Frequently Asked Questions
What cities and counties do you work in?
We serve Central Indiana including the cities of:
Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, Greenwood, Brownsburg, Westfield, Greenfield, Avon, Mooresville, Shelbyville, Plainfield, Danville...
and the counties of:
Marion, Hamilton, Boone, Hendricks, Hancock, Morgan, Johnson and Shelby.
What is Color Hardener?
The color hardener is a cement based product which when applied to wet concrete can create the color appearance of rustic brick, tile, stone and other similar type finishes. It is used for stencil, stamp or plain colored concrete, and comes in a variety of colors.
How thick is the product applied?
A minimum of 2 coats should be applied onto a surface of wet concrete to ensure that maximum color hardener strength is achieved. The thickness is dependant on the surface.
Does it crack or wear off?
When applied correctly, color hardener is stronger and more durable than concrete. Stenciled concrete is no different than plain concrete when it comes to cracking. You will need to take the same measures to prevent cracking as you would when pouring plain concrete.
Is it slip resistant?
There are a large variety of techniques used to create a slip resistant surface. Please discuss these with us, to ensure that you get the finish best suited for your site and requirements.
How long does it take to complete the stencil process?
This varies, depending on the preparation and technique required. Normally, the process can be completed in 2 to 3 days. The first day includes the site preparation and form work. The following day or days is for pouring the concrete, applying the stencil pattern and color hardener, cleaning and sealing the finished job.
However, as concrete does not reach full strength for 28 days, it is recommended that you allow at least 2 days before walking on the new concrete surfaces and allow a minimum of 7 days for vehicular traffic, depending on weather conditions.
Will the Color fade?
The pigments used in color hardeners are inorganic metal oxides, which are extremely UV and chemical resistant. A maximum of 5% shading variation may occur over a period of 5 years, but this is barely detectable to the human eye. We recommend that a quality UV protectant sealer be applied.
What are the advantages of stenciled concrete versus brick, stone, or tile?
Stenciled concrete can be reinforced to serve any structural need or purpose. Stenciled concrete is a more versatile option that offers multi-colored, patterned, and textured designs to compliment the existing structure. It is a lower cost, lower maintenance product. As concrete is the base, weeds and undulation will not occur.
How often do I need to reseal?
Depending on the type of sealer used, sealing is usually recommended 6-12 months after initial application. Follow the sealer manufacturers directions to maintain the surface quality.
(photo shows before and after the sealer is applied)
How much does it cost?
The cost of the stencil installation depends on your requirements, and preparation required.
RICK GALLEGOS & SONS
DECORATIVE CONCRETE
"CHANGING THE WAY YOU LOOK AT CONCRETE"
