Cómo hacer concreto estampado correctamente
The imprinted concrete, also called stamped concrete, is a decorative technique thanks to which any surface can be customized in an unlimited way. With it, you can quickly and easily imitate the appearance of noble materials such as cobblestones, brick, stone, tiles, slate or wood, among many others.
Un material muy versátil que encontramos con frecuencia en áreas públicas como aceras, carreteras, plazas, parques o centros comerciales. Pero también es muy común encontrarlo en porches, terrazas y entradas a áreas residenciales. Por lo general en exteriores, pero últimamente el uso del concreto estampado en interiores está ganando popularidad. Sobre todo en pavimentos estampados de grandes almacenes y espacios como estacionamientos, gimnasios, hoteles, centros comerciales y restaurantes.
Pero, ¿cómo se hace el concreto estampado? Lo primero que debes saber, es que el método de aplicación varía en función de la superficie donde se quiera aplicar este revestimiento. En este sentido, el tratamiento en pisos y paredes no es el mismo, aunque los resultados finales sí sean igual de espectaculares.
Next, we explain how to make imprinted concrete on floors and pavements and, also, how to apply vertical imprinted concrete on walls, facades and walls.
Cómo hacer concreto estampado en pisos: aplicación paso a paso
The use of imprinted concrete on floors, both indoors and outdoors, is the most common use of this coating. Some of the most striking imprinted pavements can be found in parks, terraces, squares, outdoor car parks, exteriors of shopping centers or entrances to residential areas.
En esta sección te explicamos cómo se hace el concreto estampado en pisos y pavimentos, paso a paso, para garantizar el éxito en la obra. Cometer un error en alguno de los pasos puede ser fatal.
1. Preparar el pavimento antes de verter concreto
It is essential that the ground on which the fresh concrete is to be poured is in perfect condition, as it directly affects both the behavior and durability of the future imprinted pavement. To do this, the surface must be cleared of any element that could be an obstacle such as leaves or stones. Only in this way will a clean and quality surface be guaranteed.
To ensure the planimetry of the imprinted concrete pavement, the levels and slopes of the terrain must be prepared. A film of 400 gauge policret sheet will be applied to the base to prevent the dehydration of the concrete and a perimeter joint will be placed to delimit the areas to be filled with the concrete by placing a formwork box.
Before applying the concrete on the pavement, it is essential to pour the gravel (15 cm) and sand (2 cm) and compact the support.
2. Verter el concreto en el suelo
Once the support is ready, it's time to pour the concrete evenly to prevent future problems. The layer of concrete must be perfectly leveled and compacted. Add polypropylene fibers to the concrete to improve its resistance. Steel mesh and joint should also be used on all perimeters and encounters with fixed elements.
If any of the following cases occur, the pouring of concrete on the floor or pavement must be interrupted:
Si se anticipa una posible caída de las temperaturas, por debajo de los 0ºC, durante las primeras 48 horas.
Si la temperatura del concreto es menor a los 10ºC o si la temperatura ambiente supera los 30ºC.
Si hay viento excesivo. Una condición que puede provocar la desecación de la superficie.
3. Leveling and screeding of the concrete applied on the floor
Use a roller to compact and bleed the concrete. For smoothing or leveling the concrete floor, you have to use a trowel or leveler. To make imprinted concrete correctly, it is essential that in the screeding there is no mechanical vibration.
4. Fratasado del concreto
Con el concreto aún fresco, realizar el alisado para obtener un pavimento uniforme, compacto, resistente, liso y duradero. Saltarse este paso podría ocasionar la aparición de ampollas y laminación por un exceso de humedad.
5A . Espolvorear el endurecedor de color o mortero impreso sobre el pavimento
Once the exudation water has evaporated from the concrete, sprinkle the corresponding color hardener or imprinted mortar on the pavement. In our case, Stonecem® Floor with a proportion from 4 Kg/m² for dark colors up to 6 Kg/m² for light colors.
To make imprinted concrete on floors, it is very important to sprinkle the right amount of product. Otherwise, the result of the imprinted concrete floor will not be as desired.
