamp must support the weight of the worker, not sink into the concrete, and not slide across the surface.
If all tests pass successfully, you can begin stamping. The stamps are laid out on the concrete surface, one after another. Manufacturers often number the stamps (1, 2, 3... or A, B, C...) to indicate the desired sequence of their placement in the printed design.
To imprint the texture of the stamps into the concrete, you can often simply step on them. Sometimes light hand tampers are used for this.
After the prints are made, the concrete surface is left to cure for 12-24 hours.
Step #5. Elimination of defects
On the concrete surface, where the dies meet, a slight displacement of the cement mortar often occurs. Sometimes, due to insufficient compaction, the seams of the printed pattern may appear blurry and indistinct. To correct surface defects, a hand roller is used along the seams and joints, and uneven surfaces are smoothed out with textured sandpaper.
Step #6. Cutting shrink joints
Several cut seams in the slab provide stress relief and prevent cracks. Such joints can be made in still fresh concrete using a special cutter. Or cut the seams with a grinder after the concrete has dried.
Step #7. Surface washing
The next day, wash the surface. Use a hose to wash away excess separating component. Afterwards, an acid wash is performed ( hydrochloric acid) to obtain the desired effect of combining two colors on the surface. During this process, the pores of the concrete also open, which promotes better interaction of its surface with the sealant.
Step #8. Applying sealant
The next day, a sealant varnish is applied to the concrete. It performs a number of functions:
- protects the surface from abrasion and wear, as well as from the penetration of oils and chemicals;
- gives the surface a shine of varying saturation (from barely noticeable satin to rich varnish);
- enhances the color saturation of concrete;
- simplifies the care of the treated surface.
The sealant is applied with a roller, rolling it over the surface. But, if the stamped texture has deep imprints, when applying sealant it is advisable to combine rolling with a roller with additional processing with a brush. Typically 2-3 coats of sealant are required.
After the sealant has dried, the stamped surface will be completely ready for use.
I would like to note a few points:
- If you are using a stamp for the first time and have no idea what the stamp will look like on concrete, do a test stamp on compacted sand.
- Avoid repeating the printed pattern on the surface, especially if the stamps imitate natural materials(stone, wood, etc.). Random compositions will look more realistic.
- To get an antique effect on the surface, apply another liquid concrete a small amount of dry release agent (in powder form). Spray a liquid release agent over it. The liquid will dissolve a light layer of powder, after which color accents will remain on the surface, similar to scuff marks.
- Make sure that the release agent particles are well pressed into the concrete when printing. Otherwise, it will simply be washed away with water when washing the surface.
- Make sure that the person walking on the dies while compacting wears clean, non-marking shoes construction waste and dust. Inevitably, these contaminants will transfer to the fresh concrete and disrupt the desired texture of the stamped surface.
That's all the secrets of stamped concrete technology! But, before you start stamping yourself, we suggest you watch a short educational video. It demonstrated the main stages of the technology: painting concrete, applying a release agent and creating a surface texture using stamps.
Printed concrete - do-it-yourself technology and recipe
Modern technological methods for carrying out construction activities are constantly evolving. Old solutions are being replaced by innovative ideas. The technology of printed concrete involves the use of stamps, with the help of which original textures are formed, reminiscent of wood, stone paving stones or slate slabs.
The method allows you to independently, using simple devices, create an imprint of the original configuration on concrete mortar. Stamped or, as it is called, printed concrete allows you to imitate natural stone, create a decorative design that will harmoniously fit into the exterior of the site, and become a real “highlight” of the overall architectural ensemble.
Decorative, stamped, press concrete and printed concrete are different names the same technology
The process of ensuring decorativeness park paths, fireplaces, stairwells allows:
- realize the developer's fantasies;
- get money savings;
- provide relief.
Let us consider in more detail the technology of forming a decorative printed coating and its features.
How did the technology come about?
The process of forming the relief surface of a concrete mass has its historical beginning on the European and American continents. In the USA, stamped concrete technology was initially used to provide rough, textured coating strips for landing and takeoff of aircraft. This printed concrete surface has proven itself as solid foundation, having a long service life.
The technology, which originated in the defense sector, has become widespread in urban planning. Thanks to the method of creating an imprint on a concrete mass, the appearance of populated centers has changed significantly. The peculiarity of the technology is that such coatings are in harmony with any type of building and at low cost make it possible to ensure the naturalness of natural stone.
It's pretty new technology, allowing you to create a finishing ambience natural stone, but at the same time significantly save time, effort and money
Technology capabilities
Press concrete is a regular concrete mass with a decorative imprint applied that imitates:
- brickwork;
- stone paving stones;
- paving;
- natural wood;
- cracks on the ground;
- decorative covering with images of animal tracks and leaves;
- old pavement.
Application area
Areas of technology use decorative design are different. Stamping of decorative prints is used in the artistic design of the following structures:
- Terrace.
- Original sidewalks.
- Various gazebos.
- Recreation areas.
- Floors in recreation areas, exhibition centers, restaurants.
Decorative concrete is a material that is many times greater in strength and chemical resistance ordinary concrete mixtures
- Park paths.
- Stairs.
- Car parking.
- Gas stations.
- light aluminum alloy cast in a special shape. The stamp allows you to imitate patterns on stone and brickwork;
- flexible polyurethane, the stamp from which is cast onto natural materials in order to accurately replicate the original texture.
- Highly environmentally friendly printing method, which does not use toxic components that negatively affect human health.
- Impact resistance natural factors and aggressive compounds.
- Easy to clean using available products.
- Preservation appearance coating and performance characteristics in a wide temperature range while maintaining the concrete structure and color scheme.
- Long service life of concrete with decorative imprint.
- Insignificant costs for the production of stamped and printed concrete coating that imitates natural materials.
- Ease of implementation of the technology and the ability to perform all stages of work without special skills.
- accelerated hardening of concrete, which does not allow making a clear impression;
- the need to exert significant effort when working with stamps;
- the difficulty of eliminating errors made when embossing a concrete mass;
- lack of special skills in working with tools and devices to smooth out defects and form a high-quality impression.
When performing complex restoration measures, the technology of printed concrete makes it possible to reproduce exact copy stone, antique brick or road surface worn away over time.
Types of stamps
Creation of printed impressions on concrete is made using a variety of stamps made from the following materials:
The degree of relief depends on the rigidity of the shape. The higher the density of the matrix, the easier it is to reproduce a high-quality print using it. When using elastic forms, difficulties arise in the work due to the need to apply significant effort during the stamping process.
Today, molds are cast from polyurethane directly onto the surfaces of materials whose texture needs to be conveyed.
Advantages of the method
The technology for creating a decorative surface on concrete has many positive aspects, the main ones being:
If the technology and recipe are followed when performing all activities, then negative aspects when using the printing method are excluded.
Let us consider in more detail the features of the technology of decorative stamping of concrete.
Stamping is carried out directly on the surface applied cement mortar, due to which the lifespan of the decor is significantly increased
Process specifics
The method of making a printed impression on concrete is quite simple, but there are some peculiarities that affect the quality of the results. Problems with self-stamping can be caused by the following factors:
If you are not afraid of problems, get to work!