YOU HAVE QUESTIONS? Many of you reading this website are learning about engraving, staining and decorating existing concrete for the very first time. It is natural that you would have questions about the nature of and the creation of this “transformation”. Even if you think your question is simple, chances are someone else is thinking the same question but has not yet asked. Following are a few often asked questions that may assist you as you educate yourself about engraved and decorative existing concrete. These questions and answers may help you decide that this is just what you were looking for and didn’t really know it.
What is concrete engraving and decorating all about? Working with an existing concrete slab, Concrete Transformations, LLC has been trained by the concrete engraving professionals at Engrave-A-Crete Systems in Sarasota, Florida and is equipped with patented, high-tech equipment to perform astonishing precision designs, apply acid and/or water based stains, and seal with the best products on the market in creating a unique design while enhancing the beauty of your driveway, porch, patio, basement, swimming pool area, interior, etc.
How soon after pouring concrete can it be engraved and stained? Concrete can be engraved as soon as 7 to 10 days after pouring depending on temperature, humidity, aggregate type, and the type of cut. However, a cure time of 30 to 45 days minimum is required prior to applying stains and sealers. Concrete hydrates during cure and as it cures, the moisture dissipates from the slab. If sealed too soon, the water vapors may build up and push the stain and sealer off causing a failure in the decorative results.
Can concrete be too old to be engraved and stained? Here lies the beauty of the decorative concrete process.
As long as your concrete slab is solid and in good state of repair, the slab can be many years old and you still can bring it to life with cleaning, staining and engraving. You are not stuck with that drab concrete look forever. You can revitalize it with amazing results!
What is the first step in staining concrete? Clean, clean, clean. Cleaning and surface preparation is imperative to the success of your staining and decorative results. Concrete must be cleaned and free of any dirt, grease, oil, adhesives, etc. prior to applying any stains. Pressure washing, hand scrubbing, degreasers, paint and sealer removal are all entities that may be required in preparing your concrete. Failure to properly clean and prepare the surface will result in a failed project.
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Will I have to add concrete to my existing concrete in order to freshen up the surface? No. Concrete Transformations, LLC will work with your existing concrete surface by cleaning and preparing it for the staining and engraving process.
How deep will the engraving cuts be? Depending on the condition of the surface of your concrete slab and/or the expected results of the engraving design, engraved cuts will mostly be 1/16th to 1/8th inch deep. In the case of creating an intricate design using the Sandroid (sandblaster-type machine), the depth is extremely shallow just removing the stain and concrete surface to create the desired look.
What will the finished job look like? Using the available technology and high-tech diamond cutter tools, Concrete Transformations, LLC can transform your existing concrete slab to look like brick, tile, polished marble, flagstone, fieldstone, ashlar slate, or cobblestone. Also, geometric designs, corporate logos or themed designs can be created on your concrete. Classic circular, arched or straight patterns that look either brand new or with a long history can be engraved into existing concrete.
Will the color fade? Maybe a little. But, remember nothing is impervious to the sun’s UV rays. Everybody’s colors change over time as the color my actually become a bit darker. Changes in the color of a stain outside are very slow and span many years, especially when they are routinely maintained with a clear sealer. Interior, high traffic areas may also need to be resealed due to constant exposure to people traffic.
How long will the engraving design last? The engraved pattern is cut into your existing concrete and will last as long as the concrete because your pattern has become one in the same with the concrete. The engraved patterns will never come loose nor can water separate the pattern from the concrete because the pattern is the concrete.
My concrete has a crack in it. Can I still have it engraved? Yes. Most concrete slabs have cracks as it is the natural way of concrete expanding and contracting. Most cracks can be worked into the engraved pattern. Unsightly, wide cracks may have to be repaired.
