Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need more than one mold to stamp concrete, and what is a "set" of molds?

You need more than one mold for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, concrete dries faster than you can stamp with a single mold. Also, the edges of each seamless texture are designed to overlap, and pattern molds are precisely designed and made to ensure there are no gaps between them. As a general rule, the number of molds required should be greater than the width of the surface you're working on.

Regarding the set of molds. For patterned molds, the "set" means that there must be a minimum number of molds to use (in most cases it is 6), 5 rigid molds and 1 flexible mold for touch-ups.

For seamless textures, they can be in any desired configuration. In most cases, at least three 4' x 4' or 3' x 3' molds and one flexible 20" x 20" retouching mold are needed; this is for each texture.

What is the difference between textured prints (Seamless) and patterned molds?

Seamless textured prints are textured prints with subtle edges. These can be easily overlapped to create a borderless texture.
Patterned molds come in a variety of styles, including random stones, stone cladding, brick, and wood planks, to name a few. They are designed for precise assembly.

What makes Proline products different from those of other companies?

First, Proline pioneered seamless textured stamping and continues to innovate upon it. All other brands are imitations of the original.
Second, Proline uses a special formula to produce its textures and molds, resulting in lighter, longer-lasting stamping. Proline recognizes that stamping is an investment for contractors, so it's designed to last for many years.

And finally, each print is handmade at the California plant. They feature the most vibrant, durable, and highest-quality molds and textures on the market. They have a well-deserved reputation for producing the best prints in the industry and 18 years of experience.

How can I take care of my molds?

We recommend using a soft soap and brush. Liquid dish soap is actually one of the best cleaning methods for molds. You can also spray your molds with silicone to keep them in good condition.

What are concrete molds made of?

Proline manufactures each mold with a special polymer-based formula. This formula sets them apart from their competitors, as it makes the molds lighter and more durable.

Can Proline molds be used for ultra-thin coatings?

Absolutely, Proline sells worldwide, and nearly half of the molds it sells are used for ultra-thin coatings. There are a few exceptions. Molds with a very deep design are not recommended for ultra-thin coatings. But in most cases, Proline makes versions of molds with shallower designs.
Ask our customer service representatives if the molds you need are suitable for ultra-thin coatings.

How often do I need to seal the concrete?

After the initial installation and sealing, it is recommended to reseal your decorative concrete every 18 months. It's important to note that the frequency of resealing will depend on the amount of pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the concrete area, the chemicals it is exposed to, weather conditions, and its usage.

Why do some designs require more than one mold and even a "set"?

Some designs require more than one mold; sometimes up to three different molds are needed to create a single pattern. This allows for more open designs, making pattern repetition less noticeable.

The easiest way to think of them is that 2 or 3 molds (depending on the pattern) make up one part of the puzzle. If a design requires more than one mold, the number of parts will include an A, B, or C, depending on the number of molds in the series.

What is a flexible mold and why do I need one?

Proline offers flexible molds and textures that can be seamlessly joined together. Flexible molds are essential when applying against walls or in hallways. They are thinner and therefore more flexible, allowing them to bend against a surface. They are ideal for hard-to-reach areas, which is why you should first apply the textures (seamless) or regular molds to the area and then use the flexible molds for touch-ups.

Flexible molds are made of the same material as the others but differ in three aspects:

• They are approximately 25% thinner for greater flexibility.
• Flexible molds have a tab handle instead of a curved handle (flexible textures don't have one because of their small size)
• They are less expensive because they are thinner.

What is the difference between Ez-Accent and oxidizing acid?

The main difference is that to use Ez-Accent on polished concrete, the concrete must be pre-treated to open its pores, either chemically (muriatic acid) or mechanically (grinding machine). Another difference is that Ez-Accent is easier to work with than oxidizing acid, since its application doesn't produce a chemical reaction like acid, allowing for easier handling and less precise application.