Concrete Stamping & Coloring

Concrete has been around since prehistoric times, forming an integral part of modern-day structures. Until recently, concrete was also dull – not anymore. Today, concrete comes in so many decorative forms. From liquid colors to concrete stamps that can emulate natural materials, decorative concrete can make a patio, driveway or wall appear as though it is made from stone, timber, or tiles. Your choice of concrete surface decoration is limited only by your imagination.

Airtight Construction offers clients a range of concrete color choices and stamps to brighten up your structures, from a concrete patio to a poured concrete retaining wall. We can bring your concrete to life by stamping and creating patterns to complement your style.

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Types of Colored Concrete

You can create color in concrete in one of four ways. Each offers a different look, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.

Concrete Stain

A popular option, staining allows you to add color to your new structures and old ones, too. Concrete stain is understated. It works best with neutral colors and earthy tones, and it looks good paired with natural stone.

Concrete stains soak into the top layer of concrete. They are durable and fade- and UV-resistant. On the downside, stains will not hide marks on the concrete.

Concrete Mix Color

Concrete color, known as integral color, must be added to fresh concrete as it is mixed. We add pigments to the concrete so the pigment colors the entire mix. Since the color runs throughout the structure, chips or wear don’t easily show.

You can choose red, neutrals, and earthy tones, when you opt for concrete color. We can also achieve soft blues and greens. There are, however, no deep or vibrant colors. You could, of course, consider mixing an integral color as the base color with another option for brightness.

Color Hardener

Often used after stamping, color hardeners can add a range of intense colors to concrete. Hardeners also strengthen the concrete. Color hardener pigments are great for areas prone to moisture, chemicals, or wear and tear. Hardeners create a color variance for stones, bricks, or tiles, mimicking patterns.

Skillful Application

The downside of color hardener is that it takes considerable skill to apply. A contractor will know how to handle the dry-shake powders and pigments. A skilled contractor will know how to handle the dry-shake pigments and powder and keep them away from plants or materials that could be harmed. Budget contractors are unlikely to offer color hardeners because they may not have the skills or the PPE to handle it.

Concrete Dyes

Concrete dyes produce the most vibrant colors. You can choose shades of blue, purple, red, yellow and orange. A word of caution: the color is so vibrant that you should examine a sample before you start the concrete dye application.

Branding with Concrete Dyes

Concrete dyes are perfect for the logos and graphics used in corporate branding. Look for quality, UV-resistant dyes and seal the finished product to avoid fading.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete, sometimes called patterned or imprinted concrete, has become very popular. Stamping tools can create beautiful, eye-catching walls, adding natural patterns to retaining walls, patios, and more. Stamping concrete transforms walls from plain, functional structures to works of art. A concrete stamp can create a brick, tile, cobblestone, or timber look on the stamp concrete surface.

Stamped Concrete Uses

Use concrete stamps to create

Patios and pool areas
Driveways
Walkways
Fire pits and fireplaces
Inside and outside concrete floors

A Simple Path to a Stylish Finish

Concrete stamps have a natural appearance. Stamps can emulate slate, cobblestone, or brick on concrete. Use integral color and stamping to change dull concrete to a finished product that looks like the other buildings on the property or blends with the surrounding landscape. Concrete presents a seamless sealed surface with no seams for moisture intrusion. The result is a durable wall that needs little maintenance. Stamped concrete is also relatively inexpensive.

How Is Stamped Concrete Installed?

The ideal is to start stamping into fresh concrete before it has time to cure. You can, however, also apply an overlay of stamp concrete over existing concrete floors and walls. Use these overlays to upgrade your property, giving it a stylish facelift while retaining concrete’s practical attributes. A stamped surface adds a natural-looking surface to your concrete structures, matching them with the surrounding structures and natural features.

Commercial Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is the perfect way to pave large driveways and concrete patios. Concrete creates a durable and sophisticated look that is easy to clean and maintain. Concrete is also relatively inexpensive. With concrete, you can create the appearance of natural materials without the expense of actually laying them.

Stamped Concrete Pros and Cons

As with all construction projects, you must appreciate the pros and cons before investing. Here are the stamped concrete pros and cons.

Stamped concrete benefits

Stamped concrete is relatively inexpensive. You’ll pay a lot more for treatments like pavers, brick, or stone. Create these looks from our range of stamp patterns. Combine colors and stamp patterns to invent almost limitless designs. We can also install slip-resistant coverings on patios and around the pool. Stamp concrete is easy to install, and you can update the patterns.

Stamped concrete drawbacks

Stamped concrete has very few disadvantages. This is not a DIY installation. You will need a professional contractor who knows the materials and has the skills to complete the project. With concrete, you always risk cracking, especially in more severe winter climates. A contractor who understands the local conditions will ensure the concrete is properly cleaned and prepared for the concrete stamp, creating a uniform layer. As long as you regularly seal the surface, your concrete should survive the winter unscathed.

How to Design Attractive Stamped Concrete

The designs you choose for your building are as personal and unique as your property. The range of colors and stamps, from aligning stamp patterns to irregular stamp patterns is enormous. The only limit to the choices is your imagination.

Start the design process by examining the surrounding buildings and landscape. Draw inspiration from what you find attractive. Your contractor can mix and match colored concrete and concrete stamps so you can create decorative borders or copy nature. It’s up to you.

How to Design Attractive Stamped Concrete

How Much is Stamped Concrete?

Your stamping options will affect the cost of the concrete. You typically expect roughly $8 for a simple stamped pattern to $18 per square foot for high-end stamping projects. Concrete is one of the most durable materials and, when well installed and maintained, will last for decades.

Will Stamped Concrete Fade or Crack?

If properly installed, stamped concrete should not crack. You may find that the patterns hide minor cracks, making them difficult to detect. If you have small cracks call ATC. We’re happy to help with the repairs.

Colored concrete will fade and wear as much as any outside surface treatment. Your concrete needs regular cleaning and resealing to protect it from the elements. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas like pool decks.

Concrete is easily damaged by de-icing salt. The concrete will experience scaling and spalling under freeze-thaw cycles. Rock salt is less damaging on concrete, but plants don’t do well around it. Use sand for traction to save the concrete.

Maintaining Stamped Surfaces

Your stamped concrete surfaces will need maintenance every two to three years. It needs a hose down with a pressure hose, mild soap, and a stiff broom. A regular seal will preserve the surface for longer. Clear any chemical, gas, or grease spills as soon as possible.

The right contractor can help you make your dreams a reality. Call Airtight Construction. We’d love to share our portfolio of available patterns and completed work with you. We’ll inspire you to get creative with our decorative concrete ideas.