Learning Regarding The Types Of Decorative Concrete

Decorative concrete is quickly becoming the hot pick for many homeowners. Any one of the different types can be used to replace dull gray slabs and give a space a complete visual makeover. There are five main types and they can be used in a variety of applications indoor or outdoor.

Imprinting, or stamping, occurs when a design or pattern is pressed into the wet concreted surface. Stamping is commonly used to make the surface look like another type of material. Designs and patterns that are used include brick, tile, slate, and wood. Many people often choose this option to complement existing textures and colors of other surfaces.

You can also choose an overlay. This option involves using thin layers over the existing concreted surface. It is a good option when the existing flooring is in good condition and does not need to be completely removed. In overlays, the material is a type of polymer that is mixed with other materials such sand and cement. For most types of overlays, an acrylic polymer is often used to provide durability and extra protection against the sun’s rays.

You can also choose stained surface. Once the surface has been concreted, or if it already exists, one or two options can be used for staining. Stains will be water-based or acid-based. Unlike paints, stains do not completely saturate and cover the surface. Instead, they provide translucence. The color palette of these two types of stains are different. Acid-based stains are typically only available in earthy colors. Water-based stains tend to have a wider, brighter range of colors.

Other types of coloring are also available. Integral, or infused, coloring is achieved by adding a liquid or powder tint while the materials are being mixed and tends to be used in conjunction with stamping. A powder called a color hardener is also available. It is spread on the surface while it is still wet and spread by hand with a trowel. Coloring can also be achieved using dyes. They work similar to stains, but there are more colors to choose from.

Another option is polishing. It is primarily used for surfaces inside and does not require waxing. Any coloring method can be used before polishing. Due to the multiple steps in the process, you can choose the level of gloss you want from matte to completely glossy. You can also choose a polished overlay if the existing surface is in good enough condition.

Application possibilities are nearly unlimited. You can use any of the methods inside or outside your home. In the floors inside, you can choose to transform your living room, den, kitchen, or dining room. Outside the home, you can create a backyard oasis joining your pool, garden, and patio. You can redo your tired looking driveway and even add walkways that all match.

Painting and repainting your stamped concrete driveway ma surfaces are a thing of the past. You no longer have to sacrifice the look that you desire for the benefits of plain old concreted flooring. If you are seeking to increase the value of your home, this may be a good way to accomplish that.

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Popular Methods For Making Concrete More Decorative

If you are looking for a way to change the look of your home, inside or outside, decorative stamped concrete new hampshire is an option that is quickly becoming popular for homeowners. You no longer have to look at plain, boring concreted surfaces. With five different methods, you can achieve the same looks you would get by using other materials.

Imprinting, or stamping, occurs when a design or pattern is pressed into the wet concreted surface. Stamping is commonly used to make the surface look like another type of material. Designs and patterns that are used include brick, tile, slate, and wood. Many people often choose this option to complement existing textures and colors of other surfaces.

stamped concrete new hampshire

Overlays are one way to change an existing concreted surface. This is a less expensive alternative to replacing the whole thing. A commonly used type is the polymer modified overlay made of a polymer blended with sand, cement, and other materials. Manufacturers have different types of polymers they use to create unique products, but most of them are a type of acrylic. Acrylics are often preferred because of the protection against UV rays and strength.

You can also choose stained surface. Once the surface has been concreted, or if it already exists, one or two options can be used for staining. Stains will be water-based or acid-based. Unlike paints, stains do not completely saturate and cover the surface. Instead, they provide translucence. The color palette of these two types of stains are different. Acid-based stains are typically only available in earthy colors. Water-based stains tend to have a wider, brighter range of colors.

Integral coloring, dyes, and color hardeners are also options for coloring. With integral coloring, the color is in a liquid or powder form and is added during the mixing of the materials. Dyes are applied similar to stains, but they offer an even broader range of colors to choose from. Color hardeners are sprinkled over a concreted surface before it cures and then spread using tools.

The surface can also be polished to appear more like marble or granite. The flooring does not require special sealing or waxing. In the polishing process, you can choose the level of gloss that you desire. It can also be used with any of the coloring methods. Overlays can also be polished.

Multiple options are available for use. Almost every method can be used indoors or outdoors and for counters or floors. For counter tops, it is important to make sure there is extra support to handle the large amount of weight. Although stamping can be used for counter, it is generally reserved for outdoor applications such as a patio or pool surround because it usually needs to be thicker. Outside, you can use these methods to create a patio, walkway, or driveway. In the house, you could use them for flooring in just about any room. Keep in mind, however, that due to the weight it should be limited to main floors.

Painting and repainting your concreted surfaces are a thing of the past. You no longer have to sacrifice the look that you desire for the benefits of plain old concreted flooring. If you are seeking to increase the value of your home, this may be a good way to accomplish that.