What is the process for turning “regular” concrete in to stamped concrete?
Once we pour concrete in to the forms and float the concrete level, we project a powdered color hardener in the color you choose (let’s say Sun Buff) over the gray concrete. Once we float the color into the concrete, now the concrete is Sun Buff. Just before we stamp, we project another color called a Release or Antiquing agent. This is a fine powder that is usually darker than the base color (say Dark Gray). The Dark Gray release powder acts in two ways: 1 – It prevents a barrier between the soft concrete and the stamp patterns, so concrete does not lift up when we pick stamps up off the concrete. 2 – The darker release powder also gets stamped into the grout lines and deep points of the stones on the patterns. After rinsing, the Sun Buff base color is re-exposed on the high points of the stones, while the Dark Gray release color stays in the grout line and deep points of the stones. This gives a natural and authentic finish to the stamped concrete so it closely resembles natural ston
