Saturday, April 12, 2014

Beauty Of Stamped Concrete Exceeds Expectations

By Anita Ortega


Concrete is no longer limited to the pale gray driveway. A plain surface may be suitable for large parking lots or walkways. However, decorative stamped concrete can beautify any driveway or patio in the city of Yelm WA.

Using one of the many stamped patterns, a homeowner can match the patio to a retaining wall or sidewalk. The look of wood, brick or stone can be embellished with one of numerous colors. The process not only makes it look good, it makes it more long-lasting.

The surface is semi-liquid immediately following a pour. A pattern is imprinted on it while still wet. A sufficient number of construction workers must work fast to remove all the patterns before it is completely dry. The color is sometimes added to the mix before it is poured. It can also be colored right after a pour.

There are different measures of flour and baking soda used in a cake mix. Concrete is also a mixture. It includes various measures of cement, water and colorants.

Granite and marble are two of the high priced materials that can be imitated using this technique. The stamped costs more than the plain. However, the cost is minimal compared to the cost of actual granite or marble.

There are intricate details that may be used to make the decorative imitation granite or marble. When used to pour a driveway or sidewalk, it serves the same purpose as plain gray. However, just because it is also practical, it still has aesthetic value.

There are uses for stamped patterns inside the home as well. Granite counter tops are popular and can be simulated with this versatile material at a fraction of the cost. Flooring in an entryway or recreation room are easy to clean when made of this material.

The technique is used to enhance the interior of the house too. It might simulate the more expensive granite while still remaining affordable. Stamping is an artistic improvement that can take many forms.

The stamping procedure was first used in the 1950s. At first, the array of coloring agents was limited. As it gained in popularity, the variety of choices increased.

By the 1970s it had become very popular. This can be attributed to an ever-increasing choices of patterns, colors and finishes. Budgetary advantages also propelled its increased use.

A base color is used to imitate the natural color of the marble or granite it is simulating. When the color is added to the mix before pouring, it is referred to as integral color. When it is added to the surface it is referred to as cast on color.

Some color is added by casting it on. There is color hardener that is cast on. It can be done several ways. The secondary color adds texture.

Color release is done in two different ways. One is casting it on in a powdered form. The other is in liquid form which is sprayed onto the bottom of the stamping patterns prior to pressing them into the wet surface.

Most property owners favor a resurfacing using similar techniques due to the dollar value. If the driveway is worn and the color is faded, it is a less expensive alternative. It can be used in a cost-effective project for commercial properties as well.




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