About Decorative Concrete Stamping Tools

History

• Imprinted concrete, the technique of stamping a pattern in concrete, first began to take off in the 1970s in California. The early patterns were pretty basic, using aluminum or plastic cookie cutters to form simple patterns. With the advent of rubber stamping mats in the early 1980s, this treatment became highly flexible, with many patterns and textures being developed. Concrete can now mimic almost any natural or man-made product. It is becoming one of the most popular choices for transforming a plain gray concrete surface into a distinctive and beautiful floor or hardscape.

Patterns

• Some of the most popular pattern choices today are cobblestone, clay tile, fractured slate, weathered wood, sandstone octagon and tile, Old Belgium stone running bond, canyon stone, Moorish pavers, river pebbles, limestone European fan pattern, brick herringbone, Victorian pavers and English Yorkstone. Select a pattern which complements the architecture of the house and the homeowner's individual taste.

Rigid forms

• Professional-grade tools are made of high-quality polyurethane that produces realistic results. Both rigid and semi-rigid mats have handles for easy moving. Rigid forms are used for the majority of the work, since it leaves the cleanest impression in the concrete. They distribute the weight more evenly, reducing dips in the concrete that would create a "bird bath" effect. This type of form is easy to use, provides precision alignment, and is higher quality, lighter and lasts longer.

Semi-Rigid Forms

• Semi-rigid forms, as the name implies, offer more flexibility for conforming to contours in the concrete. They are used most often on sloping driveways and other places where there are curves to take into account. Some professionals prefer semi-rigid for all their work, since they can better feel the concrete underneath the form. Most jobs will require use of both rigid and semi-rigid forms.

Skins

• Skins are used to finish off a surface. The forms are ultra-thin and pliable. The depth of detail is less pronounced than with a mat, but they can produce texture on the edges of the driveway or on vertical surfaces, such as stair steps, where a traditional rigid or semi-rigid mat wouldn't conform.