Making Use Of Decorative Concrete Overlay Methods Is Smart

By Lela Perkins


Many contractors are using decorative concrete overlay as a means of adding artistic appeal to cement elements of building, while still having it function as integral elements in these buildings. Decor cement is specifically being utilized in patio areas, on cement floors or walls and exterior driveways. Transforming of these structural elements into a gorgeous work of art is achieved via several tried and tested methods.

Many of these methods involve adding different materials either while cement is being poured or applied after the cement has already cured. Materials or techniques mainly used are polishing or stamping techniques; acid staining; and adding numerous different overlays. When wanting to enhance any cement in this way it is vital that people only hire specialists who know exactly how to apply these techniques without compromising the integrity or strength of the actual cement structures.

Stamped concrete refers to a process whereby texture as well as color is added to make it look like cobblestone, slate and brick. This method is also used to reproduce natural items like fossils, shells, wood and many other such items. Due to the unlimited possibilities coupled with durability and lessened costs this is a perfect choice for those who are renovating or building new properties.

For this particular method molds are pressed into the wet cement or while it is in a "plastic state". To achieve different colors either color powder, liquid or dry colors are added to the cement or an acid stain is used. In many instances these different coloring methods are combined in order to create intricate or more detailed designs; this method is more commonly used for floors and driveways or to restore faded cement areas.

The vast color array that one can choose from has led to these companies having color charts that can assist one to choose that ideal color for a special part of the home or building. Colors that are created using high alcohol content dyes do fade faster and are therefore mainly suited for indoor use. Exterior areas are normally colored using acid staining which does not use pigment dyes but rather is achieved by means of starting a chemical reaction.

Small amounts of muriatic acids, mineral salts as well as water are spread over the cement surface. The reaction takes a maximum of four hours to develop; it reacts with the lime and minerals in the cement to form earthy tones. Once completed the surface is then scrubbed to remove excess acid stain product and neutralized with water and ammonia or more commonly baking soda.

When merely needing to do overlaying, several options are available that also use different components. Overlaying on its own is the application of thin cementitious layers. Normally, these methods were used for repairing of cracked or broken surfaces.

Decorative concrete overlay include the use of Polymer cement, epoxy coatings as well as a unique rubber stamped cement topping. Regardless of which method is used, the bottom line is that it will add that "Wow!" factor that so many people look for. Make a statement and add this to any new renovation or building project.




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