Decorative concrete from a to z. Do-it-yourself decorative concrete: composition and manufacturing technology. Protective coating or surface varnish

The article was prepared with the participation of specialists company DOMASK BETON

Paving stones, paving slabs, clinker, natural stone - there are enough finishing materials, but there is no limit to perfection, and today all these surfaces can be imitated using concrete. This technology allows you to accurately recreate any texture, while the physical characteristics of the coating are not inferior, but in a number of points surpass the simulated surface. The specialists of DOMASK BETON will help you understand the basics of technology and important nuances, they will also answer the most pressing questions of FORUMHOUSE users.

The history of stamped concrete.
Scope, advantages and disadvantages of stamped concrete.
Stamped concrete device technology.
Professional answers to users' questions.

The history of stamped concrete

Stamped concrete began to be used in the middle of the last century, in the USA. Entrepreneurial Americans have developed a technology to maximize the hardening of the concrete surface and give it special properties so that military aviation runways serve as long as possible. But the invention was quickly appreciated by urban contractors, and with minor improvements, the concept of decorative stamped concrete was introduced into everyday life for use in almost any objects.

Stamped concrete, otherwise called stamped concrete (concrete is produced using stamps) or press concrete, differs from ordinary concrete by decorative embossing applied to the surface. In this case, the pattern can repeat natural or artificial material, whether it be stone, wood, paving stones or cracked soil. In addition to visual appeal, stamped concrete is characterized by increased wear resistance, since special materials are used in the printing process, as well as protective impregnations and varnishes for concrete.

Scope, advantages and disadvantages of coating

This material is universal - it can be laid on various bases, used outdoors and indoors. In the private sector, the most common paving of garden paths, patios, recreation areas, blind areas, stairs, gazebos and terraces with printed concrete. It is almost indispensable for restoration, as it allows you to imitate all styles and materials that are not found today.

The coating has no restrictions, as it is able to withstand mechanical stress, automotive loads and temperature changes from -50 to + 50⁰С.

But, only subject to the device technology, so we will understand.

Fedor MeshkorudnikovDirector of DOMASK BETON

There is no alternative to stamped concrete in decorating horizontal surfaces on the street (paths, parking lots, blind areas, sidewalks, platforms). This is a monolithic slab - no failures, a variety of textures and colors, quick installation, strength, durability, frost resistance.

The advantages of the coating include the following properties:

Solidity - due to the absence of glue joints, obtained when paving with piece materials, the canvas does not require regular restoration.
Environmental friendliness - no matter how hackneyed this concept is, concrete does not contain chemical components that can be released into the environment when heated, as is the case with asphalt derivatives and similar coatings.
Decorative - how the path or steps will look depends only on personal preferences, a large selection of forms has a flight of fancy.
Durability - a monolithic canvas does not absorb moisture, therefore, does not crack when frozen, dyes are resistant to abrasion and direct sunlight. Properly laid stamped concrete will last at least 15 years, and if taken care of, even more.

Stamped concrete is resistant to wear and weather, but like stone, tile or pavers, it scratches easily when it comes into contact with metal.

If the car has studded wheels, characteristic marks may remain.

Ilya Ivanov

About stamped concrete. As tracks - everything is very good, but in the parking lot - a problem. Everything is fine with the stove, but I have a check-in under a canopy with a turn, the exit is the same, and both cars are on spikes in winter. In the place where the front wheels turn every day, the entire surface is covered with scratches. It is clear that in the variant of natural stone or paving stones it would be the same, but the fact remains. Please note that if you turn the steering wheel and ride on spikes on the site, you need to choose some kind of coating such as small gravel on an adhesive basis.

Professionals offer another solution to the problem, if you really want just such a parking lot.

Fedor Meshkorudnikov

The only solution is to fill in strips 70-80 cm wide under the wheels, which can later be dismantled, and fill in new ones.

And on the paths, and in parking lots, and in any other place, the coating is also sensitive to chemical reagents, which should not be forgotten either.

