Decorative concrete: printed and stamped with your own hands, decor and formulation technology, video and press. Printed concrete - how to make it yourself? Printed concrete over existing pavement

Many people imagine concrete as a gray, shapeless mass. This opinion has existed for decades, dating back to Soviet times. However, for last years A lot has changed in the construction industry. In this regard, even such familiar technologies and Construction Materials You can look at it from a completely different angle. This also affected concrete. Now decorative concrete completely changes the attitude towards itself. But first, let’s look at what it is and what requirements apply to decorative concrete.

What is decorative concrete

Decorative concrete is composite material. It consists of the following main parts:

• fine aggregate,
• coarse aggregate,
• water,
• cement,
• dye,
• additives.

It is the composition of decorative concrete that distinguishes it from its simple counterpart. In this connection, almost any shape can be made from it; thanks to this quality, it has found wide application in the most different areas. For example, it is used to make stucco molding with embedded parts, paving slabs, paving stones of various shapes, and so on. The main advantage of such concrete is its high abrasion resistance. There are several main types of decorative concrete:

1. Colored concrete.
2. Concrete imitating small artistic and architectural forms, for example, figures of fountains, animals and the like.
3. Stamped and printed concrete imitating natural stone.

As for the use of each type of decorative concrete, their purposes are different. Colored decorative concrete is most often used to make paving slabs to make them more expressive. Artistic concrete is used for finishing buildings. Moreover, all kinds of figures are made from it for landscaping the garden area. But concrete that imitates stone is also used to make plinths, facade tiles or blind areas. If you want to make decorative concrete with your own hands, then you should familiarize yourself in detail with the technology of laying it. We will look at how you can make a garden path with your own hands, as well as the rules for laying stamped decorative concrete.

Process Basics

You can create the texture of a concrete surface that will imitate stone, brick or other material using the following techniques: stencil mixture, stamped mortar and sprayed mixture.

Now let's consider technological processes each of the listed methods for producing decorative concrete:

Spraying method.

It is used in cases where there is a need to imitate stone, brick or other images on the wall. During the application process, a special acid dye is used, which is laid on the surface in several layers. This leads to a reaction of the solution with dyes, which results in the desired color. The color shade can be complemented by a variety of effects. The dye is applied to the surface using several methods, in particular, the spraying method. To create a beautiful texture or apply a particular image, you can use stencils when spraying.

Stencil method.

This method is called “stencil mixture”. It is applied to the surface using a pre-prepared stencil made of paper or other material.

Stamping method.

This method is unique of its kind. Stamped solution, as it is also called, is applied to a wet surface, consisting of a colored fixative, a protective mixture and hydrophobic additives. All this is necessary to ensure that the stamp used does not stick to the concrete. Before stamping concrete, you need to make sure that the surface is perfectly smooth. The template or matrix must remain on the concrete until it dries completely. After removing the stamp, the surface must be thoroughly impregnated with a special impregnation, which acts as additional protection. But before applying it, the surface must be thoroughly washed to remove all kinds of substances that were used during the work process.

So, now we invite you to consider the process of making garden paths from decorative printed concrete.

Garden paths know-how!

Decorative printed concrete is excellent remedy for creating garden paths, which can replace the usual paving slabs. Unlike its analogues, decorative concrete is much cheaper, so you should take this method of treating garden paths seriously. It should be noted that such concrete has the ability to withstand temperature changes from -50°C to +50°C. At the same time, during the freezing process, it does not slip under the wheels and feet. Moreover, it does not fade when exposed to ultraviolet rays. On average, it can survive about three hundred cycles of thawing and, accordingly, freezing. So, let's look step by step how to make garden paths made of decorative printed concrete.

First of all, you need to assemble all the following tools and only then get started:

• roller,
• flutz (flat brush),
• protective impregnation,
• hard brush,
• texture matrix,
• disconnector,
• color fixer,
• roller,
• concrete mix,
• corner iron,
• aluminum smoother,
• vibrating screed,
• polyethylene film,
• reinforcing fiber.

Preparation

The first step is to make sure the quality of the cement. If the cement is of poor quality, it can cause cracks to appear on the surface of the path. The grade of concrete must be at least 300. Additives in the form of a plasticizer must be present. The installation process must be carried out at a temperature not lower than +5°C. If all these parameters are met, then you can start working.

