A stamped concrete overlay mimics the look of brick or natural stone at a lower cost than the purchase and installation of stone or brick pavers. Concrete overlays are commonly installed on flooring, patios and walkways and can even be installed on vertical surfaces. Some skill is required to properly mix the concrete overlay, add in the concrete dyes and apply the overlay to the surface. Chris Sullivan, columnist for the Concrete Network, a comprehensive website dedicated to supplying information on concrete uses and applications, warns that applying a stamped concrete overlay is not a task for the casual do-it-yourselfer.
Instructions
1. Prepare the concrete overlay mixture according to the manufacturer's directions with a paddle mixer until it is smooth and uniform.
2. Pour the concrete overlay mixture slowly and evenly onto the floor to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Smooth the entire surface with a trowel. Allow the mixture to set for the time period recommended by the manufacturer, usually 20 minutes to one hour.
3. Spray the concrete with a release agent from a power sprayer. The release agent prevents the concrete stamp from sticking to the concrete when the stamp is lifted.
4. Starting at one end, apply the rigid concrete stamps to the floor row by row. Work quickly to prevent the concrete from hardening before the stamps can be applied. Use flexible stamps for areas where there is not sufficient room for the stamp, such as the areas near steps or nearest to the home's foundation. Tamp down the concrete stamps several times with a concrete tamper before removing the concrete stamp and moving on to the next row.
5. Allow the concrete to dry for a minimum of 14 hours. It can be walked on at that point but should not receive heavy traffic for at least three days. Concrete generally takes at least 28 days to completely cure.