Stamped concrete device technology

Despite some nuances, the manufacturing technology of decorative stamped concrete is not particularly difficult. However, only strict adherence to the technology of work and high-quality materials corresponding to the specifics of the application will make it possible to obtain an attractive, strong and durable coating.

Foundation preparation

The first stage is standard - sampling the soil layer, leveling, compacting, creating a slope, adding a drainage layer from crushed stone of a fraction of 20-40 mm with leveling and tamping. Then waterproofing is carried out, since saturation with moisture from the soil for stamped concrete is contraindicated. For this purpose, a plastic film is laid on top of the rubble. The final stage of preparation is the installation of formwork and reinforcement of the base (taking into account the minimum protective layer), the diameter of the reinforcement and the mesh cell depends on the expected loads. On sandy soils, a layer of geotextile under crushed stone may be required.

Mortar requirements and installation

Preferably factory concrete grade not less than M300-350, if you make concrete yourself at the facility, then on Portland cement (400-500) with the addition of fiber and plasticizers. Concrete laying is typical, the surface must be leveled, compacted, crushed stone is deposited and smoothed with trowels on concrete.

decoration

When there is no excess moisture on the surface, a colored fixative is applied (by scattering) in 2-3 layers to harden the surface and give the desired color. Each layer is rubbed into the freshly laid concrete with trowels until the surface becomes one-color, strictly observing the consumption - 2.5 kg/m² dark colors, 3.5 kg/m² light colors. Next, a colored hydrophobic release agent is sprayed on so that the mold does not stick to the concrete and gives a second surface color that remains in the seams and recesses. Impressions are made by stamping, by means of forms, until the concrete can be pressed through with a finger, gradually moving the forms over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe canvas.

After two days, excess disconnector is removed from the concrete by washing with plain water from a hose and helping with a brush.

Protective coatings are applied after the concrete has dried, but work at high temperatures and below +5⁰ is not allowed.

Operating mode

As already noted, it takes 2 years to update the protective layer, but there are a couple of nuances:

The pavement is able to perceive pedestrian loads after 4 days, a large mass only after 14 days.
Do not remove snow or dirt with a metal tool.

Reinforcement (against cracks)
Base (concrete M350)
Color fixer
Hydrophobic release agent (so that the form does not stick, additionally gives color to the seams and indentations)
Texture mold/stamp
Protective coating (impregnation and varnish for waterproofing, more intense color and wet stone effect)

Professional Answers

Portal participants are interested in various situations: the installation of expansion joints or the original use of a fixer.

hmk2003

I am interested in the technology of expansion joints, and whether it is possible to create a simply flat concrete surface, entrance to a garage, etc. with the help of fixers.

Fedor Meshkorudnikov

In order to avoid the appearance of cracks, in order to relieve stress, expansion joints are cut with a joint cutter or a grinder with a diamond disk to a depth of 1/3 of the concrete thickness, with 3 × 3 m cards, with a layer thickness of 8-12 cm, the tracks are cut every one and a half meters. You can get a smooth colored surface, some do just that, just rub the colored fixer into freshly laid concrete.

The bulk of users who are just looking at the technology or have already tried it and remained dissatisfied with the result are concerned about the causes of the destruction of printed concrete. According to Fedor, there may be several of them.

Violation of device technology:

Lack of waterproofing (film and impregnation). Regardless of the type of surface, when laying decorative concrete outdoors, it must be protected by a layer of insulation from both below and above.
Work in bad weather conditions (cold, hot, damp).
Untimely application of the fixer: if the concrete "seized", the composition does not penetrate into the deeper layers, binding only the surface, which leads to peeling after the first winter.
Insufficient slope - water stagnates, spoils the view, in places of accumulation it gradually seeps into the upper layer and, as it becomes saturated, begins to destroy concrete. According to the technology, a slope of 1.5 cm is required for each linear meter of the canvas.
Lack or insufficient reinforcement - the concrete slab will begin to deform.

For the first time, decorative concrete began to be used in the middle of the last century by American builders. Its development was started because it was necessary to reduce the construction time for US military airfields. Then beauty was given a secondary place. First of all, such concrete had to be distinguished by wear resistance and strength. Then high performance and decorative properties began to contribute to the growth of its popularity. Now decorative concrete is used for exterior decoration of buildings, pouring the floor in garages or in the corridors of residential premises.

