Engraving, Graphics & Design
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It is a system that consists of several combined processes that remodels your concrete to produce a pleasing and unique
appearance. First we transform the color of your concrete using a deep penetrating acrylic or chemical/acid stain. Then a
permanent, precise, deep pattern is engraved (cut, scored, sawed) INTO the hard concrete, using specially designed tools designed
for that purpose. The process is not a coating, topping or overlay that could chip off.
What does the finished job look like?
Just about anything you want. Thousands of different borders and custom logo's are available. Most concrete can be remodeled to
look like brick, tile, marble, flagstone, slate or cobblestone. Circular, arched or straight patterns that look brand new or with many
years of history can be engraved. With so many choices and possibilities the hardest part is trying to decide just what you would like.
What is the difference in stain types, which is better pigmented stains or acid stains?
Pigmented stains contain solids like paints. They are opaque and have a glossy appearance to them. You also have a large color
pallet to choose from and are easier to match colors to existing surroundings. These stains are very good at covering up flaws in
concrete and are very consistent in coloring; what you see on a color chart is what you get. Also since these types of stains are
applied in a similar manor to painting, faux finish effects like sponging and mottling can be used to create unique effects in the stain
application. Pigmented stains are a great choice for exterior applications on weathered concrete, when a uniform look is desired.
Chemical Reactive Acid Stains are a mixture of acid, dissolved minerals and other chemicals that when applied to concrete react with
the lime in the concrete to physically change the color of the concrete. These stains are translucent and allow the character of the
concrete to show through it. These stains are very durable and a nearly impossible to wear off. They become part of the concrete.
The use of the stains can create very unusual and beautiful marbling effects reminiscent of natural stone. However they do not well
suited for covering flaws in the concrete, such as cracks or other types of stains. They are limited in color as well, with about 8 earth
tones in browns, tans, greens and black. Using several different combinations of stains very unique effects can be achieved. The
stains perform very well on smooth to semi smooth surfaces that require no major repair. Most excellent for interior applications and
well suited for exterior applications on concrete that has not been severely weathered.
CAUTION: Chemical stains are very unpredictable. Due to the fact that every batch of concrete ever poured is not exactly the
same. Slight differences in chemical/lime levels, even between concrete of the same age, as well as other factors, can cause the
reaction of the stain to vary. The exact color trying to be obtained my not be possible and the end result is almost never what one
expects. This is not to say that the results are not beautiful, just unpredictable.
There are examples of both type of staining techniques on the job example page.
Where can the engraving process be used?
Driveways, parking lots, floors, sidewalks, patio's, porches, pool decks... Just about any place you have concrete that you would like
to decorate. Homes, office buildings, restaurants, convenience stores, barns, shops all can be great places to add some pizazz to
plain ordinary concrete.
Where will the engraving process not work?
Concrete with exposed aggregates (IE. pea gravel topping) or concrete in very poor repair that has begun to de-laminate or spawl
apart are not suitable for the process.
What is the life expectancy of decorated & engraved concrete?
Engraved bricks, tiles, flagstones, etc.... are guaranteed to never come loose. How could they? The pattern is cut INTO the
concrete. The pattern will last as long as the concrete because it IS the concrete!
How Long does a job take?
A few days to several weeks. It really depends on the size of the job, the weather and how detailed the pattern is. More complex
patterns and larger area take more time than smaller simpler ones. Weather is an important factor in exterior jobs. The concrete
temperature should be between 40F and 90F for the coloring and sealing process to ensure proper cure. The actual engraving can
be done at any temperature.
I just had a new slab poured, how long before I can stain and engrave it.
The concrete should be fully cured before staining or engraving. This allows all the excess moister to leave the concrete before
applying stains and sealers. If sealed too soon, it could trap in moister vapors which could build up under the sealer and push it off.
As a rule of thumb it takes about 28 to 40 days, depending on temperature and humidity, for a slab to fully cure.
I already have colored concrete, they put dye into the mix when they poured it, can I still have the process
done?
Yes. If using a chemical/acid stain, the color may be slightly different than the color chart, but should still be in the same general
hue. If using a pigmented stain, it doesn't matter at all, because it will be covered with the new color.
How thick is it?
There is no thickness added. The grooving process cuts the concrete to give an appearance of a grout line and that gives the look
of depth and texture.
How wide & deep is a cut?
Cuts range form 1/8" to 3/4" wide, depending on the desired "grout" line width. Typically the width used would be determined by the
pattern, the size of the area and desired effect. The depth of the cut ranges from 1/16" to 1/4" deep, again depending on the
desired effect and texture wanted.
Why should I use this process instead of another, like and overlay or stenciled pattern.
When making a decision to purchase any product or service we compare the pros verses the cons, the cost verses the value,
practicality verse uniqueness. We all want the most "bang for our buck", and the decision is always a subjective matter based on
each individuals own taste. Here is a list of reason to consider decorative engraving verses other systems.
- 1. The pattern is Cut Into your existing hard concrete. It's not a topping or coating that can chip off or de-laminate nor does it
add any thickness to your existing concrete. No worry about adjustments to doors or moldings and the grooving process aides
in water run off from exterior areas.
2. The pattern will last the life time of the concrete.
3. The process beautifies discolored concrete and most minor cracks and imperfects can be hidden or disguised within the
patterns.
4. The process is fast, clean and surroundings are left undisturbed.
5. The largest variety of designs, patterns, logo's and colors available, much more that any other type of system. It's hard
just to decided on what you want.
6. Very low maintenance. In fact there is not any mandatory maintenance needed. However, with a little periodic maintenance
your job will look fresh and new for years to come.
* Ordinary dirt and grime washes away with a hose or mop.
* Resist marks
* Oil dripping will wipe right of the surface.
* Weeds cannot grow between these "grout" lines
* These brick, tile, stone or paver pattern can never come loose.
7. Lower allergens in house. People with allergies will benefit from the fact that concrete will not trap pollen, mites, dust, Etc.
8.. The process is a property investment that adds distinctive and unique value, beauty and curb appeal to any home or
business.
I'm sure that there more questions you have at this point and I will be happy to answer all of them. Please feel free to
contact us and we will be happy to schedule an appointment to meet in person an discuss the nearly endless possibilities we
can offer in regard to decorative concrete.
(434) 974-6797 Office (434) 531-4220 Mobile
