Prepare Walls For Stamped Concrete Finishes

Having your walls finished with stamped concrete can make a remarkable difference in the way that they look. If you want to have this done and have a tight budget, you can do the preparation work on your own and save on the cost of the project. Here, you will learn how to do the preparation work yourself so that things are ready to go when the contractor arrives.

Discuss Materials with the Contractor

You will need to know the exact concrete mixture that the contractor will be using to complete the project. Since different mixtures require different priming products, it is crucial that you find out what the contractor will be using. Failure to use the correct priming agent will result in a failed finish.

Prepare Concrete

If the wall is concrete, the preparation work will be pretty simple. All you have to do is pressure wash the concrete wall to remove all of the debris that is caked into the pores. Take your time and make sure that you get every last inch of the wall or the primer may not stick, which will cause the finish to crack and fall off of the wall eventually.

Wood and Drywall Preparation

To prepare drywall or wood surfaces for stamped concrete finishes, you will have a little more work to do. Start by roughing the surface up a bit with coarse sandpaper. This will help the primer bond to the surface effectively.

After you have sanded the entire surface, you need to clean it. Remove the dust that the sanding has caused, as well as any dirt and debris that is caked on. You can do this with a cloth dampened with a gentle cleaning solution.

Prime the Surface

So, you have discussed the type of type of primer that needs to be used, you have cleaned the wall surface and it is completely dry; it is time to apply the priming product to the surface. Use a paintbrush to do all of the edge-work to ensure that the primer reaches each and every crevice and gap. Use a roller to apply the product to the rest of the wall, making sure to completely coat the surface. Failure to completely coat the wall will result in a failed finish.

Talk with your concrete contractor to learn more about preparing the wall for the stamped concrete finish. He or she will guide you in the right direction to properly prepare the surface so that the finish lasts many, many years. 

For stamped concrete services, contact a company such as W C Lowery Inc.

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