Distinctive features of decorative concrete

For decorative purposes, colored fillers are used. These include marble chips of different colors or ground glass. There is also colored cement, which can give the concrete the desired shade. Such concrete is used for finishing not only the floor, but also the walls of buildings without restrictions in shape and size.

For the manufacture of massive concrete products, reinforcement is necessary. There is also a concrete solution in which air can be added. Thanks to such manipulations, the concrete product is given additional strength before thawing or freezing.

If air has been added to the concrete, it will not crumble when thawed. This is very important in adverse climatic conditions. For this, special cement and air additives are used.

A distinctive feature of decorative concrete is a rich range of colors and a variety of finishes. In addition, it is able to withstand a load 2–3 times greater than paving slabs. Such concrete is resistant to chemicals, fats and acids, oil products.

It is able to withstand ultraviolet radiation and 300 freeze cycles. The properties of concrete are preserved at temperatures from -40 o to +40 o C. It is slightly subject to deformation. Decorative concrete is able to imitate a stone surface (natural stones, cobblestones, marble).

water - 160 l;
cement - 400 kg;
fine filler (10 cm) - 465 kg;
large filler (20 cm) - 700 kg;
dye - the amount depends on what shade you want to get. See packaging for manufacturer's recommendations;
plasticizer - 2.4 l.

DIY production technology

You can also make decorative concrete with your own hands. In this case, it is possible to lay out a path in the garden as if with natural stone.

Start by making a mold. To do this, they buy a tile (1 piece) in the store, which imitates the stone they like. Use silicone sealant with acetic acid, grease for lubrication, knife, plywood sheet. First, a box is made of plywood, the depth of which is 15 cm. This box is filled to the middle with sealant. The tile from the store is lubricated with grease and pressed with its face into the silicone. Excesses protruding along the edges must be cleaned. After 3 days, you can use the form made by yourself.

If repair of the walls of the house is necessary, then sprayed concrete technology is used. In this case, the surface is first cleaned and a layer of polymer-cement mixture is applied. After the mixture dries, a plastic stencil is attached to the surface and a colored layer is sprayed. When the surface is dry, the stencil can be removed. At the end, the wall must be cleaned and coated with a protective compound.

Decorative concrete technology is the work with concrete, including the procedure for reinforcing, painting the coating, molding and sealing.

First, crushed stone and sand are laid out on the surface, and then concrete is poured on them. The surface needs to be smoothed out. Next, a colored hardener is applied, which consists of stable pigments, a binder and ground filler of quartz sand and granite. After that, the wet soft surface is pressed with special forms that imitate natural materials, and when the surface dries, a protective layer is applied.

Every year, the surface must be treated with a hydrophobizing solution. In this case, the surface will retain its appearance for several years.

On concrete, it is possible to draw various patterns thanks to modern technologies and chemical composition. With it, you can make pilasters, coasters, figured columns, flowerpots and other architectural decorations.

Decorative concrete is used not only in the above cases, but also for finishing garden paths, playgrounds, parking lots, driveways. This possibility is ensured by its resistance to fat and oil. Formwork, which is reinforced with rebar wire and supplied with the necessary details, gives a complex shape to small architectural solutions.

In this case, the site or alley will not need a border as a fence, which will reduce the cost of materials.

By the way, the choice of finish color does not affect the price, so the scope for imagination is huge, because the forms are distinguished by their diversity and allow you to choose the option that best suits the architecture and style.

Video

We invite you to watch these videos in the topic of our conversation.

Concrete is a versatile building material that is used everywhere. In particular, it is used in monolithic multi-storey construction, foundation pouring, reinforced concrete production, formation of airfield runways, and road construction. In fact, it is a practical multi-component mixture that has a gray color.

However, recently, the material has been used for decorative design of buildings and structures.