The first step is marking. To do this, you can use wooden pegs and rope. If this is not possible, then you can simply draw a mark on the surface of the earth with the sharp end of a stick.

Work with soil

If the path is intended for walking, then it is enough to remove 150 mm of soil. If you plan to drive a car, then you need to remove 200 mm of soil. Next, the formwork is placed along the entire length of the path. A 100-150 mm layer of crushed stone and sand is evenly poured onto the bottom, which must be compacted well. Then a polyethylene film is laid. An overlap of 100 mm must be made at the joints. At the very end, reinforcement is performed using metal mesh or reinforcing fabric.

Concrete works

As mentioned above, pouring concrete must be carried out at a certain temperature and always in dry weather. In the process of making concrete, it is possible and even necessary to use reinforcing polypropylene fiber. It will prevent cracks from appearing on the surface of the track.

Preparation of concrete mixture: For this you need to use the following components, 1 part PC grade 400, 3 parts crushed granite preferably with a fraction of 5/20, 3 parts of sand, without fail plasticizer C-3-0.5% (aqueous solution), as well as polypropylene fiber 0.6 kg per 1m 3.

When the concrete mixture is ready, it must be poured evenly into the formwork. It is compacted using a vibrating screed. Next, you need to roll the roller over the surface of the concrete. This will allow the large filler to settle down and the small filler to rise to the top. Using an aluminum trowel, the concrete surface is thoroughly smoothed. At the very end, you need to go around the entire perimeter of the formwork with a corner trowel.

Applying a decorative layer

At this stage of work, a colored fixative is applied. There should be no excess concrete on the surface. Using the manual scattering method, a fixative is applied to the surface, which is then smoothed with an aluminum trowel. This process dissipates 70% of the fixative. Only after smoothing the surface with an angle trowel is the remaining 30% of the fixer applied, which is smoothed with a steel trowel.

Note! According to the technology, before applying the texture, the surface should be covered with a thin layer of disconnector.

Drawing

This is done using texture matrices. This process should be carried out as soon as possible, before the concrete sets. The texture matrix is ​​laid along the entire length of the platform along the entire formwork. To ensure that all lines are accurate and do not break at the joints, each matrix should be pressed well by pressing hands, feet or a tamper. But it’s important not to overdo it here. The pressure should be applied evenly over the entire area.

Washing and applying a protective layer

After two days, it is necessary to remove the remains of the disconnector from the surface. To do this, you can use a long-bristled brush. Afterwards, the entire area should be thoroughly rinsed using a stiff brush. When the concrete surface has dried, a layer of protective acrylic impregnation is applied. This can be done using a roller.

Note! To prevent the appearance of uncontrolled shrinkage cracks, it is recommended to saw through the concrete with a seam cutter or grinder. The thickness of the cut should be 1/3 of the total thickness of the concrete. If the thickness is small, then the number of seams should be larger and closer to each other.

So, we looked at the sequence of work on how to make decorative printed concrete as a sidewalk path.

Stamped concrete. A breakthrough in art!

Stamped decorative concrete is no less unique of its kind. In order to do the work with your own hands to make it, you will need the following tools and building material:

• spray,
• color mixture,
• stamp with shapes,
• delimiter,
• concrete hardener,
• knocker,
• putty knife,
• strip for leveling the surface,
• brush.

This concrete must be manufactured in accordance with all existing requirements. The most important requirement applies to the concrete mass - it must be monolithic. This is what will ensure a durable, airtight and high-quality structure. Also, the surface should not have any cracks or chips. Moreover, to achieve best result When producing stamped decorative concrete, it is best to use dry adhesive mixtures, based on white cement.

Note! The cement must contain a plasticizer. It will give the structure strength and also prevent cracks.

There is one more requirement regarding the mixture used. If it is applied to a vertical surface, it cannot be prepared manually. This may affect the quality of the stamping. Immediately before starting work, the surface must be degreased and cleaned. As for the work itself, it can be divided into several stages:

Preparation

As mentioned above, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. If this stage is treated carelessly, then it will be difficult to put stamps. If the wall surface has cracks or dents, they should be puttied. Afterwards it must be carefully treated with a primer. After drying, make sure that the primer does not leave a slippery film. Ideally, you should use a primer that contains adhesive. If the surface is not very smooth, then you will need a primer for problem surfaces. If there is a large crack, it is recommended to use plaster mesh, which will hold the surface together and prevent the occurrence of new cracks.

