How to Use a Stamping Roller for Concrete

Tie string to stakes and place stakes in the ground on the corner of the concrete pour. Follow the string guidelines to build edge forms for the concrete pour out of two-by-four or two-by-six lumber. Recycle scrap lumber for the forms if it's available. Use a carpenter's square to ensure all corners are square. If necessary, dig a shallow trench to set the lumber in to get the concrete pour at the height you want it. Once the forms are in the desired position, use a hammer to drive stakes in the ground outside the forms to hold the lumber in place.

Set the slope on the project so it has adequate drainage. Remove large stones and other objects from the area where you plan to pour the concrete.

Shovel a shallow layer of gravel inside the forms. Set reinforcement bar, or rebar, in place. Pour the concrete to a depth suitable for the weight you plan to put on it.

Work the concrete into the corners with a rake. Use an extra piece of lumber as a screed to level the concrete. With a helper, work the lumber back and forth across the tops of the forms to create a level surface. Add more concrete to the low spots and then level it.

Smooth the surface with a bull float. Work all aggregate back below the surface. Use an edger around the edge of the concrete to create a smooth edge and to loosen the concrete from the form.

Spray roller release on the edge roller and along the edge of the concrete pour once the surface appears smooth and creamy. Use uniform pressure as you roll the edge roller along the edge of the concrete.

Put roller release on the large roller as well as the rest of the concrete pour. Use the path of the edge roller as your guide as you make a pass with the concrete roller. When you get to the other side of the concrete pour, pick up the roller and reposition it for the next pass. Do not overlap passes. Repeat this process until you finish stamping all the concrete. Use additional roller release spray as needed to keep the roller from sticking.

Remove the forms when the concrete dries. Avoid using the concrete until it has a chance to cure. The length of time varies on the thickness of the concrete and weather conditions.