For this, architectural concrete (synonyms: archiconcrete / polymer concrete / acrylic concrete / art concrete / artistic concrete / decorative / sculptural concrete) is used - a plastic mixture that allows you to create an imitation of a natural coating, flat and voluminous decorations.

This material has been used relatively recently, so it makes sense to get acquainted with it in more detail.

What is it, the scope of decorative concrete

As a building material, architectural concrete was patented in America, around the middle 60s the last century. This mixture is created on the basis of cement with the addition of various types of fillers and coloring pigments. In fact, this is ordinary concrete, but there are a number of significant differences.

In particular:

Fine-grained structure that allows you to grind the surface to a perfectly smooth state.

Low sorption humidity - the material retains its integrity throughout the entire service life.

Independence from sudden temperature changes.

Neutral to any environment.

It should be noted that concrete is produced in various colors, which gives almost unlimited possibilities for architectural solutions. In addition, at the request of the customer, original fillers, such as shells, can be added to architectural concrete.

If we talk about the scope, architectural concrete is used when performing such works:

Decorative finishing of internal premises and external wall structures.

Facade cladding.

Casting of sculptural forms.

Bas-reliefs.

Balustrades.

Stairs.

A key feature of architectural concrete is the matrix finish - pouring molds of varying textures to produce finished products of any shape.

Advantages and disadvantages of artistic material

Despite its versatility and wide range of applications, architectural concrete is far from being an ideal material. Let's start with the benefits.

To the strengths architectural concrete includes the following parameters:

High strength and resistance to dynamic loads. Thanks to this feature, the material can be used for decorative design of access roads to a country house.

Resistance to aggressive environment. Concrete is neutral to acids and alkalis, does not collapse when exposed to moisture and high temperatures.

Not subject to mechanical abrasion. Therefore, the material is often used as a floor covering for the first floors of shopping and entertainment centers and other buildings with high traffic.

Attractive price. Given the wide range of architectural solutions, concrete is sold in an affordable price segment, which distinguishes it from natural materials.

Long service life. To increase this characteristic, polymer fibers are added to the composition of the mixture.

Flaws:

The manufacturing process involves the use of chemically active components, so architectural concrete is not considered environmentally friendly.

When facing facades, the load on the supporting and supporting structures increases significantly.

Self-laying such a concrete mixture is almost impossible: in order to preserve the texture, the work must be carried out by qualified craftsmen, and this significantly increases the final cost of the material.

Slow pace of work: architectural concrete gains initial strength around 48 hours.

Impossible to create small parts.

However, even a large number of disadvantages does not affect the popularity of architectural concrete in the domestic and world markets. In fact, this is an excellent alternative to natural finishing materials, which helps to significantly reduce the cost of designing buildings and structures.

Varieties of archiconcrete

Given the versatility of applications, architectural concrete is not a homogeneous gray mass, as many used to think of the material. The mixture produced is divided into three main groups. In particular:

Geometric concrete is a multi-component mixture for casting monolithic structures of any configuration in the formwork.

Decorative concrete - a mixture intended for finishing finished structures.

Sculptural concrete is a mixture for casting artistic and three-dimensional decorations.

In addition, there are such varieties on the market:

White decorative: the main purpose is interior decoration, facade decoration. Restriction on operation - the absence of high loads on the surface.

Forming methods

Formation has its own characteristics and nuances. The following methods are used here:

The strength and purpose of the material depends on the chosen method of molding.

Composition and tables of proportions for the preparation of the mixture

Any concrete is a precisely adjusted proportion of materials that ensure the workability of the mixture and the strength of the structure. If we talk about decorative varieties of material, then the composition will be as follows:

Connecting element

It uses cement grades M-400/M-500, without additional impurities and additives. In addition, given the purpose of the mixture, the cement should be white.

Filler

This component provides the volume and plasticity of the mixture. Most manufacturers use sifted quartz sand, which provides finished products with a texture that is identical to natural materials.

rubble

In the manufacture of conventional structural concrete, this component provides strength. In the manufacture of architectural concrete, the addition of crushed stone is not a prerequisite. However, many manufacturers take this step to improve the characteristics of the mixture.

