Decorative concrete finishing tools

While concrete finishing tools don't vary significantly in design from manufacturer to manufacturer, they can vary in quality. The finishing tools you choose will also depend on the type of decorative concrete you're placing such as stamped concrete versus an overlay as well as the characteristics of the concrete.

In Bob Harris' Guide to Stamped Concrete , the veteran decorative concrete pro says it's essential to match the tool to the job. For example, he notes that you're likely to need different tools for finishing exterior concrete that's air entrained because the high air content can make the concrete sticky. Harris finds that a magnesium bull float works best because it won't stick to the concrete. For non-air-entrained concrete, on the other hand, he recommends using a laminated wood bull float because it does the best job of smoothing and leveling the surface.

The extra heft of the wood float makes it effective at cutting high spots, filling low-lying areas, and consolidating the aggregates to bring more paste to the surface. Harris also prefers to use steel trowels or fresnos for final finishing of exterior concrete flatwork prior to stamping because they produce a smoother, flatter surface.

Understanding these nuances and knowing which finishing tools work best under certain conditions should be the key factors guiding your purchasing decision.

To get the results your new tools were designed to achieve, it's also important to hone your finishing skills so you wield the tools properly. Harris recommends that decorative concrete contractors get trained and certified by the American Concrete Institute as concrete flatwork finishers and technicians.

We recommend using a 4-inch slump. Simply tear off the the top of the bag, and throw in the entire bag, including the packaging. This saves a lot of mess, and the bag disintegrates completely. Mix for revolutions.

This is a fairly standard procedure. After the truck has mixed for approximately revolutions about 5 minutes , pour the concrete. The initial leveling off of the concrete is called striking off, and is shown here using a straight 2x4.

The process known as "jitterbugging" helps bring some of the cream to the surface, allowing smoother finishing and stamping. This closes the surface, bringing cream to the surface while flattening and smoothing it.

It uses a long-handled magnesium float. The Fresno is the final finishing before release is applied. It uses a long-handled trowel, which is made of steel. Note: The use of the fresno should be avoided if freeze thaw is an issue.

Instead, the final finish should be performed with a wood or magnesium bullfloat. As you can see, the release is spread evenly over the entire slab of concrete by literally throwing it. The release agent is used to prevent bonding between the stamping tools and the concrete. It also adds depth and texture to the concrete. The Largestone Fan pattern is being used here, and as you can see, laying the stamps starts on one side of the job, and works its way over to the other side.

On the right, you'll notice that flexible mats are being used along the edges to extend the pattern fully. It may be necessary to touch up some of the joints using a chisel before the concrete has dried. After days, or when concrete has cured sufficiently, it should be pressure washed to remove excess release powder.

After the concrete has dried thoroughly, it should be sealed using our non-yellowing acrylic sealer. Concrete Cleaner. Flexible mats. Rigid stamp.

Texture Skin. Touch Up Wheel. Roller Sleeve. Release Agent. There are a number of ways to incorporate decorative concrete into your projects. Below are a few how-to ideas. Commercial concrete stamps and flex mats skins are used to imprint patterns on concrete to produce the look of natural stone, wood, tile and other finishes. Manufactured for durability, the stamps and skins are designed to be used repeatedly, pull away cleanly and leave behind detailed impressions.

To finish off the edges of the pattern or up against a wall, our stamps come with a corresponding "Flex" mat stamp. Carrollton Store. Suite Carrollton, TX Fort Worth Store. Fort Worth, TX Buda Store. Buda, TX San Antonio Store. San Antonio, TX