Application of adhesive mass

The adhesive mass is applied to the surface after priming. Its thickness can be 10-50 mm. The adhesive mass should be well mixed and have excellent consistency. If there is too much water in it, the stamp will simply stick. This mixture must be laid in several layers, and then given time to dry thoroughly. But don't let it dry out. You can determine its readiness very simply using your fingers. When touching it, the glue should not stretch behind your finger.

Punching process

It is necessary to start the stamping process after some time. On average, after mixing the concrete, 40 - 70 minutes should pass. The mold must be moistened with water, otherwise it will stick. Next, the stamp is pressed into the concrete. You shouldn't pick it up right away. You must be extremely careful when removing it. To ensure that the stamp is printed well, you can use a hammer, which is shaped like a hammer.

This is the sequence in which the process of making stamped decorative concrete is performed. To make you happy with the result, it is extremely important to follow the technology. A variety of shapes can be used as a stamp. They can be made from different materials, for example polyurethane, plastic or silicone. As for its form, there is big choice. For example, sea ​​wave, rhombus, square, basket weaving, imitation animal skin and the like.

So, we have looked at the basic requirements and advantages of decorative concrete. Now you can take a new look at concrete, not just as a shapeless gray mass, but as excellent remedy decorate one or another surface. If you have any questions, then you can contact our experts for guidance. Moreover, you can leave your comments on this article if you already have experience in creating decorative concrete with your own hands.

IN Lately printed concrete is becoming increasingly popular. This material is used to cover beaches, swimming pools, sidewalks, garage complexes, bridges and other areas.

Description of printed concrete

This material is also known as press concrete. It acts as a material for cladding horizontal and vertical surfaces, which allows you to create an imitation of natural stone at low cost. Printed concrete has excellent performance characteristics and is produced by imprinting a matrix on the surface.

Material characteristics

Such concrete can be used over a wide temperature range - from -50 to +50 degrees. The surface does not slip and does not lose color, and is also resistant to sun rays. Among other things, this material perfectly resists abrasive forces. Consumers mention that such concrete is superior in strength and durability to conventional paving slabs and asphalt pavements. Decorative material This type usually undergoes temperature effects and numerous freeze-thaw cycles, which can number three hundred. Using stamped concrete, home craftsmen are able to complete the job in a much less impressive time frame, which is very popular with consumers. Among other things, this material allows you to save cash. It steadfastly emphasizes the effects of chemicals, which allows it to be used in indoor conditions for the appropriate purpose. This could be, for example, car workshops.

Features of use

Stamped concrete is used in many fields today. If we are talking about vertical surfaces, then the layer can vary from 0.5 to 3 centimeters. These can be interior walls, columns, arches, fireplaces, slopes, doorways and much more. Horizontal surfaces may have a layer whose thickness is 1-1.5 cm. In this case we are talking about balconies, paths, sidewalks, terraces, etc. Printed concrete technology may involve the use of a base for finishing in the form of brick, concrete, building materials blocks, chipboard, plasterboard, stone slabs, tiles, etc. The main requirement for the foundation is its immobility and integrity.

Consumer Reviews

Stamped concrete has positive and negative characteristics. Among the former, consumers especially highlight the lack of need to prepare the base according to type or putty. Errors, roughness, and also chips may be left on the surface; eliminating them before using the stamped material is not required, which reduces money and time costs.

The material described is universal; it can be used both indoors and outdoors. In the latter case, the material copes well with temperature influences, which indicates frost resistance. In addition to heat resistance, the material does not burn, which allows it to be used for finishing furnace equipment. Stamped concrete has hydrophobic qualities, which indicates water- and dirt-repellent characteristics. At the same time, the material retains the ability to breathe and allow steam to pass through, which is highly valued by consumers when finishing facades.

However, buyers especially highlight the high strength characteristics of this concrete. The material described is lightweight, which allows it to be used for vertical coverings. Thus, the weight of one square meter on a vertical base, the thickness of which is 1 cm, is about 12 kg. This parameter can be compared with clinker tiles. That is why consumers use this material to cover facades that were previously insulated with polystyrene. At the same time, home craftsmen note that they observe a strong attachment of the finish, which cannot peel off and fall. Due to its low weight, decorative printed concrete does not have a significant impact on the walls and foundation of the building.