Additives

It is allowed to use plasticizing additives and modifiers to improve the properties of the concrete mix. The addition of additives improves the plasticity of concrete, increases frost resistance and moisture resistance, and makes it possible to achieve a glossy surface.

Dyestuffs

Dyes give the hardened concrete a resemblance to a natural coating. These components are added during the kneading process, which ensures uniformity of pigmentation. The color palette has no restrictions, so the shade of the finished product depends only on the desire and imagination of the customer.

Water

This component is added to increase the plasticity and workability of the mixture. The presence of additional impurities in water is not allowed: this may adversely affect the properties of concrete.

The proportion of components directly depends on the intended use of the concrete mixture. The ratio of filler, plasticizers, water and binder is calculated in construction laboratories. A detailed manufacturing recipe is classified as a trade secret, so manufacturers are in no hurry to divulge their secrets.

Tables of ratios of parts of sand ( P), cement M-400 and M-500 (C) and rubble ( SCH) for the preparation of a solution of archiconcrete:

How to make material with your own hands

When decorating a country house, it is not always necessary to buy material from the manufacturer. The technology for making the mixture is quite simple, so the work can be done on your own. Of course, each manufacturer has its own "proprietary" secrets that distinguish products from competitors. However, the key principles of making the mixture remain unchanged.

Here you need to follow the following sequence of actions:

Preparation of a cement-sand mixture in compliance with the standard proportions 1:3.

Adding water. The liquid is added until the mixture reaches the desired mobility. In addition, at this stage, plasticizers and coloring agents are included in the composition.

Adding cement. The content of this component should not exceed 40% from the total volume of the mixture. Here, input is also added to make the concrete plastic and workable.

After that, the mixture is poured into ready-made forms of the desired configuration, carefully compacted to avoid the formation of voids. Further work can be done after 48 hours after pouring, for a full set of strength, concrete needs 28 days.

Plants - manufacturers

The demand for products made of decorative material is rapidly gaining popularity, however, not all manufacturers are engaged in the production of such products. Among the trustworthy companies are the following enterprises:

PLACHINTA. The plant is located in the Crimea, is engaged in the production of high-strength architectural concrete for landscape design of recreation areas. In addition, the company's product range includes piece products of all shapes and sizes. Delivery is carried out throughout Russia.

"Arbet". The company is located in Moscow, offers customers any design options using the subject of our conversation. The manufacturer strictly monitors the quality of products, uses high-tech equipment, attracts the attention of customers with favorable prices.

Decorstroy. A Moscow company with one of the most powerful production bases in Russia. The technological process is carried out on certified equipment, GOST standards are strictly observed.

Decorative concrete is an excellent replacement for natural materials. These concrete products, depending on the composition, can be constructive, decorative and artistic and decorative. They easily imitate natural and artificially created surfaces, such as paving stones, marble, brick, wood, laminate, animal skin. Decorative concrete in terms of strength and durability is many times higher than that of conventional concrete mixes. It is used at facades of houses and separate rooms.

decorative concrete

This concrete gets its main qualities precisely due to its textured finish. In its manufacture, special coloring chemical compositions are used, which are distinguished by good adhesive qualities. These compositions give products a special aesthetics and beauty. Surface finishing is carried out by spraying and stamping.

Popular colored and stamped concrete are varieties of artistic concrete that decorates the facades of houses and courtyards.

Spray method for decorative concrete

Spraying is used on vertically arranged planes. Acid dyes and spray give the surface the desired colors. The paint in contact with the concrete solution enters into a chemical reaction and creates the desired pattern. It is applied in layers until the desired shade is achieved. The spraying method allows you to create the appearance of brickwork and natural stone.

Printing Method for Decorative Concrete

This method is used on any planes. Today there are a large number of technologies for the manufacture of stamped concrete.

Any concrete in its composition contains cement, plasticizers, sand and other elements that depend on the desired result.

Decorative concrete can subsequently have a surface that imitates tree bark, laminate, natural tiles, brickwork, cobblestone.

Do-it-yourself decorative concrete is not only beautiful, but also reliable and durable. Let's figure it out.

