Preguntas frecuentes sobre hormigón impreso

The application of imprinted concrete varies depending on the surface to be coated. The application of imprinted pavement, both interior and exterior, is carried out in a certain way; while the application of vertical imprinted concrete is executed in a different way. On this page we explain the step by step of each one of them.

The high durability of imprinted concrete makes it one of the preferred materials for covering all types of pavements. If the installation has been carried out with full guarantees and the use and maintenance are correct, the durability of an imprinted concrete pavement can reach more than two decades.

The high durability of imprinted concrete makes it one of the preferred materials for covering all types of pavements. If the installation has been carried out with full guarantees and the use and maintenance are correct, the durability of an imprinted concrete pavement can reach more than two decades.

Impermeability is one of the peculiarities of imprinted concrete pavements, so it can be applied in areas exposed to rain as it does not let water pass, thus avoiding leaks and related problems. A quality for which imprinted concrete pools are on the rise.

The price of imprinted concrete depends on multiple factors. From the quality of the materials used or the imprinted concrete molds, to the chosen colors, labor and the complexity of the work to be done. But also from the textures and final finishes. In this way, the price per square meter of imprinted concrete varies greatly depending on these elements.

Resistance and durability are two characteristics shared by imprinted concrete and polished concrete. Both are jointless pavements, ideal for high traffic surfaces due to their great resistance and unalterable to extreme temperature changes. Depending on the use, the surface to be covered and the particular needs of each person, it is more advisable to use one type of concrete or another. These are the main differences between imprinted pavement and polished pavement:

1. In imprinted concrete, molds are used to stamp different designs and textures on the surface, so on the surface layer of the stamped concrete are the shapes that have been applied with these molds. On the contrary, the surface layer of polished concrete is completely smooth and continuous as molds are not used.
2. The thickness of the polished concrete layer is slightly higher than that of the imprinted concrete.
3. Polished concrete is a material with high demand for interior surfaces, especially in private homes. On the other hand, we find imprinted concrete floors both outdoors and indoors and even vertical imprinted concrete on walls, facades or walls.
4. The finishing techniques are totally different. While imprinted concrete has a finish with relief and textures, polished concrete offers a much smoother finish without textures as it does not require molds.

Although it is not usual, because the use of imprinted concrete is more widespread on exterior surfaces, it can also be used without problems indoors in two ways. The first, as imprinted pavement; and the second on facades, walls or walls, which is what is known as vertical imprinted concrete.

If over time you get tired of the imprinted concrete, you will be able to remove it without problems. The most practical way is to use the existing surface as concrete pavement and put on top whatever you want. For example, you can place cobblestones, stoneware, slab, tile or microcement, among others.

Another way to remove imprinted concrete, although somewhat rougher and mainly used in large works, is to destroy the surface of imprinted concrete with a compressor hammer or drill.

The duration of an imprinted concrete installation depends on multiple factors: square meters to cover, the finishes that are sought to achieve, the surface on which the stamped concrete is going to be poured or the degree of inclination of said surface, as it is necessary to level it. Taking into account all these elements, the installation of an imprinted pavement can last approximately one week.

The imprinted or stamped concrete does not require thorough cleaning, it is enough to spray water under pressure.

The maintenance of imprinted concrete is not very complex, as it is a very resistant type of pavement whose durability can even exceed 20 years. In the event that over time the imprinted pavement has lost some color or the cement begins to show, it is advisable to apply a resin for imprinted concrete mixed with the pigment of the ground.

Cracks or fissures in the imprinted pavement can appear for various reasons. From an excess load on the imprinted concrete floor, a poorly placed steel mesh or the absence of this, to the deficient compaction of the ground before the concreting, among others.

Next, we explain the step by step to repair a crack or fissure in the imprinted concrete:

1. Deep clean the area of the imprinted pavement that needs repair, with special emphasis on the inside of the crack or fissure. If necessary, vacuum the dust that may have accumulated inside it.
2. Generously fill the crack or fissure in the imprinted concrete floor with a repair putty for concretes. This can be flexible (acrylic or polyurethane putty) or cementitious. If necessary, open the crack well to allow the entry of the repair product.
3. The time has come to renew the surface finish of the imprinted concrete. To do this, apply Covercem Stone or Covercem Monocrom in the color we want for our stamped concrete.
4. In the case of using the Covercem Monocrom, it is necessary to previously carry out a decapitation of the imprinted concrete surface with our Ecoclean Stripper. Afterwards, the pavement will need to be cleaned with pressurized water.
5. When it is completely dry the Covercem, apply the sealers immediately afterwards Sealcem WT or Sealcem DSV depending on the desired shine or finish.

Although imprinted pavement is a very resistant continuous decorative pavement, over time there can be a loss of color or shine in its finishes due to erosion, rain, sun or misuse of it.

A problem that has an easy solution. Next, we explain how to restore the color or shine of the imprinted concrete:

1. Clean the area you want to renew the imprinted concrete well. For this, the use of the Ecoclean Pro detergent cleaner is recommended, following the instructions given above.
2. Once the imprinted concrete floor is completely dry, apply the Sealcem WT T or Sealcem DSV sealers depending on the desired shine or finish. At least two coats of the chosen sealer will be applied. Specifically, in the case of the Sealcem WT varnish, it can be pigmented with our range of Arcocem dyes. applying at least two coats of sealer. In the case of SEALCEM WT, it can be pigmented with our range of ARCOCEM dyes.

Como el pavimento impreso es una superficie texturada/texturizada, solo podemos decapar el sellador o barniz con nuestro Ecoclean Stripper. Los pasos a seguir son:

1. Firstly, it is necessary to strip the surface of the imprinted pavement to leave it in the best possible conditions. With a roller or brush apply our Ecoclean Stripper gel stripper until the surface is well covered.
2. When the imprinted concrete floor is perfectly stripped, it will be completely covered with plastic for 1 hour to prevent the stripper from drying out and being able to act in depth.
3. Once the plastic is removed, the imprinted concrete surface will be cleaned with pressurized water.
4. After checking that the imprinted concrete is dry, it is time to seal the surface again with our Sealcem WT or Sealcem DSV or with our range of Covercem products.

Improper use of imprinted pavement can cause significant deterioration over time. In the event that the imprinted concrete requires considerable repair, this is the protocol to follow:

1. Clean the area to be repaired well. It is recommended to use the Ecoclean Pro detergent cleaner. Depending on the degree of dirt present on the imprinted pavement, presence of tire marks, etc, it can be applied from pure to diluted 1 part of product in 4 of water. Let the specialized cleaner act between 5 and 15 minutes. Brush afterwards with a bristle brush and then rinse with pressurized water.
2. When the surface is completely dry, it will be the turn of the Covercem Stone in the chosen color. Apply two coats, allowing a drying time of between 4 and 8 hours between each coat, covering the surface well. Allow to dry between 24 and 48 hours after applying the second coat.
3. In the case of wanting a finer finish, Covercem Monocrom would have to be applied. Before doing so, we would strip the imprinted concrete with our Ecoclean Stripper. After cleaning the surface with water, we would proceed to cover the surface of the imprinted pavement with two coats of Covercem Monocrom in the chosen color. Allow to dry for 2 hours between each coat, 24 hours after the second coat and just before applying the sealer.
4. Once the Covercem Stone or Covercem Monocrom is dry, apply the Sealcem WT or Sealcem DSV sealers next, depending on the desired shine or finish.