Concrete as an imitation of other materials

The described decorative coating can be made in the form of an imitation of various natural textures such as wood, natural stone, boards, sandstone, slate, etc. This allows the use of inexpensive material that quite naturally conveys the structures of other natural textures. Consumers note that producing columns, slopes and other complex surfaces using of this material is the most simple compared to natural analogues, because there is no need to adjust the material to size. Among other things, this allows you to save money.

Variations of decorative solutions

If you decide to use printed concrete, the forms of this material can be completely different. This also applies to shades, of which there is a great variety on sale. You can choose from 20 options, one of which will certainly be suitable for an exterior or interior design. During the work process, you can combine different textures and colors. This allows you to recreate unique patterns on the surface, which can consist of imitation stone and board. The finished coating is quite easy to care for, as noted by those consumers who have been using printed material for a long time. The surface can be washed with soap solution, cold or warm water. For this you should use brushes that have soft bristles, as well as soft rags. If any defects appear on the coating in the form of dents and chips, the material can be replaced in certain areas, which will return the coating to its original appearance.

Printed concrete technology

The technology involves, at the first stage, removing the top fertile layer of soil, after which the surface must be well compacted, and then backfilled with a layer of crushed stone, the thickness of which should be 15 cm. The preparation must be compacted by laying polyethylene on its surface, ensuring an overlap of 10 cm. Next, installation formwork and reinforcement are laid. Work should not be carried out when the temperature is below -5 degrees. The grade of concrete used must be at least M300, and Portland cement grade M 400 or 500 should be used. The mixture must contain a plasticizing additive. Concrete, the price of which will be less when self-production, must contain fiber. This will prevent the formation of cracks. Ready mixture it is necessary to place it in the formwork, spreading it and compacting it with an in-depth vibrator. Next, you should begin applying the colored fixative.

Features of the work

The surface is smoothed with an aluminum trowel. On next stage the pattern is imprinted, where texture matrices should be used. This must be done without delay, until the concrete can be lightly pressed with your fingers. It is necessary to lay texture matrices moving along the entire length along the formwork.

If you decide to purchase concrete, the price of this material should interest you. In the warehouse it can be purchased for 2000 rubles for 1 square meter. It is worth noting that if you plan to cover a small area with this finish, then purchase ready material it will be much more profitable. After all Additional materials and the tools, most likely, will not be found in the master’s arsenal. Once you know the recipe for printed concrete, you can begin making it. If you set up production, you can even earn money from it.

Decorative concrete is an excellent substitute for natural materials. Depending on the composition, these concrete products can be structural, decorative, or artistic. They easily imitate natural and artificially created surfaces, for example, paving stones, marble, brick, wood, laminate, animal skin. Decorative concrete is many times stronger and more durable than conventional concrete mixtures. It is used on the facades of houses and individual premises.

Decorative concrete

This concrete obtains its main qualities precisely thanks to its textured finish. In its production, special coloring chemical compositions are used, which have good adhesive properties. These compositions give the products a special aesthetics and beauty. Surface finishing is done by spraying and stamping.

Popular colored and stamped concrete are varieties of artistic concrete that decorate the facades of houses and courtyards.

Spraying method for decorative concrete

Spraying is used on vertically located planes. Acid dyes and spray give the surface required colors. When paint comes into contact with concrete mortar, it enters chemical reaction and creates the desired picture. It is applied in layers until it reaches the desired shade. The spraying method allows you to create the appearance of brickwork and natural stone.

Printing method for decorative concrete

This method is used on any planes. Today there is a large number of technologies for producing printed concrete.

Any concrete contains cement, plasticizers, sand and other elements that depend on the desired result.

Decorative concrete can subsequently have a surface that imitates tree bark, laminate, natural tiles, brickwork, or cobblestones.

Do-it-yourself decorative concrete is not only beautiful, but also reliable and durable. Let's figure it out.

DIY decorative concrete. Spray production technology

For creating decorative surface On concrete, stencils are used that are attached to the surface. The coloring mixture, when applied to the surface, gives it the desired appearance.

Stencils can be purchased ready-made or made yourself. You can even use thick paper to make them. The final stage creating a decorative surface is the application of a special protective impregnation, which will further protect the concrete from external influences.

Printing production technology

700 kg of granite chips of fraction from 5 to 20 mm.

450 kg of river sand.

2.5 liters of C3 plasticizer in aqueous solution.

Dye (the amount depends on the required shade).

Decorative concrete production process

The components are combined and thoroughly mixed in a concrete mixer. The mixture should be homogeneous.

Do-it-yourself decorative concrete is ready after drying.

Covering any surface with decorative concrete with your own hands allows you to reduce costs and decorate your home and site to your liking.

Ready-made decorative concrete can be walked on 5 hours after applying varnish or impregnation.

Large loads (driving a car, trolley, trailer) are possible after 12-14 days.

Use for decorative covering it is forbidden! In addition, you should avoid using metal objects to remove snow and ice.

To protect the surface, decorative concrete must be coated with a water-repellent solution after a year. It will preserve the appearance of concrete and protect it from external influences.

Decorative concrete with correct operation will last for many years and will decorate any surface where it was applied.

Let's look at the production of paving from monolithic concrete. But not simple, but decorative. This technology They are successfully used not only to create paving surfaces, but also for cladding walls outside and inside premises, and for pouring decorative floors.

Acid staining, which you will see here, is also used in the manufacture of artificial stone, exquisite paving slabs.

What is stamped concrete?

With more simple option We have already introduced you, and today we will tell you about another concrete coating. It is also called stamped, decorative or pressed concrete.

This is solid concrete, processed during laying with special polyurethane molds, resulting in the formation of various kinds textures. A pattern is stamped onto the concrete surface, which resembles either natural stone, or wood slabs, or something else similar.

A variety of molds makes it easy to create many different textured coatings for decorating homes and personal plots thanks to the combination of a certain texture and the right color.

In the process of making stamped concrete, many manipulations need to be performed, and this should be done within the allotted period of time. Masters must finish everything Finishing work until the fresh concrete begins to set.

To do this, those involved in the process must be experienced, well organized and prepared. On large-scale projects, this means having print placement plans in place ahead of time, preparing the tools that will be used in rotation, and being confident in making the right choice required quantity work force.

The process for laying stamped concrete is as follows:

Application of color hardener

After pouring the concrete, a colored hardener must be applied. Once the concrete mixture is as desired (often when the water on the surface disappears), you should begin applying the colored hardener.

This process is reminiscent of sowing or even throwing a bowling ball - you simply scoop the powder into your fist, move your hand down behind you and then swing your hand forward in front of you, scattering the powder over the surface of the mixture (see photo). Try to lower your hand as low as possible so that less dye flies through the air.

Do not allow a thick layer of dye to form around the edges of the coating. After the first application of the colored hardener, allow it to sit for five to ten minutes to allow it to absorb moisture from the concrete and penetrate the surface.

After the first layer, apply the second layer using the same method, making sure that the entire surface of the slab is covered with the hardener.

Application of the release agent

The release agent, whether in powder or liquid form, serves two purposes: it creates a semi-shade contrast in the finished concrete surface pattern, and it also acts as a form release agent. This prevents the printed molds from sticking to the top layer of concrete and destroying the desired texture.

Note. Do not apply thick layer concrete separator. It can negatively affect the texture extruded by molds, especially if it is weakly expressed.

You can apply the dry release agent to the concrete surface using a dry brush about 20 cm wide. Simply immerse the brush in a bucket of powder and move it a little so that the powder sticks to the bristles. Take the duster by the handle and, holding it at hip level, shake it forward from you (see photo), evenly distributing the powder in a thin layer over the surface of the concrete.

To work with the liquid separating component, a pump-action sprayer is used, with the help of which the concrete area is covered with a uniform layer before embossing with molds. If you plan to use pigment in a liquid separator, try to add it a day or two before application. During this time, the pigment should completely dissolve.

Checking the readiness of concrete

Before stamping, check the readiness of the surface, which should have an optimal level of ductility. If you start very early, the concrete will not support the weight of the workers or will not hold the texture. If you start very late, it will be difficult to create a printed design on concrete and you may not get the texture you want, especially in the finishing stage.