Decorative concrete with your own hands. Spray production technology

To create a decorative surface on concrete, stencils are used that are attached to the surface. The coloring mixture, when applied to the surface, gives it the desired look.

Stencils can be purchased ready-made or made independently. For their manufacture, you can even use thick paper. The final step in creating a decorative surface is the application of a special protective impregnation, which will further protect the concrete from external influences.

Production technology by printing method

700 kg of granite chips fraction from 5 to 20 mm.

450 kg of river sand.

2.5 l of plasticizer C3 in an aqueous solution.

Dye (the amount depends on the desired shade).

Decorative concrete production process

The components are combined and thoroughly mixed in a concrete mixer. The mixture should be homogeneous.

Do-it-yourself decorative concrete is ready after drying.

Do-it-yourself coating of any surface with decorative concrete allows you to reduce costs and decorate your house and yard to your liking.

Finished decorative concrete can be walked on 5 hours after varnishing or impregnation.

Large loads (arrival of a car, trolley, trailer) are possible in 12-14 days.

Do not use for decorative coating! In addition, you should avoid using metal objects to remove snow and ice.

Decorative concrete to protect the surface after a year must be covered with a water-repellent solution. It will preserve the appearance of concrete and protect it from external influences.

Decorative concrete, if used correctly, will last for many years and will decorate any surface where it has been applied.

- a material that many times exceeds the strength and chemical resistance of conventional concrete mixtures. He is very skillfully able to convey the look of all kinds of natural and artificial surfaces, from marble and paving stones to tree bark and laminate.

Today, the technology for the production of decorative concrete, stone from them and other important nuances will be considered.

To obtain this material, high quality cement is used (for example, M 400), which is often reinforced with fiberglass.

For the production of tiles, the vibrocompression method and fine aggregate are used.
The textured surface is obtained by vibrocasting, using granite or marble chips.

If you plan to get pure and bright colors, it is advisable to take white Portland cement.

To enhance the decorative effect, sand of a certain shade is used - light or dark.
When a pronounced structure is required, pieces of glass and ceramics, limestone, marble, granite, anthracite, basalt are taken.
To enhance the texture, they use additives that slow down the solidification of the mixture, treat the surface with hydrochloric acid or a special tool.

It should be noted that decorative concrete acquires its main qualities due to a special surface finish that gives an original pattern and structure. In this case, coloring chemical compositions are used that have good adhesion and give products not only aesthetics, but also excellent characteristics. Surface finishing can be done in several ways. Next - about each of them.

The following video will tell about some types of decorative design of concrete, as well as about its manufacture:

Spraying

This method is used on vertical planes. To use it, you need an atomizer and an acid dye.

The paint, which enters into a chemical reaction with the concrete mortar, is applied in layers until the desired shade is achieved. So you can depict, for example, the type of masonry made of brick or natural stone.

Screen staining

In this case, special stencils are used, which are fixed on a concrete surface. A decorative coloring mixture is applied to them, due to which the surface takes on the look that was intended.

On sale there is a wide variety of inexpensive plastic stencils - they are reusable. But they are easy to make yourself - even from paper. The final stage of work is the application of special impregnation for additional protection of the material.

And now let's talk about polyurethane stamps for decorative concrete and plaster.

Stamping

This is one of the most popular ways to make decorative concrete, which is often called stamped (or printed) concrete. Stamps are usually made of rubber, silicone or polyurethane. They are pressed into the still soft concrete surface (previously coated with a mixture of colored pigment, fixative and moisture-resistant additives), and after it hardens, they are removed and a protective impregnation is applied. The printing method can be used both on horizontal planes and on vertical ones.

Graphito technology, which is very popular today, has become one of the varieties of stamping. This is the name of a unique plaster mixture, which is based on high quality white cement. Also, the composition of decorative printed concrete using the Grafito technology includes about ten other components: sand, plasticizers, and other elements.

Manufacturers keep the exact recipe of the mixture a secret. And it turns out it is viscous, plastic and has excellent adhesion to any surface. When solidified, a wear-resistant coating is obtained, which is neither ultraviolet nor chemical attack.

