What are Thin Stamped Overlays?

Thin Stamped Overlays are stamped concrete surfaces installed at only 1⁄4” to existing concrete surfaces.  We prefer to do stamped overlays instead of conventional stamped concrete for a few reasons.  Being in the decorative concrete business, it has become clear to me that people who are choosing to have stamped concrete installed make their decision with little or no information and, therefore, are limited in their decision making process.

1. Stamped Overlays are superior in durability to conventional stamped concrete.  Using a hybrid polymer overlay material engineered for decorative work solves many of the problems associated with conventional concrete.  See Problems with Concrete.  This engineered surface is much stronger, in most cases more than twice the compressive strength, and therefore will last much longer than a conventionally stamped concrete surface can give you.  In addition, some methods used to stamp regular concrete actually weaken the surface, which will lead to problems within a few years.  Why spend the money for a decorative surface that will not last?  A few chips out of a concrete slab hardly anybody notices.  A few chips out of a decorative surface and everybody notices!

2. Since we look at decorative work as a two step process, we can concentrate on the decorative work without having to deal with the time requirements of finishing out the concrete before it sets.  This allows us to be true artisans, and why we stand head and shoulders above regular concrete contractors. 

3. Many customers may want stamped concrete for a new project (i.e. patio) but already have existing concrete they would like to compliment.  Builders install the necessary concrete for your home to include a driveway and front walk.  Your stamped concrete often does not blend well with the plain grey the builder installed.  We can give your existing concrete a stamped overlay to make the area flow better.

4. Using a stamped overlay system, we are able to provide you with many more coloring and design options than regular stamped concrete.  We are able to carve, scribe, grout, stain in multiples of colors, and even combine the stamped surface with other methods of decorative work listed on this site.

5. Because a polymer cement overlay is so versatile, we can install a stamped concrete surface almost anywhere inside your home as well.  Kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, basements.  Now you will have a look that is truly unique.  You can have the look of stone, slate, or marble in your home for a fraction of the cost.

6. Our polymer cement uses a white Portland base.  This means the true color of our cement starts off white.  Any color we use is mixed in, topically applied, or reactively stained.  What does this do for you?  Since we are not starting with a gray cement, we can achieve ANY color.  From white to black and anywhere in between.  We can get some really vibrant colors in this manner.  In addition it allows us to be more consistent.  Our white Portland is consistently the same color, and therefore we can do a mock-up sample for your project that will turn out just like it will on your property.  Since we maintain records, even if we came in the following year to do additional work, it would have the same color.  You don't get that with grey cement from a ready-mix plant.  The quality of gray cement is carefully controlled for performance characteristics, but not for color, which can vary significantly.  However, white cement is more expensive than grey.  White sands are more scarce, and white Portland has a low iron content, meaning the cement must be processed at a higher temperature and for longer times in the kiln, leading to increased energy costs.  A lot of extra care is needed to avoid contamination to ensure the purity of white Portland.

The following links are some of the many stamp patterns we can install for you.  We can also have a custom stamp made if necessary if we have a graphic, pattern, or textured surface you are trying to match.  Even your business logo can be stamped into the concrete!  Keep in mind that these are just examples and we can use any color you desire.  As a discerning property owner or discriminating architect you will appreciate the most natural and life-like results from the textures we use.  All our mats are mastered from REAL stone.

586-484-5635  sales@abstract-concrete.com