Do you want to create your own stenciled concrete surface ? We will guide you step by step to perfectly complete your project.
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STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS : Stenciled concrete on fresh concrete
In the first place, you have to prepare your construction site into the standards rules for realize a traditional concrete screed. Your subgrade should be carefully prepared, compacted and levelled. Set the forms to the correct elevation and make your levels for draining water.
Cut the stencils from the roll before you pour the concrete so you can place them quickly once it is formed.
The thickness, reinforcement and dosage of the concrete must comply with the standard of your country.
Pour the concrete, then screed and float it to the right level.
Concrete must be placed within half an hour of mixing. Place your concrete into your formwork. A roller tamper can be used to quickly level slab for final finishing and push down exposed aggregates. Don’t forget to respect the slopes necessary for the flow of water.
Bull floating should be done immediately after "screeding". This process should be finished before excess moisture or bleedwater appear on the surface.
The stencil is placed and worked one strip at a time. Because the stencils are die cut, the strips must be aligned in a specific manner to ensure pattern continuity, similar to aligning strips of patterned wallpaper.
Have two people, one on either side of the surface, place a length of tape through the center to the edge. Lay out the lengths of stencil, starting from the center and working toward the edges. Use a trowel to fix the stencil to the concrete to create a raised pattern.
Sprinkle Masters Color Hardener over the exposed areas. This process is best done immediately after stencil application, while the concrete surface still has enough moisture to be absorbed by the hardener. Use a bull float to float the color to the edges of the form. Use a trowel to close the surface. Depending on the color, you may have to apply 2 coats.
Remove the stencil with a person standing on either side of the slab and lifting the stencil straight up from the ends, when the concrete is dry enough that the form does not adhere to the surface. As you remove the stencil, you'll also pull up concrete chips and dust around the edges.
After 48 hours, once the surface is sufficiently cleaned and allowed to dry, you can then spray the first coat of sealer. Then, let-it dry.
We recommand to use Masters Ecolex Sealer, an acrylic mono-component and water-based sealer.
Apply a second coat 28 days later.
Routine maintenance
- For general cleaning, use low-pressure water or scrub the surface with a mild detergent.
- Stenciled concrete is colored with a dry-shake hardener and protected by several coats of sealer. Periodic resealing, as needed, will keep the surface looking its best.
All the recommendations given above are the expression of our knowledge and test results. They can in no way be considered, neither as providing a guarantee, nor as engaging our responsibility in the event of defective application or if the rules of the art have not been respected.