The Graphito mixture, without any need for surface preparation, penetrates into the smallest pores, just as cold welding does on metal. It allows you to embody any surface on concrete: wood bark, ceramic tiles, any stone, laminate, cobblestone. In this case, the effect of a three-dimensional volume arises, giving a complete illusion that we have, for example, masonry, porcelain stoneware or a wooden product.

Equipment for the production of

Main

As for the manufacture of any cement-based composition, you will need concrete mixer with electric drive. Its price will depend on the volume of production - an average of about 22-23 thousand rubles.
Will also need vibrating table, allowing concrete to be leveled and preventing the formation of voids inside. It will cost about 15 thousand rubles.
If you plan to produce large products, then you should think about forklift.
The next item of expenditure is molds for decorative concrete products(about 50 pieces), into which the concrete mixture will be poured. The material of their manufacture is diverse: metal, wood, fiberglass, ABS plastic, polyethylene. The cost, respectively, can also vary widely: from 500 to 15 thousand rubles.

Simple forms can be made on your own, knocked together from boards or chipboard, for example.

Stamps

Finally, let's move on to something without which our material has no right to be called decorative. These are stamps that can be hard plastic or soft polyurethane (or silicone).

The former are used for the manufacture of paving stones or paving slabs, they are cheaper - somewhere around 1.5 thousand rubles per piece. Flexible stamps are used to create more complex shapes for decorative concrete products, the price is from 7 to 20 thousand rubles. A homemade stamp for decorative printed concrete will cost you free.

In order to save money, many craftsmen want to learn how to make stamps on their own. There are a lot of videos about this on the Web - you can see the detailed process. The easiest way to make a metal printing stencil is by welding. If you want something more complex and interesting than paving stones or ordinary masonry, it is possible to cast molds from polymer. But this is more difficult, and it is far from always possible to achieve the same quality result as with ready-made soft stamps.

The next video is about production of a decorative stamp for printed concrete with your own hands:

The next section will tell you how to make decorative printed concrete in the interior with your own hands.

Do it yourself

To start making decorative concrete, you need to decide on the choice of a suitable site. The best place is located in an industrial area or even outside the city. An area of 50 (70) square meters will be enough. Heating and an established ventilation system are necessary conditions (this is necessary so that the concrete dries well).

And now we will tell you how to make the most popular printed concrete, which is actively used to create beautiful and durable garden paths. It does not slip at all and can easily endure drops from plus fifty to minus fifty, so the owners of their own houses and summer residents fell in love with it.

So, in order to make such a garden path, we stock up on high-quality concrete mix (from cement grade not lower than M300). Plasticizer additives are required. Work is carried out at plus five degrees and above.

Pour the mixture, compacting it with a vibrating screed and rolling it with a roller and smoothing it. The composition of the mixture:
Then we remove the top layer of soil (from 15 to 20 cm), put formwork around the edges, pour a mixture of gravel with sand, ram, lay polyethylene, reinforce with polypropylene fiber (600 g per square meter).
First, we will make the markup by taking wooden pegs and pulling a rope between them.
1. crushed granite fraction from 5 to 20 - 3 parts;
2. Portland cement brand 400 - 1 part;
3. river sand - 3 parts;
4. plasticizer C3 in an aqueous solution - 0.5 percent.
Before the next stage - applying a decorative layer - a coating with a disconnector is necessary.
Then a mixture of colored fixative is applied (adhesive filler, granite dust, quartz sand and coloring pigment are not included). We evenly press the stamps to the surface, moistening them with water.

Time from mixing the concrete mixture to stamping 0 from 40 to 70 minutes. We do not hesitate, not allowing the concrete to seize ahead of time. Optimally - the consistency of plasticine.

Remove the stamp from the dried products carefully, using a special hammer. After two days, we remove the remaining disconnector with a long-haired brush, wash the surface, dry it, cover it with acrylic-based impregnation. A stylish and durable track is ready.

The video below will tell you how to make decorative concrete with your own hands: