How to Color and Stamp Concrete

Stamping Your Design

• 1

  Form, pour and finish your cement project. Color and stamping are applied to freshly poured concrete. Allow the concrete to dry a bit and "bleed" off excessive moisture.

• 2

  Choose colors and purchase colored concrete hardeners, concrete release powder and concrete sealant. There are dozens of different brands and a plethora of products to use to color and stamp concrete.

• 3

  Broadcast or sprinkle either liquid or powdered colored concrete hardeners on the freshly poured concrete. The hardeners will improve the surface strength of the concrete and add color.

• 4

  Follow the hardeners with a generous coating of concrete release powder. This powder, also known as antiquing powder, prevents the stamps from sticking to the concrete. The color in the powder will also add accent and depth to the stamped design.

• 5

  Start at one corner of the concrete pour or slab and carefully position the mat or stamp. (Latex mats or concrete stamps can be purchased or rented from concrete contractors or building supply stores.) Use a rubber mallet or concrete tamping tool to firmly tap all over the surface of the mat to firmly mark the impression. Lift the mat and carefully relocate it to the adjoining area. Align the mat with the first stamping precisely. The quality of your stamping will be reflected by your considered placement of the stamps or mats. Repeat the process until the entire project has been stamped. Allow the concrete to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

Applying the Final Touchs

• 6

  Use a leaf blower to remove excess release powder. Blow away from you in one direction. Always wear a dust mask, eye protection and gloves when working with powders that can blow in the wind or cause skin irritation.

• 7

  Apply additional layers of concrete colored powders or liquid. Allow them to dry between coats. Excessive color can be removed by spraying water with a garden hose or wiping the concrete with a wet rag. Allow it to dry for several days prior to applying sealant.

• 8

  Spray or brush on two to three coats of concrete sealant, following the package directions. Sealant is especially important to protect outdoor surfaces that are subject to freezing and thaws.