Testing New Concrete Stamp
May 19, 2025
We used dry sand to mix in the concrete we will be trying out on our patio deck by the outdoor kitchen. This test will help us know how to mix and the steps to take to make sure we are happy with the results. Ultimately, the stamp we use on the concrete floors in the house will be permanent — so we do take it seriously.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get the results we wanted from our first concrete patio test. The stamp would stick to the surface even after spraying both the stamp and the concrete with a release agent solution we put together of Dawn dish soap and water. Either the concrete had gone past the drying time to successfully apply the stamp, or the release agent solution was not working.
After several attempts of washing the solution off the stamp and re-applying the stamp on the concrete, which at this point was still quite soft and wet, we were still disappointed at the fact that we’ve had only unsuccessful results. There were several spots on the concrete that did show the stamp design, and the stamp was not sticking, but they were too random for us to declare our test a success.
It is also possible that the gravel we had levelled beneath the sand and cement mix were too coarse, too large and uneven for the top cement to receive the stamp successfully. After a few hours of rushing, re-evaluating, troubleshooting, re-researching online, and just trying different methods, we decided it was best to try again the next day with a thin layer of freshly poured concrete.
Trial and error is tedious, but necessary. There were many variables that rendered the test unsuccessful, so having a first run-through was a good first step. The weather is another factor we had to consider — where the sun was hitting the concrete directly, affected the drying time considerably. The consistency of the concrete went from very wet to all of a sudden almost too dry to stamp.
The following morning, Michiel went to the local hardware store to purchase a few options for a release agent. Some suggestions for a release agent are: Crisco, Pam cooking spray, WD-40, canola oil used in a spray bottle, silicone spray, dish soap with water, and plastic trash bag. He came home with a few of the items suggested on the list, namely the Pam cooking spray, the Canola oil; and the silicone spray.
We had originally intended to order the concrete truck to arrive Friday, however, since we are still in the experimental stage of using our stamps, we decided to wait another week to pour our floor.
Our first attempt stamping concrete was not a success, even though we did get the stamp to release as we pulled it off the concrete, but we weren’t happy with the 70% success rate. So, we decided to try again the next day. This time, we were much happier with the result. The design on the stamp was clear, more crisp, and smooth. Now, we feel more confident doing the stamping on the day our concrete arrives.
We hope you enjoyed reading about our stamping experiment! Soon, we will have a concrete floor — this Wednesday! I will be sure to update you on our new concrete floors this week!
Good night and sweet dreams, dear friends and family!