In several places concrete slab press on its surface with your finger. If a clear imprint with a depth of 1.5-7 mm remains, proceed to work. You can check concrete in another way. Place one mold on the concrete and stand on it. The shape should support you, not move to the sides and not go deep down.

Applying texture around the perimeter of a concrete slab

Using an elastic form, print a strip 15 to 30 cm wide on the concrete around the perimeter. This is very important stage, and now you will find out why.

Since the work will be carried out with rather rigid forms, the edges of which in some places protrude beyond the concrete slab, areas near the edges of the slab will not be imprinted properly. After completing this procedure, you will receive a coating that is uniform in texture and color.

Laying the first row of molds

After treating the perimeter of the concrete slab, treat the rest of the surface. Start the first row on the side of the concrete slab where you started pouring it. Move in the same direction as when making the slab. Most stamped concrete molds are numbered by the manufacturer, so follow their directions and place them in the suggested order.

It is important to lay the first row in a straight line as it will dictate the direction of the subsequent rows. This must be monitored especially carefully, if the drawing is correct, rectangular shape. The first row of shapes should be perpendicular to the direction you are moving.

Before installing the second row, the first one must be laid completely. Ideally, you will purchase enough molds to lay one row, plus two to start the second.

The process of pressing the concrete surface

As long as the concrete remains in the ideal phase for pressing, it will be enough to simply walk around the form or walk over it with a light tamper.

Typically, roles in a team are distributed as follows. After laying the first row, one person places the first mold of the second row and, if necessary, the second. Standing on them, he can remove the initial forms of the first row and put them in the second.

While one person is doing this work, another is doing the compaction. Depending on the design of the pattern, the third one at this time refines the printed seams between the embossed tiles on the concrete.

Detailing - if necessary

Even if the workpieces have excellent detail, you may need to additionally go through the seams with a special tool. It can be replaced with a chisel. This way you will disguise all the imperfections and improve the appearance of the structure.

Removing the Release Agent and Applying Hardener

If you have applied a tinted release agent in powder form to the concrete, you cannot apply the concrete hardening compound directly onto it until you wash off the release agent. And this is at least a day, and maybe two or three, depending on the weather.

Once the surface has been thoroughly cleaned and then dried, a liquid hardener mixture can be sprayed onto it, which creates a membrane and prevents moisture loss in the concrete.

If you used an uncolored dry release agent or a liquid release agent, you can apply the hardener the same day. To be sure, read the instructions on the hardener package.

Expansion joints

Compensatory or expansion joints required depth and widths are set when the concrete begins to harden. This is necessary in order to avoid deformations and uncontrolled cracks of the concrete panel.

Joints can be made with a special tool, a hand-held V-furrower, when the concrete begins to harden. Or use an electric furrower. You can use a grinder with a diamond wheel, but only when the concrete has completely hardened.

The grinder leaves less noticeable seams on the concrete, but when creating them, a lot of dust is generated.

Protective covering

After careful treatment with a hardener, the concrete can be coated with a final waterproofing coating. Many manufacturers recommend applying such liquid impregnations several weeks after light rinsing.

Do not apply the impregnation in a thick layer so that moisture does not become trapped in the concrete. The most effective way Application of impregnation is a combination of spraying and application with a roller, especially if the pattern has deep seams.

Ready!

Notes:

• If this is your first time using stamped concrete molds, practice on pressed sand before working on concrete;
• Avoid repeating patterns when imitating natural stone or slate. Chaotic is better in this case;
• You will achieve better results if you cover the working surface of elastic forms with a release agent. The shapes will come off the concrete more easily, and the pattern will be cleaner;
• To create an antique effect, use a very small amount of powder release agent, and apply a liquid release agent on top. The liquid will dissolve thin layer powder and will leave light stains on the concrete;
• When working, make sure that the release component is well pressed into the concrete with the mold. Otherwise, it will simply be washed off from the surface, without leaving behind the desired shade;
• Periodically check the direction of movement of the rows of forms to ensure that there is no misalignment;
• When working on vertical surfaces (walls, columns), use very elastic forms;
• You need to walk around the molds in clean shoes, without stones or dirt. When transferring forms, all this falls on the surface of the concrete;
• When using a release powder, you can buy time by making expansion joints before rinsing it off. In one fell swoop you will wash away the separator and the dust from the grinder.

