To help you understand the process involved in placing your new stamped concrete finish we have outlined the stages below.

 
Planning the job involves a visit from us to measure the area you want finished. This should have included discussions on any problems you have had in the past with water run off, subsidence or any other issues that may affect the finished product.

 

Stage 1 - Excavation, Boxing and Preparation
This part of the job is nearly always noisy and dusty or muddy, so be prepared for some disruption.

 
You may or may not have access to your property so may need to make arrangements for parking etc.

 

Stage 2 - Pouring and Printing of Concrete
This again will involve heavy machinery (at least one concrete truck) on the property so be prepared for some disruption.
 
The concrete is poured and the colour hardener of your choice is trowel “applied” to the surface, also an integral colour can be used. While the surface is soft, depending on the release agent system chosen either powder or liquid this is then cast on or sprayed over the surface. The concrete with the colour and release agent applied is then stamped with the pattern of your choice.

 
Release agent both powder and liquid may be used these do two jobs they stop the imprinting mats from sticking to the concrete and when it gives a secondary colour to the imprint.

 

Powder release: Very fine dust that is cast on to the surface of the concrete before it is stamped.  Precautions must be taken to keep doors and windows shut and to keep pets off as the release will stay on the concrete for up to 4 days.  The drawback of powder release is the mess involved but the outcome is more realistic.

 

Liquid release: First a clear release is sprayed onto the concrete then after the mats are lifter the colour release of your choice is sprayed on to give the secondary colour.  This method is cleaner than the powder system in some cases the effect is not as realistic as powder.

 

You should note that at this stage the concrete in no way resembles the finished product. The colour will appear different to your choice but be patient as the process is only half completed.

 
Due to size of job if we have to pour on several days or at different times in the day you could end up with slight colour and pattern variations.

 
Pattern variations can occur in your job on the same day, due to shadowing of buildings etc.

 

Stage 3 - Stripping and Cleaning
Two to three days later depending on drying conditions, we return to strip the boxing and wash your new area. This may also include washing any surrounding buildings that may have been affected by the powder.

 
We use a mild acid to etch the surface; this can even up variations in pattern and colour and offers a good bond to the sealer.

 
Once clean we will undertake any expansion cutting that may be required this may not happen on the same day. It should be understood that all concrete cracks. To this end we encourage the concrete to crack in predetermined locations such as cuts and bolsters.
Bolster Cutting and Grooving is carried out on the day the concrete is poured, or concrete cutting which complete once the concrete is hard.

Cracking may occur within 4 hours of pouring this is why we may choose to bolster cut and groove off major cracking points on the day of the pour.

 

Stage 4 - Sealing the Finished Concrete!
This is also dependent on drying conditions as the concrete cannot be sealed until the surface is completely dry. If it is sealed too early then whiting may occur (sealing over moisture in the concrete leaving a white effect on the surface). In the winter months we may primer seal allowing protection until the weather allows it to be sealed properly.

 
Before sealing takes place the concrete must be clean of all dirt and dust so keep off this area until sealing is complete and especially keep patio furniture off e.g. Kwilla tables and chairs as these will stain forever.

Two coats of sealer can be applied in the same day at certain times of the year this may not be possible. Between the two coats of sealer we apply a grit to minimize slip. After a second coat is applied you can walk on the surface in approx 12 hour but keep your vehicles off for 48 hours.

 
You should allow between 8 to 20 days for us to undertake and complete your job. As you will be aware, weather and its effects can cause delays to occur that are often unforeseen. Your patience will be rewarded if you allow us to complete the job as in the time required.
NB: Every job is different and rushing a job can end in heartache from both sides.

 
At this stage the job is complete and you will be the proud owner of a Slatex Concrete surface.

 

Maintenance
It is now up to you how the concrete looks and wears over time. Periodic washing with a light detergent is a good idea to keep grease and dirt at bay.

We recommend that to ensure the best looking finish, 12 to 18 months after the original sealer has been applied you should consider resealing the surface.

This is a very easy task and simply involves washing the surface free of dirt, grease and dust with a soft broom and light detergent wash; we suggest using enviroclean in landscaped areas this can be purchased from Trowels Trade. When the surface is clean and dry, one coat of sealer is all that is required and must be applied with a sealer broom. This should last for up to 3 years.

 

The sealer can be purchased from Trowel Trades. If you prefer to have the job resealed by us then we will be happy to provide a quote for labour and materials.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.