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This months topic:

How to Clean and Maintain Stamped and Colored Concrete Patio and Driveways.

Cleaning and Maintaining stamped and colored concrete is a normal part of home maintenance and should not be overlooked. Keeping your concrete clean and in good repair adds to the value and appeal of your home.

Step 1: Cleaning

Routine sweeping and removal of leaves, grass and natural debris is necessity for any concrete. Decaying leaves and wood can stain the concrete permanently and make it unsightly. 

As you sweep, watch for cracks in the concrete. Cracks will allow water to penetrate into the concrete and underneath it, which will erode it. Use a good patch or caulk to repair these cracks. Be especially mindful of this when you do your first cleaning and inspection of concrete in the spring.

To thoroughly clean your concrete, use a presser washer. Use a medium presser to not damage the stamp work. Apply the water and detergent mixture in a sweeping motion. do not hold the nozzle in one place , as the presser washer can damage the concrete . You should wear goggles and gloves during this job (safety first) Do the entire patio or driveway, then rinse with a garden hose. Allow to dry until completely dry. This is best done when the weather is going to be warm and dry for a couple of days

If there are any stubborn stains, you may need to use a scrub brush and detergent and scrub the area repeatedly to remove them. Rust stains may require a liquid rust remover. Oil stains can be removed with a good degreaser.

Step 2: Sealing the Concrete

When your concrete is clean and dry, you should reseal ever couple of years or as need. This step is importing, and many people overlook this process. This step creates a seal on the surface and penetrates into the porous concrete so it can resist water. A well sealed patio or driveway will with stand extremes in weather and temperature better then unsealed concrete. water will bead up on the surface much like it does on the surface of a waxed car.

You can apply the sealer with a roller or a pump up sprayer. If using a roller pour a puddle of sealer on the concrete and smooth it  out evenly with the roller. The sealer should be applied as even as possible you should get about 200 sqf per gallon. Be sure their are no puddles left on the concrete. This will not dry right and could become sticky. You will need 24 hours of dry weather for this step also.         

Glacial Concrete ~ Your Decorative Concrete Connection!

Stop by the store and checkout what's new in the world of DECORATIVE CONCRETE!

Providing supplies for the contractor to the "do-it-yourselfer. In stock items for decorative concrete projects to include countertop specific mix, vertical wall mix, overlays, stencils, diamond hand pads, polishing pads, dyes, acid stains, integral colors, releases, glass inlays, fiber optics and lots more.

We are pleased to add  http://www.directcolors.com/  to our line of suppliers.