Concrete stamping - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

ARCS · 12-30-2006, 09:33 PM

Been thinking of learning to do stamping, as there is really little compettioin here, there are only a couple of guys that only have 1-2 patterns of stamps each. Is this something I could just go out and buy a set of stamps and learn myself, or would a training course be recommended. I have a bunch of work I could do at my place for practice, and know a couple of friends that would let me practice at their place, but I really would not want to totally make a mess even if it is for myself, since breaking out and replacing concrete is really nobodys favorite job.

Zack · 01-02-2007, 01:05 PM

It is always great to have somewhere to practice but the schools teach you what can go wrong in the installation. There are many ways that you can mess concrete up. From the mixing of the concrete to the acid stain to the sealer there are alot of variables you are playing with. I have been working with decorative concrete for a little over a year and there are many things I have come across. Classes has helped me out.

ARCS · 01-02-2007, 04:24 PM

Thanks, zack! I am just looking in to getting a couple sets of stamps and offering stamping as a add on thing to my regular routine, and who knows maybe some time I would be able to be busy enough to run a full time stamping crew in the summer. Do you have any advice on brands of stamps, or is a stamp just a stamp? I have been looking to attend a training course this spring, but just looking for one that will either be offered near me or a course that I could travel to that would fit in my schedule.

concretemasonry · 01-02-2007, 04:46 PM

Make sure you takes a couple of courses so you can do it right AND it will last. Durability of appearance and durability of the concrete is important. It is not as simple as it looks.

The last thing you want is bad concrete showing up in a couple of years and give you a bad name that reflects on any other work you do.

Dick

Zack · 01-04-2007, 10:41 PM

Matcrete.com Has some good stamps. Where are you located?

ARCS · 01-04-2007, 11:07 PM

Northern Minnesota, thanks!

EZ Rider · 01-05-2007, 03:37 AM

Do a search on line for 'stamped concrete'. There is a whole multitude of sites with LOTS of info. The Concrete Network is an excellent site IMO. My son and I did a patio at our house 2 yrs. ago and it turned out pretty good -- especially for a first try. We didn't take any classes but I did alot of research on the subject. I agree that classes would be a good investment if you plan on getting in the business.

As far as buying the stamps, they are fairly expensive and you can never have too many on pouring day. We rented ours from a local commercial concrete supply store for $15/day/stamp. There are so many different patterns available that until you know which ones you will be using the most of, you may want to rent in the begining if you can find some. We rented from NuWay, which is a chain store, but I don't know how wide spread they are.

There are several different ways of coloring the concrete, also. You can do the acid stain as Zack mentioned. Two other methods: Have the color mixed in the concrete at the plant, or, you can also float the colored hardener in the surface after you have it poured but before it starts to set-up. There is a very fine line between too wet and too dry to stamp, and the window of opportunity for a perfect stamping job is narrow. I'm sure the classes would be a big help.

Good luck!

Dave

PS Can someone tell me what size pictures should be resized to for posting on this forum. Another site that I frequent recommends 640x480. Also, are you restricted as to how many. Thanks.

strongfloors · 02-18-2007, 01:35 PM

Thanks for the lead.

lusori · 02-26-2007, 06:36 PM

We do concrete stamping, but only have 2 stamp patterns. Most people around here either choose brick, pavers or stone. I guess people here have alot of money.

It looks much easier than it is, its quite involved and very easy to screw up. Better practice a little before destroying the concrete and you have to remove it to restamp it.

UpIACrete · 03-02-2007, 12:01 AM

I would also look into stenciling. Many patterns out there and with the grout lines it looks more authentic than stamp patterns, imho. I live in southern Minn and get my stencil from UBC.

HD3 · 03-14-2007, 10:42 PM

I would get a little training first. I own a couple of patterns i rent the rest i cant see spending a lot of money on stamps that mite only get used twice a year. There is a bunch of co. that sell stamps, get a subscription to concrete decor mag. but the only way you'll actually learn is get dirty and do it . one tip i can give you is dont bite off more than u can chew , and dont be afraid to charge. Iv been stamping for about 10 years id be glad to help.

Same Old · 03-15-2007, 08:16 AM

DO NOT use Matcrete stamps, they are complete junk.

