Similar to standard concrete, the stamped surfaces will undoubtedly provide you with decades of service if you can properly maintain them once we install the same. After the completion of our task of concrete stamping, it will require some routine cleaning and maintenance. A lot will depend on the exposure conditions, as well as the type and amount of traffic it receives in the future.
In this article, we have elaborated a few useful tips to clean and maintain your stamped concrete and preserve its attractiveness and lengthen its service life:
The Best Way to Clean Stamped Concrete
Routine cleaning of stamped concrete as suggested by our experts is very easy. We recommend to our clients that they occasionally sweep and wash the surface if they wish to prevent any accumulation of dirt with the help of a garden hose, a push broom, and a mild detergent.
The steps for cleaning stamped concrete are as follows:
- First, properly rinse with a garden hose on high pressure.
- Then scrub with a push broom and a little amount of liquid dish soap.
- Again, rinse to ensure that you manage to remove all soap residue.
If this method doesn’t prove fruitful, then you may attempt by applying a pressure washer to the remaining stains. However, you must remember that you should never set the pressure too high, as this may damage the sealer or textured surface. Else, you can hire a concrete contractor who specializes in professional concrete cleaning.
Important Suggestion: Although sealers will check stains, it’s a wise decision to immediately remove grease, oil, spills, or other possibly damaging substances.
Pressure Washing Your Patio
Pressure or power washing is a favored procedure for outdoor cleaning projects. You only need to buy or rent a machine equipped either with gas or electricity to clean your patio. But you need to be very cautious; If the pressure setting is exceedingly high or the range too close, you may end up damaging the concrete.
Ways to Clean Your Pet’s Urine from a Concrete Patio
Your pet’s urine and other organic stains can be very challenging to remove from concrete. Concrete degreaser, acid, or soap can hardly offer any help to get rid of these types of stains. The best cleaner that we can recommend for use is the one with bleaching action or ammonia.
Removing Fertilizer Stains from a Concrete Patio
Many of our clients find it hard to believe that fertilizer from your lawn or planters can leave stains on concrete too. The ingredients inside the fertilizer easily penetrate and react with the cement, leading to permanent discoloration. You must apply a clear white vinegar, diluted 50:50 with water to eliminate the stains. Initially, you should test in a small area and remain alert that the acid may carve or alter the profile of the concrete in the areas you clean.
Ways to Maintain the Shine of Your Stamped Concrete
Whenever a stamped surface starts becoming dull or loses its sheen after time, recoating with sealer will ideally restore the luster. You can ask the installer for advice on the best sealer to apply.
Important Suggestion: Color hardeners that are frequently utilized during the stamping method offer extra benefit by making the surface robust and more immune to scratches and water penetration.
- Maintenance During the Winter Season
Always refrain from applying deicing salts on outdoor surfaces, particularly during the first winter after the installation of the pavement. It has been observed that sealers for decorative concrete mostly fail in areas wherever deicing salts are used or that receive drip-off from parked cars. The damage isn’t directly caused by the salts, but by the freeze/thaw cycles that are caused by the salts.
How Frequently Do You Need to Seal Stamped Concrete?
Maximum contractors like us also apply multiple coats of protective sealer to resist the penetration of grease, oil, chemicals, dirt, and other substances. Sealers also make the concrete more effortless to clean and prevent color fading from UV exposure.
You should reseal stamped concrete every 2 to 3 years. But everything depends on the weather conditions of your location.
How to Reseal Your Stamped Concrete After It Has Been Cleaned?
- First, let it dry completely. Allow 24 hours for air drying. Else, use a leaf blower. Never apply sealers to wet or even damp surfaces.
- Then use a sealer with a 1” nap roller in 2’ x 4’ sections. Anti-skid additives can be included in the sealer.
- Apply a second coat if the first coat isn’t sticky to touch any longer.
Always refer to the instructions of the manufacturer regarding all products used.
Inference
Instead of trying the above-mentioned steps in the DIY method, it is better to get in touch with us or any other professional concrete contractor in Los Angeles or elsewhere. You should never compromise on the quality of your stamped concrete patio and allow it to deteriorate after installation.