5B. Coloración del concreto en masa
Además del espolvoreo, que es la técnica tradicional para pigmentar el pavimento de concreto, otro sistema es utilizar un pigmento en polvo como Arcocem® Fast. Este método consiste en introducir en la mezcladora de concreto dos bolsas por cada metro cúbico de superficie a cubrir. Dejamos cinco minutos para que el producto se mezcle con el concreto hasta lograr una masa homogénea y uniforme. Cuando ya esté, se vertería el concreto sobre el soporte.
6. Float the color hardener or imprinted mortar applied on the floor
Apply 2/3 of the specified amount of color hardener or imprinted mortar Stonecem® Floor e introduce el material en el concreto mediante una llana normalizada. Después, aplica el resto del producto y vuelve a proceder al alisado hasta lograr el acabado deseado.
7. Alisar el futuro pavimento estampado
The surface must be completely smoothed and without irregularities. For this, use a steel trowel until it is guaranteed that the surface has no porosity and is totally homogeneous. Review the edges of the concrete pavement with an edging trowel, to avoid chipping.
8. Aplicar el desmoldante para concreto estampado en el pavimento
Once the mortar has set, ensure that the future imprinted pavement has a firm but not hard appearance. And, above all, that the surface is free of water. When checked, apply the chosen release agent for imprinted concrete.
Within the Desmocem® family, we have powder release agents (Desmocem® Powder) y desmoldantes para concreto estampado líquidos (Desmocem® Liquid). We recommend using the first one, except in indoor spaces.
It should be noted that the release agent for imprinted concrete in powder Desmocem® Powder it carries color that, can be of the same shade as the color hardener, or different if you seeks to achieve an aged effect. Both favor the extraction of the mold of imprinted concrete once stamped on the pavement. The proportions are: 100 gr/m² and 125 mL/m² respectively.
9. Imprimar el molde de concreto estampado en el suelo
Para ejecutar el concreto estampado en el suelo es imprescindible elegir un molde y estamparlo en la superficie. Sin este elemento, estaríamos hablando de otra técnica decorativa distinta. En Imacem, tenemos más de 150 tipos para impregnar al suelo de una forma determinada.
Once the imprinted concrete mold has been selected, stamp it on the surface to imprint it. The placement of the mold on the ground must be consecutive and follow the continuity of the pieces. Use a tamper to more easily achieve the engraving of it.
Once done, we will proceed to carefully remove the mold from the pavement and place it on the rest of the untreated surface of the imprinted concrete floor. It is very important to respect the created design so that the result is optimal.
10. Remove the release agent for imprinted concrete from the pavement
Si las juntas de dilatación no se planearon inicialmente, hacer los cortes según el proyecto y antes de las 24 horas desde su implementación. 48 horas después, como mínimo, proceder a retirar el desmoldante para concreto estampado del pavimento.
11. Limpiar el pavimento estampado
72 hours later, rinse the treated surface with water to remove any remaining product and let it dry. To clean the imprinted pavement, you can use a pressure washer with an approximate pressure of 90 bars, applying the water gun at a prudent distance of 50 centimeters and nozzle in fan position.
Never, under any circumstances, apply a direct stream of water to the surface. In case the release agent for imprinted concrete used is Desmocem® Liquid, limpiar el pavimento estampado mediante barrido.
Recomendamos usar nuestros limpiadores Ecoclean Pro o Ecoclean Construction. This last one is very useful to avoid efflorescence after use of Desmocem® Powder. A detergent that removes lime, saltpeter, grouts, cement residues, etc. After its application, let the product act between 5 and 15 minutes. Once the time has elapsed, rinse the imprinted pavement with water and let it dry.
12. Apply the varnish to protect the imprinted pavement
The last step to make imprinted concrete on floors is without a doubt one of the most important. Since only good protection can ensure the durability and good condition of the pavement. At Topciment we have developed the family of varnishes Sealcem®, donde hay barnices al agua y barnices al disolvente. La elección de un tipo u otro depende del brillo y acabado que se busque.
Once the imprinted pavement has dried, apply two coats of any of our varnishes from the family Sealcem® . Hacerlo mediante airless, brocha o rodillo y dejar secar. Aunque nuestros barnices presentan una excelente resistencia a la intemperie, y por tanto, a las diferentes condiciones climatológicas como agua, viento y sol; recomendamos renovar el barniz.