This is one of the most popular decorative concrete treatments currently being used in both Europe and America. It is used in both residential and commercial sectors due to its low maintenance and attractive finished appearance.


Due to the textured surface it is rarely used in shopping centres where shopping trolleys would find it difficult to traverse. However it is finding wide residential use in a large driveways, pathways and home entrances and commercial sites where a low maintenance, distinctive custom finish is required.

Currently there is a wide variety of finishes available with the Ashlar Stone, Rectangular and Octagonal Tiles vying with the Herring Bone Brick finish vying for popularity. Colours are mainly in the black, brown and reddish brown area with some brave souls venturing into the blues and greens.

The mats used for the texture reproduction for fresh concrete work are quite expensive and we have made them available for purchase or for daily hire. Stamping on freshly aid concrete is not usually recommended for the DIY person due to the special tools required coupled with the on the job experience necessary.

Good tradesman like preparation of the sub surface prior to stamping will prevent most of the problems that can ensue such as cracking of the concrete in non control joint areas and flaking or spalling of the surface. These problems simply do not occur with proper foundations or correct application of surface decoration.

In view of the fact that stamping is in direct competition with brick or concrete block paving it should be pointed out that although you can save money using this system the results that I have seen have not yet reached an authentic reproduction of either the brick or the block.

This can be a source of disappointment to many. So as not to raise expectations above what is achievable, showing clients samples of finished work is essential. Beautiful and cost effective results are possible, however this does not necessarily mean they are perfect reproductions from nature. Nor are they in many cases intended to be, so clients should be made aware of this reality and you will finish up with a happy client.

Pattern Imprint on Freshly Laid Concrete

This method produces a result very similar to that achieved with the use of stamping mats on freshly laid concrete.
A thin coat of high strength polymerized concrete is laid over an existing concrete surface that is in good condition and is then textured with mats. The mats used are of a lighter and smaller construction than those used for stamping.

The steps in this process are similar to those used for stenciling over existing concrete. However instead of the 1-3mm thickness of concrete laid over the existing concrete for stenciling, it is applied by trowel to a depth of 5-20mm. This allows a sufficient thickness of concrete for textures of a reasonable depth to be applied.

The same thorough cleaning by pressure hose and acid etching are required before starting work.

Once cleaned a primer coat is applied to provide a strong bond between the existing concrete and the new overlay.

The overlay concrete mixture which may be coloured is mixed with just sufficient water to provide a workable smooth consistency and trowelled or floated onto the primed surface to the required level for applying texture with the chosen texture tool.

The concrete overlay can be left smooth, textured with a broom, texture roller or texture mat.

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