| Become a concrete stamping expert with the practical tips in this book. Here you'll find hundreds of ideas and sources for stamping designs. You'll learn of site conditions affecting stamped concrete and how to avoid problems. Shows everything from preparing the subgrade to erecting forms, installing reinforcement, and placing the concrete. Gives different methods of stamping concrete, coloring stamped concrete, applying color hardener, release agents, installing expansion joints, and special techniques for finishing and sealing the concrete, Shows how to improve the durability of stamped concrete, and how to fix minor flaws. Explains how to write a fair contract for the work you perform and how to determine what to charge your customers for the finished job.
Includes a complete, illustrated description of the entire stamping process, and provides an in-depth account of all aspects of stamping concrete. In addition, you'll get solid information on grading, setting forms, and installing reinforcement.
In addition to detailed information on concrete placing and finishing, this book also provides:
- Sources for stamping design ideas
- How to maximize your profits by knowing what to charge
- Concrete mix considerations for stamping concrete
- Site conditions affecting stamped concrete work and what to do to avoid problems
- How to prepare concrete for stamping and tips for striking off and finishing concrete
- Important steps to applying color hardener
You'll also receive important information on tools that are essential for successful stamping; important issues to avoid when stamping; fixing minor flaws in stamped concrete work; effective techniques for the application of sealers; ten ways to promote and sell your stamped concrete work; and how to distinguish your stamped concrete work from your competitors'.
Table of Contents
Introduction; Why Stamped Concrete Is So Popular; Stamped Concrete Offers a Wide Spectrum of Design Options; Where Do Good Designs for Stamped Concrete Come From?; Budget Analysis of Stamped Concrete; Site Conditions Affecting Stamped Concrete Work; Mix Design Considerations for Stamped Concrete; Improving the Durability of Stamped Concrete; Establishing Expectations with the Builder, Architect and Owner; Writing a Fair Contract; Chronicling Your Work; The Importance of Safety; Stamped Concrete Pictorial Overview; Methods of Coloring Stamped Concrete; Subgrade Preparation; Erecting the Forms; Installing Reinforcement; Placing the Concrete; Striking Off and Finishing the Concrete; Applying Color Hardener; Applying the Release Agent; The Concrete Stamping Process; Curing Stamped Concrete; Installing Joints; Release Removal; Fixing Minor Flaws; Sealing Stamped Concrete; Tools, Equipment and Supplies; How to Sell Stamped Concrete Work; Taking Stamped Concrete over the Top; Glossary; Resources. |
