Step-by-Step Instructions for Stamped Concrete Overlay

Overlays

• The point of an overlay is to keep the concrete you already have while improving its appearance. If your concrete is stable and shows no signs of wear or deep cracks that could prove to be a problem later on, then you can consider an overlay. In order to prepare concrete for an overlay, you need to remove any previous sealants or paints and then acid etch the concrete with a muriatic acid mixture. The overlay itself is usually some sort of polymer mixture. These mixtures come with different instructions, which you should be sure to read and follow. Make sure you lightly wet the concrete before applying the overlay, and use a smoothing device like a trowel to smooth the coating over the concrete.

  After the first layer is dry, smooth it out by grinding away any pockets or bubbles that may have appeared. You can then use narrow pieces of tape, 1/4 inch or less, or concrete stencils which imprint tile shapes or the simpler kinds of stamping designs. Once the tape or stencil is in place, use a second, lighter coat of the overlay, and when it is dry, pull up the tape or stencils to reveal the design.

Stamping Process

• Stamping can be applied to the concrete itself before it dries, or to the overlay, to give the concrete a new look. When stamping an overlay, it is important to incorporate the stamping process before the overlay begins to dry. You can use either a pattern stamp or a texture mat, which can be purchased at home construction and art stores. The shape and size of the pattern will dictate how big you want to make your faux tiled sections in the overlay process. The exact timing for stamping the fresh overlay varies widely, based not only on individual materials but also on climate, so read all instructions carefully and experiment with a test panel first. After the stamped overlay is completely dry, you can use an acrylic or acid stain to give the overlay a particular color and look.

  There are many different techniques for giving concrete overlays various looks, and many are in the realm of the professionals. It is possible to apply specific effects to make overlays resemble expensive types of stone such as granite or marble.