| "Some detailed stamps require
a creamier cement," says Smith, who adjusts for this by
adding a little color over the top of the cement. "The
extra color gives the concrete a slightly fattier surface or
a creamy base," says Smith. Tamping
tips
Tamping well requires practice and experience. Our
pros had these tips on which tools to use and how to use them.
"We like to use the tamper because
it allows us to use different amounts of force to address
the arm of the slab that have not set up consistently,"
says Riggs.
Leland uses a tamper to remove footprints.
Smith usually uses a square tamper,
but some jobs require a different approach. "If we're
doing a driveway or pool deck that has a drain basin, even
the standard l0xI0-inch square tamper will leave an outside
impression." Then he turns to a thin, 8-inch round piece
of plywood to tamp down the stamp. "When you get into
different elevations or when the slab tends to roll up and
down, you want to try a different method."
Sacco uses 2x10 or 2x12-inch pieces
of lumber to seat his mats. "When the concrete is very
fresh, we'll lay the mats out, keeping them as tight as possible.
Then instead of stepping on the mats, we'll lay a strip of
lumber down and walk on that, distributing our weight more
evenly-" He uses two pieces of lumber, putting one in
front of the other, and leapfrogs from one to the next.
Training
All our professionals agree that is crucial, whether you're
a veteran of the trade or just starting out.
"If you are not constantly learning
in this business you are in big trouble," says Riggs.
"Since 1970 we have placed literally millions of square
feet of stamped concrete and every day is a learning experience."
"Training is extremely important,"
agrees Ralston, who also teaches stamping and acid-staining
techniques around the country. "'Any seminar you can
send a person to is beneficial. You will always learn something
and they can make good networking connections when attending
seminars."
Twenty-five-year concrete veteran Smith
says you're never too experienced to learn something new,
"Wherever I can get my hands on a good training course,
I still go. There are constantly new techniques, new chemicals
coming out and new ways to apply color."
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