Printed concrete - do-it-yourself technology and recipe

Modern technological methods are constantly evolving during construction activities. Old solutions are being replaced by innovative ideas. The technology of printed concrete involves the use of stamps, with the help of which original textures are formed, reminiscent of wood, stone paving stones or slate slabs.

The method allows you to independently, using simple devices, create an imprint of the original configuration on concrete mortar. Stamped or, as it is called, printed concrete allows you to imitate natural stone, create a decorative design that will harmoniously fit into the exterior of the site, and become a real “highlight” of the overall architectural ensemble.

Decorative, stamped, press concrete and printed concrete are different names the same technology

The process of providing decorativeness to park paths, fireplaces, stairwells allows:

• realize the developer's fantasies;
• get money savings;
• provide relief.

Let us consider in more detail the technology of forming a decorative printed coating and its features.

How did the technology come about?

The process of forming the relief surface of a concrete mass has its historical beginning on the European and American continents. In the United States, stamped concrete technology was originally used to provide a rough, textured finish to aircraft landing and takeoff strips. This printed concrete surface has proven itself as solid foundation, having a long service life.

The technology, which originated in the defense sector, has become widespread in urban planning. Thanks to the method of creating an imprint on a concrete mass, the appearance of populated centers has changed significantly. The peculiarity of the technology is that such coatings are in harmony with any type of building and at low cost make it possible to ensure the naturalness of natural stone.

It's pretty new technology, allowing you to create a finishing ambiance natural stone, but at the same time significantly save time, effort and money

Technology capabilities

Press concrete is a regular concrete mass with a decorative imprint applied that imitates:

• brickwork;
• stone paving stones;
• paving;
• natural wood;
• cracks on the ground;
• decorative covering with images of animal tracks and leaves;
• old pavement.

Application area

Areas of technology use decorative design are different. Stamping of decorative prints is used when decoration the following buildings:

• Terrace.
• Original sidewalks.
• Various gazebos.
• Recreation areas.
• Floors in recreation areas, exhibition centers, restaurants.

  

  Decorative concrete is a material that is many times stronger and chemically resistant than conventional concrete mixtures.

• Park paths.
• Stairs.
• Car parking.
• Gas stations.

When carrying out complex restoration work, the technology of printed concrete makes it possible to reproduce an exact copy of stone, ancient brick or road surface that has been erased over time.

Types of stamps

Creation of printed impressions on concrete is made using a variety of stamps made from the following materials:

• lung aluminum alloy, cast in a special mold. The stamp allows you to imitate patterns on stone and brickwork;
• flexible polyurethane, the stamp from which is cast onto natural materials in order to accurately replicate the original texture.

The degree of relief depends on the rigidity of the shape. The higher the density of the matrix, the easier it is to reproduce a high-quality print using it. When using elastic forms, difficulties arise in the work due to the need to apply significant effort during the stamping process.



Today, molds are cast from polyurethane directly onto the surfaces of materials whose texture needs to be conveyed.

Advantages of the method

The technology for creating a decorative surface on concrete has many positive aspects, the main ones being:

• Highly environmentally friendly printing method, which does not use toxic components that negatively affect human health.
• Resistant to natural factors and aggressive compounds.
• Easy to clean using available products.
• Preservation appearance coatings and performance characteristics in a wide temperature range while maintaining the concrete structure and color range.
• Long service life of concrete with decorative imprint.
• Low costs for stamping and printing concrete covering imitating natural materials.
• Ease of implementation of the technology and the ability to perform all stages of work without special skills.

If the technology and recipe are followed when performing all activities, then negative aspects when using the printing method are excluded.

Let us consider in more detail the features of the technology of decorative stamping of concrete.



Stamping is carried out directly on the surface applied cement mortar, due to which the lifespan of the decor is significantly increased

Process specifics

The method of making a printed impression on concrete is quite simple, but there are some peculiarities that affect the quality of the results. Problems with self-stamping can be caused by the following factors:

• accelerated hardening of concrete, which does not allow making a clear impression;
• the need to exert significant effort when working with stamps;
• the difficulty of eliminating errors made when embossing a concrete mass;
• lack of special skills in working with tools and devices to smooth out defects and form a high-quality impression.

If you are not afraid of problems, get to work!

Stages of work