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I am a concrete
contractor, interested in exploring other trades such as stamped
concrete. How do I stamp concrete? |
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Stamped Concrete
is a skilled
trade. It requires a whole
different set of knowledge
and skills aside from normal placing and finishing of concrete.
To learn more about stamped concrete,
click here. |
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Why is stamped
concrete preferred over other types of materials? |
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Stamped concrete
provides a realistic appearance that has a look and feel indistinguishable
from natural materials. To compare stamped concrete to other
materials such as pavers and asphalt,
click here. |
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How many stamps will
I need to for my project? |
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PATTERN STAMPS - It is important to
maintain the alignment of pattern stamps and to gauge the depth of
their impression. Each stamp should have a neighboring stamp at all
times to accommodate this principle. The general rule is to have
enough stamping mats that will extend across the full width of the
area to be stamped plus a couple of additional mats to start the
next course. For
every (6) rigid stamps, we recommend at least (1) super flex stamp
and (1) small seamless texture skin. |
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SEAMLESS TEXTURE
SKINS - Our skins are available in three sizes; large, medium, and
small. A minimum of (4) large, (1) medium, and (1) small is
recommended for most projects. |
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What is a Super Flex stamp? |
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Super Flex stamps, also referred to as
"floppies" are produced at one third less the thickness of a rigid
stamp and designed with a softer, more flexible polyurethane; these
handy accessories
can be bent to a
90 degree angle and allow for pattern
completion up against walls, steps, columns and other areas that
can impede
production. We recommend at least (1) super flex stamp for every (6)
rigid stamps. *Super
Flex Stamps do not include handles. |
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What are Seamless Texture Skins? |
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Unlike pattern
stamps, Seamless Texture Skins have feathered edges which are
intended to overlap each other to produce a
non-directional,
textured finish
without grout lines, joints, or seams. |
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Why do some stamp patterns have a choice of different color mats? |
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There is a slight variation in the pattern from color to color to
create a more natural look as they interlock correctly. We use color
coding to make it more convenient for you. There is no set color
order when placing on your concrete, although we recommend not
placing the same color stamps next to each other. When a pattern has
more than one color we recommend that an equal amount of each color
is purchased to assure the more natural look. |
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When can sealer be
applied to new concrete?
New concrete should be
cured at least 28 days, prior to application of sealer. Surfaces
must be dry, porous and free of foreign contaminants. |
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How often does
concrete need to be re-sealed?
Depending on the amount
of traffic and weather conditions, stamped concrete should be
re-sealed every 12 to 36 months. |
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What is VOC? |
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VOCs or volatile organic compounds, are
emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids, such as concrete
sealers.
If you plan to use a solvent-based sealer, be sure to check the
volatile organic compound, or VOC, content of the product to make
sure it doesn't exceed acceptable levels in your area. The federal
government as well as state and local agencies have mandated certain
maximum allowable levels of volatile VOCs that concrete sealers are
permitted to contain. Certain states default to the federal mandates
while some set their own. At the local level, some counties and
air-management districts set their own maximum VOC levels.
Click here
for a chart of VOC Regulations throughout North America. |
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Will MATCRETE stamps
work for overlay applications? |
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MATCRETE stamps
can be used for a number of applications including stampable
overlays. The thickness of an overlay application will be determined
by the maximum relief of the desired stamp. The specification for
"Maximum Relief" as well as other criteria for all MATCRETE stamps
is listed throughout our website. (See example below) |
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Stone
Dimensions |
Texture |
Joint
Appearance |
Joint
Width |
Joint
Depth |
Maximum
Relief |
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6" x 7-1/2" up to 12" |
Granite |
90˚
V |
1/4" |
1/4" |
1/4" |
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How do I determine
the amount of Integral Color that I will need for my project? |
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Multiply the color's dosage rate by the
sack content of your mix design. Multiply that number by the amount
of yards you are coloring for your grand total.
For
Example: Dosage Rate - 1.5 lbs. / Mix Design - 6.5 sacks of cement
per yard / Total Yards - 20 (1.5 x 6.5 x 20 = 195 lbs.) |
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How do I clean my
stamps? |
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Stamps can be cleaned using a solution
made from water and liquid dish soap. Scrub stamps using a soft
brush and cleaning solution. Be sure to dry stamps off prior to
storing. |
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