How to Clean and Maintain Natural Stamped Concrete

Stamped surfaces like traditional concrete, if properly installed and maintained, even when exposed to harsh winter weather conditions, will provide decades of service. By making the surface stronger and more resistant to abrasion and water penetration, color hardeners that are often used in the stamping process provide additional benefit. Some contractors like Charlotte Stamped Concrete also use many protective sealer coats to prevent dust, chemicals, gasoline, grease, and other contaminants from entering. Sealers also make it easier to clean the concrete and prevent UV exposure from color fading.

Based on the weather conditions and the form and amount of traffic it receives, even properly sealed stamped concrete may require some routine maintenance. Here are tips for cleaning and treating your stamped concrete to preserve its beauty and extend its service life: 

EXTERIOR SURFACES

Occasionally sweep and wash the surface of your stamped concrete to prevent any dirt build-up.  I would use a garden hose or pressure washer with a mild detergent.  This helps maintain and keep your stamped concrete looking impeccable for years to come with little to no maintenance in between.  

You should reseal every 2 to 3 years.  Use a high-pressure garden hose or a pressure washer to reseal.

Always scrub with a push broom and a small amount of soap from the liquid pot.  This helps to ensure you keep your stamped concrete looking good at all times.  

Next, rinse again, make sure all soap traces are removed. You don’t want to leave any cleaning products behind.

Completely dry-permit fresh air for 24 hours or use a leaf blower. DO NOT apply a sealer to areas that are wet or even moist.

Next, you will need a one-inch nap roller to spread sealer around in two inches by four-inch parts. It is possible to add an anti-skid additive to the sealer. Air temperature recommended should be between 55 F and 90 F. Refer to the instructions for all products used by the manufacturer.

 If the first coat is no longer sticky to touch, add a second coat.

INTERIOR SURFACES

Often brush and clean the air. Wet mopping or dry ground powder mopping is typically the only routine maintenance necessary.

It is particularly important to maintain the sealed surface on surfaces subject to tons of foot traffic to avoid wear patterns. Make sure you provide extra protection by shielding the sealer from wear and serving scuffs.  You can do this by using a sacrificial floor wax or polish.  You can definitely see a difference if this is done, especially with time.  

HELPFUL HINTS

When a stamped surface dulls or loses its shine after time, the luster is normally restored by restoring with a sealer. Tell the installer to use the right sealer’s advice.

Especially during the first winter after the pavement is installed, avoid using deicing salts on outdoor surfaces. In areas where deicing salts are applied or which receive drip-off from parked cars, sealers for decorative concrete sometimes fail. The damage is not caused by the salts themselves directly but by the cycles of freezing/thaw caused by the salts.

Although sealers can remove stains, removing spills, oil, grease, or other potentially harmful materials immediately is still a good idea.  If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can always call on a professional like Charlotte Stamped Concrete to perform this quality work for you.