Stamped Concrete is another common method of decorative concrete. It involves putting a pattern or texture to freshly laid concrete. That having been said, stamped concrete requires that fresh concrete is poured. This does not mean that you can not put in a stamped pattern or texture to your current patio, it only requires a couple of intermediate steps. Concrete is preferable, as it is one of the world’s most durable substances nonetheless, concrete will take at least two-inch height growth. There’s another product available, often known as an overlay mix, that could be implemented as little as three-eighths inches thick. There are limits on capping your patio with concrete or overlaying it. If your patio is cracked or structurally unsound, it’s risky to place any coating on it since that coating will probably break and shift also. Capping or overlaying your concrete will effectively hide any stains and minor flaws in the concrete, however. The procedure involves pouring concrete much as you’d do for regular flatwork. To stamp, the concrete has to be dry enough not to be mushy but moist enough to maintain an impression still. The timing is perhaps among the most troublesome aspects of stamping. At this time, large rubber stamps are pounded to the concrete, many times using a tool known as a tamper. Some discharge product is used to maintain the stamps from sticking. Other specific tools, including stamps, grout rollers, etc. are utilized to perfect the area. The coloring of stamped concrete can be accomplished in many unique ways. Integral colors also called mixed colors, is color that’s mixed into the concrete before it’s poured. Integral colors include both liquid and powder form.