I'm a big fan of Brickform stamps. I did the stamping projects for Hometime a few times and I have traveled around the US training people how to stamp. I also hold a patent for stamping equipment.

It isn't very difficult but the learning curve is pretty steep. You have a pretty short window to get your stamping done so you need to be organized and be clear on what you are doing.

I'd recommend getting a set of seamless mats to start. They are just big stone texture mats and you'll definitely use them over and over. They're also the easiest to use and learn on.

Acid staining is NOT for exterior concrete in our climate. Integral color is really the way to go these days. The current concrete colorants are great. I only recommend color hardeners for accent colors/ borders.

If you want top quality training go to The Stamp Store in Oklahoma City. The course is a couple days and is very hands on. He has a pretty neat checkerboard parking lot from all the pours done in the class. It's well worth the investment if you're serious. You'll learn about stamping, acid staining, concrete tops, stencils(ugly and poor quality IMHO) and all the coloring options.

In Minneapolis we get about $12-18sq ft for stamped (You are competing with pavers, not an upgrade from greywork remember that!!). Keep in mind color will double the cost of your mud (Cemstone ships it out with color from a couple plants but you can get bags of color and add it yourself) We also use a full granite ag mix to eliminate popouts and a 7 bag mix with cut rock quantity and added sand to aid in stamping. Be sure to put in lots of bar and proper control cuts. Nobody wants their fake stone driveway to have big cracks running across it. Also don't add water. Get familiar with high range water reducers AKA Superplasticizers.

There's too much to put in one post. I can be available for consulting at live pours but my schedule is very, very limited. I'd recommend Doug's class first.

Also try decorativeconcrete.net forums.

**denick** · 03-15-2007, 08:41 AM

2 years ago we went to a class on stampnig and coloring and the top manufacturer technician was there and even he had issues with what they tried to do.

It seemed to us that you need to get really into this to do it well. If you have a reputation for really good work this could ruin it quickly if you don't put in the time it needs to do it well.

Same Old · 03-15-2007, 09:00 AM

Who was it?

CNLPAR · 03-15-2007, 10:12 AM

ARCS,
once you do get comfortable doing stamping, you may find you have less headaches(in a way). I went from running a Union crew of about 15 guys, down to me and 3 of my most dependable guys. We no longer focus on 3,4,5 hundred yard pours. Now we, at most, do 40-50yds. We have found,do what you do best. Period! We go in, set down our specialty, CLEAN UP(!), get paid,CLEAN UP again,LEAVE CUSTOMER HAPPY. Instead of trying to keep 15 guys(who sometimes aren't the most reliable/productive group around) going, you have your best working and taking pride in what they are doing.

UpIACrete · 03-15-2007, 02:51 PM

I think stenciled concrete looks a lot better than just stamped. The gray groutlines make all the difference. I live in southeast MN and have never had problems with acid staining exterior patios.

Same Old · 03-18-2007, 11:00 AM

I think stencils look like crap. Who cares if the grout lines are grey? They look like someone masked the grout lines. Super cheap and fake looking.

You get colored grout lines in stamp work too. You use pigmented release agents that add color in the deep areas of the stamp. Using a grey release on a red integral brick pattern job and it looks very realistic for example.

Give it some time on those acid stains. Many of the stains turn black over time when used on exterior applications. Also there are some molecular stucture issues that affect the durability of the surface of the concrete as well. But I can't remember the details enough to explain it properly.

Stencils

mkai22 · 05-17-2007, 03:39 PM

Great info guys. I'm always interested in learning more about stamping, when our line is surface prep.

dcfforums · 02-21-2008, 06:05 PM

You can find more specific info here, good help, good people and friendly to all, do a search for decorative concrete forums

Dec Concrete · 03-03-2008, 11:58 AM

Question for anyone who can help me out. I've just started a Decorative concrete business and though I've been trained on the instalation process i lack a bit on the bidding for this particular job. It's a tear out repour. He wants heat and for it to be stamped and colored. My estimated costs are $21,475.00 $17,000 of that is heat which will be installed by heat pro's. There is 940 sq ft. I'm struggling between not charging enough and too much. HELP!!!