Learn how to re-coat stamped concrete and what materials you need to do the job. Get tips on how to properly maintain your stamped concrete and keep it looking its best.
How Do You Recoat Stamped Concrete?
Stamped concrete is an excellent choice for patios, driveways, and pool decks, but it can lose its color and shine over time. Re-coating decorative concrete is a valuable way to restore its color and protect it from damage. To start, clean the concrete with soap and water. Then, use a pressure washer on low pressure to avoid damaging the sealer or textured surface if there are any remaining stains.
Faded stamped concrete should be resealed every 3 to 5 years, depending on weather conditions. Be sure to let the surface dry for 24 hours or use a leaf blower before applying the top clear coat. Applying clear coat to damp surfaces can cause the coating to fail. Different sealants can be used for stamped surfaces, such as solvent-based acrylic sealants for a low to high gloss finish or penetrating sealant like Silane-Siloxane water repellent.
If the colored concrete has faded, there are ways to restore its recolor. Antiquing recoloring stain can add highlights, while a tinted sealer can darken the color of the concrete. If the stamped surface has lost its shine due to an old colored concrete floor slab clear coat, it may need to be removed before re-staining and top clear coating the surface.
How to Recoat And Recolor Antiquing Stamped Concrete Patio
1. Clean the stamped surface with a high powered water pressure to remove debris, dirt, and any existing sealer.
2. Allow the concrete to dry completely before clear coating the surface.
3. Apply a concrete etching solution to create a rough surface and open the concrete’s pores.
4. Rinse off the etching solution and allow the concrete to dry.
5. Add a non-slip resistance additive to the sealer and mix thoroughly.
6. Apply a non-slip concrete sealant with a roller or brush.
7. Allow the sealer to dry for 24 hours.
8. Apply a second coat of sealant if necessary.
9. Allow the sealer to dry for 24 hours.
10. Enjoy your newly refinished solvent based sealed surface!
Clear coating the colored concrete finish is essential for maintaining its appearance and durability. To do this, you should start by washing the concrete with a concrete cleaner and a stiff brush or pressure washer to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other stains. For severe mold/mildew, a mild bleach with water solution can work well. Then, allow the concrete to dry for a day before applying the sealer.
Professional Advice: Tips For Concrete Patio Sealer Installation Options
When selecting a sealer, you’ll have various gloss levels, ranging from matte or non-gloss to a high-gloss or “wet” look. The sealant can be applied using a brush, roller, or a quality metal sprayer. First, fill the sprayer 3/4 full of sealant and pump until it’s hard to pump. Then, apply the sealant evenly on the surface while avoiding puddling. Try to coat at least 400 square feet per gallon when clear coating the surface. Applying only a little sealer is essential, which putting on heavy can lead to peeling and flaking off. Additionally, use compatible materials when clear coating the surface – water-based sealants should not be used over solvent based sealants and vice versa.
In conclusion, decorative textured concrete requires surface preparation, choosing the suitable sealer, and applying it evenly on the surface while avoiding puddling. Following these steps will help you maintain the appearance and durability of your surface.
Why Seal And Stain Stamped Concrete?
Patterned concrete is an excellent choice for outdoor surfaces because it’s durable and can withstand the elements. However, it does need to be re-coated periodically over the old sealer to keep it looking its best. Recoating colored concrete will help protect it from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause fading and discoloration. Re-coating will also protect it from stains, dirt, and other debris.
What Sealers Are Best For Colored Stamped Concrete Look
If you are looking for the best sealer for maintaining your stamped concrete, an acrylic sealant adhesion is the most popular choice. Acrylic sealers provide good coverage and protect against UV rays, weathering, and traffic wear. In addition, they penetrate the concrete surface to create a bond that enhances durability. Penetrating xylene sealers are also an excellent option for long-term protection and deicing salt protection. Some of the best high performance decorative concrete sealers are BUTTERFIELD CLEAR GUARD® PRO 350® CURE & SEAL, and SCOFIELD SELECTSEAL PLUS CONCRETE SEALER.
Tips for Maintaining Decorative Concrete Reseal:
Stamped concrete maintenance is vital to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for maintaining colored concrete:
• Sweep the surface regularly to remove mold, dirt, stains, and debris.
• Use a high powered water pressure cleaner to clean the surface regularly.
• Re-coat the surface every three to five years to protect it from the sun’s UV rays, mold, mildew, and other elements.
• Recoat the surface with a sealant formulated for patterned textured concrete to protect it from moisture and staining.
FAQs:
Q: How Often Should I Restore Faded Stamped Concrete?
A: It’s recommended to recoat colored concrete every three to five years to protect it from the sun’s UV rays and other elements.
Q: What Materials Do I Need To Recoat Stamped Concrete?
A: You will need a concrete cleaning agent, and a sealant with a non-slip additive formulated for stamped concrete slab.
Q: How Do You Re-color and Reseal Stamped Concrete?
A: To re-color colored concrete, you must power wash the surface and allow it to dry for 24 hours. Then you will need to mix the sealer and stain of your choice according to the directions on the packaging and apply it twice to the surface using a roller or sprayer. Allow the sealer to dry for 24 hours before applying a second coat. After the second coat has dried, you can apply a protective topcoat to seal the color and provide an extra layer of protection.
Q: How Hard Is It To Reseal Stamped Concrete?
A: Sealing patterned type of concrete can be done with relative ease by a homeowner, depending on the size of the area. The process involves power washing the surface, allowing it to dry completely, and then applying a sealer. It is essential to read the instructions on the sealer before using it, as some products require multiple coats or a specific drying time.
Q: How Do You Make Stamped Concrete Look New Again?
A: To make colored concrete look new again, it is crucial to start by power washing the old sealer surface to remove any dirt and debris. Once the surface is clean, it can then be sealed with either a solvent-based or an acrylic-based sealer. This will help protect the concrete surface from fading and make it easier to clean in the future. Finally, the stamped concrete walkway can be re-colored with a concrete stain or tinted sealer if necessary.
Q: What Happens If You Don’t Recoat Stamped Concrete?
A: If you do not seal, it will change the color of stamped concrete, it can become stained from dirt, debris, mold, mildew, and other environmental elements. Over time, the stamped pattern can fade, and make the concrete surface have surface cracks and become brittle. The concrete may also become more susceptible to water damage, leading to further deterioration.
Conclusion
Recoating colored concrete is a simple process most people can do with a few essential tools. However, it’s vital to recoat colored concrete by a professionally skilled sealant concrete contractor installer every three to five years to protect it from the sun’s UV rays and other elements. Use a sealant formulated for stamped concrete color to get the best results. With proper maintenance and re-coating, your stamped concrete patio will look its best for years.
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