¿Why do I need more than one mold to stamp concrete and what is the “set” of molds?
You need more than one mold for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, concrete dries faster than it takes to stamp with a single mold. In addition, the edges of each texture (seamless) are designed to overlap, and the patterned molds are precisely designed and made so there is no gap between them. A general rule of thumb is that the number of molds needed should be greater than the width of the surface to be worked.
As for the set of molds. For patterned molds, the “set” means that there must be a minimum of molds to use (in most cases it is 6), 5 rigid molds and 1 flexible one for touch-ups.
For the textures (seamless) they can be in any desired configuration. In most cases, at least three 4 ′ x 4 ′ or 3 ′ x 3 ′ molds and another 20 ”x 20” touch-up flexible; this for each of the textures.
¿What is the difference between seamless stamping and patterned molds?
Seamless textured patterns are textured patterns with light edges. These can simply be overlapped one another to achieve a borderless texture.
Patterned molds can be of many styles, whether they are random stone, stone deck, brick, or wooden planks; to mention a few. These are made to be assembled with precision.
¿How can I take care of my molds?
We recommend using a soft soap and brush. Liquid dish soap is really one of the best cleaning methods for molds. Also, you can spray your molds with silicone to keep them in good condition.
¿How often do I have to seal the concrete?
After the first installation and sealing, it is recommended to reseal your decorated concrete every year and a half. It should be noted that the frequency of resealing will depend on how busy the pedestrian or vehicular concrete area is, the chemical products to which it is exposed, the weather conditions and the use that is given to it.
¿Why do some designs require more than one mold and even one “set”?
Some designs require more than one mold, up to three different molds are sometimes needed to make a pattern. In this way the designs can be more open, and thus the repetition of the patterns is not seen with the naked eye.
The easiest way to think of them is that 2 or 3 molds (depending on the pattern) make one part of the puzzle. If a design requires more than one mold, the part number 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 it?
Proline offers flexible molds and textures for you to butt together. Flexible molds are necessary when going against walls or hallways. They are thinner and therefore more flexible to bend against a frame. They are difficult to reach places, that is why you must first stamp the area with the textures (seamless) or normal molds and to touch up use the flexible ones.
Flexible molds are made of the same material as the others but differ in three ways:
- They are approximately 25% thinner for more flexibility.
- Flexible molds have a reed handle instead of a curved handle (flexible textures do not have this because of their small size)
- They are less expensive because they are thinner
¿What is the difference between tint dye and oxidizing acid?
Dye Tint is a product that comes in powder form and dissolves with acetone; It is designed for polished surfaces indoors only. After casting and polishing the concrete, you only have to wait one day for its installation, it also has an extremely fast drying time, which allows its immediate sealing. As it is a pigment-based product, it results in a single, uniform color when applied.
On the other hand, oxidizing acid is a product that comes in liquid; It is designed for all concrete surfaces both indoors and outdoors. After casting, you must wait at least 21 days for installation. Because it is a product based on metal ions and produces a chemical reaction with the calcium hydroxide in the concrete, it results in a non-uniform coloration with different shades, making it look like a real stone.
¿What is the difference between Ez-Accent and Oxidizing Acid?
The main difference is that to use Ez-Accent on polished concrete, it must be pre-treated to open its pore, either by chemical (muriatic acid) or mechanical (devastating) means. Another difference is that Ez-Accent is more manageable than oxidizing acid, since when applied it does not produce a chemical reaction like acid and allows you to maneuver it more easily and without as much precision.