Decorative Concrete Overlays can provide a facelift with some elegant looks to existing concrete without the cost of disruptive removal and replacement...
Decorative Concrete Overlays can give a facelift with some elegant looks to existing concrete without the cost of disruptive removal and replacement. There are many different options. Let’s look at a few.
Thin Stamped Overlay – After applying 1\4 inch to 3\8 inch of stamp material over existing prepped concrete, large stamps are used to imprint the outline and textures of stone, brick, tile, wood planks or slate into the freshly mixed stamp material. The imprinting tools range from basic texture of slate or granite to patterned stamps such as brick or random slate or stones. Sometimes, patterns are carved or scored for a non repeating pattern look of slate or flagstone. In some cases, grout may be applied to grooves for a more realistic finished appearance. Some techniques give the illusion of grout when it’s actually just lightly carved and colored.
Thin Stained Overlay – We have all seen those beautiful floors in restaurants, but what if you want a chemical stain floor and have one that is not suitable for staining? Thin layers of cementitious material can be applied to existing concrete floors, adding thicknesses from 1\8 to 1\4 inch. The material may be smooth or trowelable and textures can resemble slate and tile. A large range of colors are available. Chemical staining can be incorporated into the process. Prior to applying overlay material, cracks in base slab must be repaired to avoid telegraphing and the location of existing expansion joints must be maintained.
Sealers – The final step in any finishing process is sealing in the color. Decocrete Services offers a broad range of products for different applications ranging from basic sealers of solvent and water based sealers, top coated with wax for interior floors, to industrial sealers like urethanes and epoxies for high traffic settings. Clear coatings bring out the depth and luster of antiquing patinas or variegations from chemical staining. Depending on the how heavily the floor is used, waxes may need to be periodically renewed or reapplied, but maintenance might be as simple as occasionally mopping with floor wax. Exterior normally has a UV stable solvent sealer to hold up for years.
Epoxy coatings - Garages are a place that often need some help keeping neat and clean. Colored epoxy coatings are a nice look with a smooth finish. After a floor has been ground down to remove old coatings or sealers, a 100% epoxy will give a smooth durable finish with chemical resistance and no hot tire pick up.
Concrete Polishing
Thanks to recent advances in polishing equipment and techniques, Decocrete Services can now grind concrete floor surfaces—whether new or old—to a high-gloss finish that never needs waxes or coatings. Offering superior durability and ease of maintenance, polished concrete has become a popular flooring surface in warehouses, retail spaces, schools, and other high-traffic facilities. But, polished concrete serves much more than a utilitarian purpose. It’s also an economical flooring alternative for homeowners or businesses that can’t afford pricey marble or granite floors but, want the same brilliant, mirror-like finish.
You can enhance the lustrous beauty of polished concrete by using various coloring products and specialty treatments. To add color, you can apply chemical stains or dyes to the concrete during the polishing process.
Rick Smith, owner/ operator of Decocrete Services, is a local Decorative Concrete Overlay and Acid Stain Company with various factory authorized certifications from training he has attended over the last four years. All employees are factory certified artisans as well.
If you truly want a unique floor or just want the benefits of Decorative Concrete overlays, give Rick a call at 770-634-7566 or visit the website at www.DecocreteServices.com/.
