Top Tips for imprinted concrete restoration

11 Nov Top Tips for imprinted concrete restoration

Imprinted concrete is a popular choice for driveways, patios, and other outdoor areas because of its durability, versatility, and low maintenance requirements. However, the imprinted concrete may become discoloured, stained, and sometimes even damaged after a few years. If you’re facing one of these problems, don’t worry! With a bit of effort and the right approach, you can restore your concrete to its former glory. Here are our top tips to help you revive your imprinted concrete.

1.     Cleaning: To restore concrete, you will need to clean the surface thoroughly, as this will remove dirt, grime, and other debris that may have accumulated over time. If the surface, in particular, is dirty, you may need to use a detergent specifically designed for imprinted concrete. 

2.     Sealing: As we have mentioned in many of our previous blogs, deciding to seal your imprinted concrete once clean is an effective way to protect it from future damage and help restore its shine. Concrete sealers provide a protective layer on the surface, which helps to prevent stains, moisture damage, and other issues. Here at Swiss Seal, we supply concrete sealers such as water-based and solvent-based options. You must choose a sealer compatible with your type of imprinted concrete. 

3.     Repair cracks and chips: If you notice any cracks or chips in your imprinted concrete surface, repair them before you begin restoring your imprinted concrete. Restoring your concrete ensures that the surface is even and smooth throughout, which is essential for achieving a professional-looking finish. 

4.     Maintenance: Once you have repaired your concrete, you must maintain it properly. Maintenance includes regular sweeping and washing of the surface while avoiding harsh chemicals and reapplying the sealer when necessary. 

  How often should you reseal imprinted concrete?

We recommend that your pattern imprinted concrete should be resealed every 3 – 5 years to ensure its longevity and attractiveness. The sealant will help to protect against staining, fading and other weather damage. It also helps to keep the colours bright and vibrant and enhances the overall look of the concrete. The resealing process should involve cleaning the surface thoroughly. Before applying a fresh coat of sealant, it will help keep your pattern-imprinted concrete looking great for many years to come.

Pattern imprinted concrete, which you might know as stamped concrete, may need to be resealed more frequently with consistent foot and vehicle traffic. On the other hand, if your patterned concrete is rarely used, it will most likely not need to be resealed as often.

Many homeowners are unaware that with stamped concrete, there is an easy way to test if it needs to be resealed. Clean the concrete thoroughly, allow it to fully dry and then place a drop of water on it. If the concrete immediately becomes darker, the sealant has probably worn off. If the water stays as a bead for a few seconds, there is still sealer on the surface.

Hopefully, if you follow our tips on reviving imprinted concrete, you should avoid any mishaps and have a smooth, crack and chip-free surface that will last for a few years.