Category Archives: Mastering Concrete Engraving

Mastering Decorative Concrete Engraving | Finale & Thanks

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Podcast (audio-mastering): Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

During the course of this video, we have worked on and completed a number of slabs and worked on a number of project designs. Please enjoy this start to finish time lapse of the work we have completed.

We at Engrave A Crete thank you for your business. We hope this production serves as a perpetual aid as you continually expand the horizons of your decorative concrete engraving. Please remember that you can email your questions and suggestions to us by clicking the info link on the Engrave A Crete website.

Watch for our next production, which will demonstrate and train you on advanced techniques within the ever expanding world of decorative concrete. Best of luck with your next project.

Purchase the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics to see this series in its entirety.

Concrete Staining & Engraving | Final Tips To Avoid Frequent Mistakes – Part 2

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Once you’re done transforming a dull gray interior floor into a beautiful work of art, there are a few steps to consider when finishing the job.

In this video, final tips to avoid frequent mistakes and tips on keeping a log are demonstrated.

This is part 32 of an on-going series on Decorative Concrete, and is taken from the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Concrete Resurrection Water Reducible Concentrate stains can be applied using plastic or metal sprayers.

Only use a roller or airless spray system to apply water?based acrylic sealers. When applying a solvent?based sealer to rack stain, you can roll or spray the sealer on.

With Concrete Resurrection Water Reducible Concentrate stain, solvent?based sealers must be sprayed on. We generally recommend you seal your work prior to engraving operations in order to protect your color during the engraving process.

The exception to this rule is when you intend to accent or additional staining after engraving operations. As an example, your customer wants flagstones that have distinct color differences between each stone, or a brick pattern that has individual bricks highlighted or antiqued.

If you plan to backfill your engraved lines with epoxy or grout, make sure they are cut deep. Ideally, at minimum, one?eighth inch. To test the template design, lay down cardboard or craft paper on the ground. Use spray paint to test the design and layout technique prior to engraving.

Keep a detailed journal of all your jobs. It will serve as a handy reference if you wish to duplicate the designs and color. If repair work is needed, it will ensure the correct colors and products are used. Items to include in your journal are photos, dates, locations, temperatures, specific products used, steps taken to achieve colors, and patterns, plus any other relevant information.

Purchase the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics to see this series in its entirety.

Concrete Staining & Engraving | Final Tips To Avoid Frequent Mistakes

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Once you’re done transforming a dull gray interior floor into a beautiful work of art, there are a few steps to consider when finishing the job.

In this video, final tips to avoid frequent mistakes in decorative concrete staining and engraving is demonstrated.

This is part 31 of an on-going series on Decorative Concrete, and is taken from the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Some final tips and reminders to avoid the most frequent mistakes.

Before you begin any project, figure out all logical sequential steps before doing anything. An hour of preparation before beginning work could save hours of time later.

When you want to come up with a new design, use graph paper, a pencil, a ruler, and a compass, and sketch out your vision. Some of the most unique and innovative designs have been thought of while doodling. Sketching a design to scale on graph paper is also a good way to practice laying out a project before you show up to the job site.

The use of solvents and materials which contain solvents, like clear coats and paint strippers, should not be used indoors. The fumes are toxic to humans and animals, and can pose a risk of fire and/or explosion.

Use the right type of sprayer for the material being applied. Reactive Acid (RAC) stains contain acid; 100% plastic sprayers are required. Remember, rack stains are packaged in plastic bottles for this reason.

Solvent-based sealers must be sprayed using metal sprayers equipped with Viton seals. Remember, solvent?based sealers are packaged in metal cans.

Purchase the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics to see this series in its entirety.

Decorative Concrete on Interior Floors | Final Steps

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Once you’re done transforming a dull gray interior floor into a beautiful work of art, there are a few steps to consider when finishing the job.

In this video, final steps of interior decorative concrete staining and engraving is demonstrated.

This is part 30 of an on-going series on Decorative Concrete, and is taken from the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

On interior projects, the most common sealer is water based acrylic. The recommended method of application is by roller. An airless sprayer may be used, but not a pump sprayer.

When rolling, be sure to wrap your roller cover with masking tape to remove loose lint and fibers.

With all sealers, read and understand all product information prior to use. This includes drying times, application methods, and health concerns.

On many interior floors, a last step of applying a floor finish is strongly recommended in order to create a high gloss and easy maintenance floor.

Remember to use a finish mop, and consider applying up to six thin coats for a great shine and excellent protection.

Purchase the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics to see this series in its entirety.

Final Sealing | After Staining & Engraving

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Once you’re done transforming a dull gray floor into a beautiful work of art, there are a few steps to consider when finishing the job.

In this video, final sealing of the decorated concrete is demonstrated.

This is part 29 of an on-going series on Decorative Concrete, and is taken from the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

When the surface is completely clean and dry, and all stain touchups have been completed, the project is ready for the final sealer.

The exact product used for the initial coat of sealer, which served to protect our stain during the engraving operations, is what we will use for our final sealer.

On exterior projects, the most common sealer is solvent based acrylic. The recommended method of application is by pump sprayer. If you use Concrete Resurrection water reducible concentrate to stain the surface, it is required that you spray the solvent based sealer on.

A professional grade metal pump sprayer utilizing Viton seals is required when using solvent based sealers. Special attention to personal safety is recommended when using this product to include safety goggles and masks.

Be sure your environment has appropriate ventilation to allow solvent fumes to dissipate.

As you are spraying the sealer, move the wand in a circular motion. This will lay the sealer down more uniformly on the concrete.

On exterior surfaces, it is recommended that a non?skid additive be broadcast onto the surface then locked in with a final sealer coat. This will minimize the possibility of slips and falls.

Purchase the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics to see this series in its entirety.