As soon as a job involving stamped concrete on the ground has taken place, the first thing that should immediately come to mind (almost by necessity) is to applying a resin over it.
Why?
The resin serves to maintain and preserve the initial appearance of the stamped concrete for a long time.
We can’t say that a job has been executed correctly if we can’t guarantee its durability.
Resin is a perfect sealant due to its peculiarities such as, for example, being resistant to weather conditions, surface abrasions and because of its simple and easy application.
However, before we embark on how to apply resin for stamped concrete, let’s explain in more detail what resin is and what stamped concrete is.
What is stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete has become one of the most chosen concrete floor alternatives.
Among the aspects that make it more peculiar is its aesthetic appearance, since it can have numerous pattern options which are created by stamping mechanisms, and with which the flooring can gain multiple options in colours and textures.
Thanks to these aesthetic characteristics, this technique can fit perfectly in a remodeling job in any surface finish, it can even adapt to the appearance of stone or wood.
“It is a type of flooring that, for a low cost, has a very pleasant appearance.”
What is resin?
Resin is one of the last steps in construction or decoration jobs. Resin is obtained from coniferous trees.
After being treated, it becomes an excellent hardener and other products such as paint or varnish are obtained from it.
What’s more, lately, resin is being used for other purposes such as, for example, varnish, waterproofing, adhesives or to manufacture of paper.
It’s a really acclaimed substance that offers great aesthetic finishes to all kinds of creations.
How to apply resin for stamped concrete
Applying resin for stamped concrete is something that isn’t very difficult and can be done by anyone.
However, you do have to follow the appropriate steps in order to really obtain the product’s main purpose: guaranteeing the full useful life and durability of a floor.
If you don’t do it properly, you will have to repeat it from the beginning all over again.
Now, we are going to break down the all the necessary steps to apply it correctly.
Preparation
Before applying the resin, we advise that there is no residue on the concrete.
Residue?
We understand as residue, all the old layers of resin or common dust which can prevent the new resin from adhering properly to the floor. This would negatively affect its protective functions and durability.
Therefore, carry out a deep clean and leave the surface ready to apply the resin. What’s more, don’t risk it and leave the floor drying for 2 days.
After that, you will be completely sure that you can apply the resin onto the stamped concrete.
Resin application
When we’re sure that the concrete is dry, we can begin applying the resin.
Remember that resin is an essential substance to soften and hydrate flooring to make it shiny and protect it from stains, in addition to having waterproofing characteristics and to intensify its colour or modify its tone.
A resin for stamped concrete floors sticks perfectly to the ground, whether it’s new or old.
Let’s begin!
Before applying the resin, first shake the container. Then, pour the contents into a large receptacle, without diluting it.
Take a roller or brush and apply it on the flooring, avoiding excesses and try to apply it in thin layers.
Although if you have a spraying machine, the job should be much faster.
Resin, as a general rule, takes about 2 hours to dry. But, in any case, it is not advisable to step on the ground until after 24 hours, to avoid leaving marks.
It is also advisable to apply the resin on stamped concrete floors at a temperature between 15 and 25 degrees.
Basically, to avoid applying it on hot summer or cold winter days.
Types of resin for stamped concrete
There are different types and alternatives of resins: each one has specific functions that will influence your final decision.
Do not forget!
The sealant has to seal to the stamped concrete, because the resin, depending on which type is chosen, has a specific use or function.
For example, if we choose a resin without a colour, we only want to waterproof the stamped concrete and protect it.
But if the resin has a colour, in addition to protecting it, it will provide a shine and a tone to the floor.
From the distinction we have just made, we can distinguish 2 types of resin.
Solvent-Based Resin
It is thick and transparent in appearance. It’s made up of organic solvents and, therefore, it has to be applied entirely with a roller in order to apply it all over the floor’s surface and spreading it correctly.
Water-Based Resin
How to differentiate it from solvent-based resin? Easy, the water-based resin is white and is used only to highlight the existing colour of the stamped concrete, becoming transparent when dry.
It is an easy product to apply, so a brush will be enough.
Advantages of applying resin on stamped concrete
Applying resin on stamped concrete floors is essential, not only to guarantee its durability, but also its aesthetic appearance.
It has many other advantages, such as:
- Easy application
The best thing about resin is that it’s very easy to apply, so it doesn’t require hiring professionals.
You can apply it yourself, following the steps that we have taught you before.
- Maintains its original appearance
It can maintain its originality look as if it were new for over than 6 years.
- Facilitates maintenance
Resin makes cleaning tasks easier, thanks to the thickness of the substance, it makes it difficult for the dust to settle or leave stains. In short, it is a very effective layer against dirt.
- Provides extra resistance to stamped concrete
Resin provides greater resistance to the stamped concrete, which protects it from losing its colour from snow or ultraviolet rays.
In short, it is a sealant or varnish that is fulfills its function.
- Cost saving
When we apply the resin onto the concrete, we are extending its aesthetics and useful life, which reduces the costs of future restorations due to possible deterioration cause by the inevitable exposure to climatic factors.
Conclusion
Ultimately, what the reader of this article has to understand is that stamped concrete is not finished until the resin is applied.
This is the only way that stamped concrete will withstand exposure to different climate factors over time.
