If the veteran guys here could confirm the best way to do clean and seal this patio I would appreciate it.
The customer admits she is super picky so I don’t want to mess this up. She wants a top coat semigloss so I’ll be using Diamond Clear with a traction aid. As for cleaning, will the SC take too much color out or am I overthinking this?
She said it’s been a few years since last cleaning.
Normal cleaning process for concrete. You’ll be fine.
The traction aid will likely clog your sprayer so you’ll have to roll.
Is it painted?
Was it stained after it was poured or was pigment mixed into the pour?
I have no idea, she doesn’t either.
As for the traction aid I got a 1gpm nozzle and it doesn’t clog.
I recently did this stamped patio, had to do it at sundown as the concrete was so hot.
I’d pre treat with a hotter mix and start at around 1k-1.2k psi (I typically use my tips for wood) and work my way to more pressure if I don’t see color running.
Did you try hitting it with your ball valve?
I no longer own a ball valve, but I have to wait a week before starting this part of the project so thought I’d pick everyone’s brains first.
Probably should have done a test spot today when I was doing her driveway.
You’re not going to hurt it. If they colored it by using color hardener on the surface, the surface is actually stronger than normal concrete. And if they mixed in the color, you’re fine as well.
I don’t believe Diamond Clear comes in semi-gloss.
Thanks, I feel a little better about that.
I had to look it up, Diamond Clear is the ‘sorta glossy’ version and is more expensive than the Super Diamond Clear. There’s a slight difference for sure, I used both on the wedding venue.
VOCOMP 20 is matte but water based and I won’t be using it again.
What would cause the color to wash out then? I had one patio a few years back do this and I’ve been cautious around them ever since.
I’ve had the same thing happen…..I did set expectations with the homeowner, they were fine with it. It did lighten the color, I used hw mix then normal surface cleaned….it looked fine but it was lighter than when I started…..not sure the deal but it is what it is. You want it cleaned….
Dors it have sealer on it currently?
Ok, so I guess to clarify, there are three main ways to color concrete.
-Integral Color (mix the color into the concrete)
-Color Hardener (after the concrete is poured and as it’s drying, you add the color “concrete” on top)
-Stains or Dyes (added after the concrete has cured; and generally a sealer is put over the stain/dye to lock it in)
So my guess is that you and Kentucky happened on one that was stained/dyed either improperly or stained years before and the protective sealer coating was gone or compromised.
But looking at DC’s pic, I just see normal colored, stamped concrete that really needs a cleaning. Do either of you have pre or post pics from those jobs? Now I’m curious!
My question for you and @Kentucky1234: Was it stamped concrete that washed out or different concrete? And did you seal it after you washed it? Because I could see newly washed stamped concrete looking washed out. But a proper sealer would bring out the color and make it look good again.
I always look at the edges of the concrete where it meets grass/rock/landscaping to see what the edges look like. That can indicate which of the three options was used (because they don’t always stain the lip/edge). I also look for pitting because that’ll show if the color runs through it or not.
The water runoff had a noticeable tint, so this is likely why I ran into it. I’ll make a point to check the edges more closely in the future. Now that you mention it, I do recall seeing drip lines along the sides of some I’ve done, almost like it was just poured over the top.
I didn’t see sealer on the stamped concrete……if there was sealer on there it came off over time.
