Q&A for How to Stamp Concrete

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Question

How often should you seal stamped concrete?

Sina Kamran
Hardscape Specialist
Sina Kamran is a Hardscaping Specialist and the Owner of Design Scapes, Inc. in Santa Monica, California. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in customized, site-specific hardscaping and landscaping design/build projects. He's a certified National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) designer, a certified installer with the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), and a Rain Bird Certified Irrigation Professional. Additionally, Design Scapes, Inc. has many 5-star rated reviews.

Sina Kamran

Hardscape Specialist

Expert Answer

Seal patios and high foot traffic areas every year. For lower traffic areas, you can do it every two years. On driveways, you might want to it twice a year depending on foot traffic.

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Question

Do I have to add color to the cement to stamp or can I stamp regular color cement?

Community Answer

You can stamp any concrete -- colored or regular concrete -- with release agent (powder) on top.

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Question

Can I pressure wash stamped concrete?

Community Answer

Yes. Use a high-powered pressure washer (3000 PSI is recommended, but be careful, concrete can be damaged) approximately 24 hours after the concrete has achieved initial set.

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Question

How do I color the sides of the concrete slab under the forms?

Sarah Battilana

Community Answer

Using the release agent on the stamps should impart color down the sides of each form. Or, you could choose to use an integral color that will get mixed in with the concrete before it is poured to ensure that all of the concrete is the same color.

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Question

Can I use marble dust and concrete sealant as a release agent?

Sarah Battilana

Community Answer

It's not the best idea, as the dust and sealant could actually stick to the concrete and to the stamp, causing chunks to come up when you try to remove the stamp. If you can, stick with the release agent so that the stamps come up easily and then use a sealant as the last step once the entire project is done.

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Question

If the release agent wasn’t used doing the project, can I stamp concrete?

Sarah Battilana

Community Answer

It will be very messy and will probably produce a surface that isn't very smooth. Also, keep in mind that you can't stamp concrete that is already set. It needs to have been poured within the last 12-24 hours, otherwise, you'll need to pour a new layer of wet concrete over top of what's already there if you want to stamp it.

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Question

Is the indentation for cobblestone stamping very deep?

Sarah Battilana

Community Answer

It's usually about 1/2-1 inch deep. It looks very nice and if it is cured and sealed, it doesn't look very rough at all.

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Question

Can a stamped concrete patio be done in one day?

Sarah Battilana

Community Answer

It could be! If you start in the morning with freshly poured concrete from the day before, you could potentially be done in 1 day. Depending on how big the surface area is, you may want to enlist some help from friends.

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Question

Can l go over existing concrete when stamping it?

Sarah Battilana

Community Answer

Existing concrete on its own can't be stamped, but if you cover it with a layer of wet concrete, then you can stamp that.

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Question

After I have completed the pour, how do I know when concrete is ready to be stamped or textured?

Community Answer

You can press the concrete by finger and check it should be firmed. Usually after an hour when the concrete is set initially, you can stamp.

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