|
Smoothing
suction marks
Ralston recommends using a texture roller or a lambswool paint
roller to smooth out suction marks that can result from stamping
wet concrete. Wedged jointing rollers can be used to knock
down suction marks, smooth ridges and clean up the joints
between the stamp patterns.
"Many times the oozing is a characteristic
a bad set of tools," says Riggs. If you have a set of
tools that you have had oozing problems with in the past,
replace the tools, he says.
Timing
is everything
"Timing is essential in patterned concrete work,"
says Sacco. He urges contractors to know the properties of
the concrete they're working with, to know the weather conditions
they'll be working in and to adjust their timing, appropriately.
"Depending on the time of the year, you'll either have
to speed up or slow down to achieve a nicer stamped impression,"
says Sacco.
"When planning and scheduling a
project, don't place more concrete than you can handle,"
says Riggs. "Remember the owner is paying you a premium
for the stamped concrete and is going to be critical of every
small detail."
Charles Leland, owner of SureCrete Design
Products in Dade City, FL, agrees. "Don't get greedy,"
says Leland. "Start with smaller, controllable amounts
to stamp in a work day. And don't be afraid to hire a consultant
for a job to ensure success."
Know your stamps before you get
to the job site, says Ralston. He recommends putting down
about an inch of sand in a 15x15-square foot area. Wet that
down and lay out your stamps. "Do a dry run so you know
how these stamps are going to interlock," he says.
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