Patterns & Textures

Sika Stamps are a key component of a system of matched concrete and overlayment pattern and texturing tools used to transform the surface of freshly placed architectural concrete into patterns and textures that mimic other building materials such as stone, slate, wood, or brick. Stamped concrete is both easier to install and more cost-effective than these other materials. They create natural appearing, low-maintenance, textured surfaces with the structural strength and wear-resistance of concrete in a wide variety of imprinted patterns. 

Stamped concete should always be colored to achieve the most realistic appearance. Another option for adding texture to a concrete surface is to use a concrete surface retarder. The surface retarder is sprayed onto the surface of the freshly placed concrete, where it delays the set time of the surface paste. This allows the surface paste to be washed off later, revealing selected amounts of sand or aggregate on the surface. The final effect can be enhanced by adding Sika's integral color into the concrete mix.

LITHOCAST™ Surface Retarder is a water-based, biodegradable, low odor top surface retarder. Applied to the surface of fresh concrete, LITHOCAST™ Surface Retarder chemically delays the set of the surface mortar while allowing the underlying concrete to harden normally. This allows time for washing the surface, producing exposed aggregate flatwork, with subtle and varying reveals of texture and color.

SikaColor®-300 Antiquing Release is an odorless, high-performance, powder stamp tool release that adds color accents as it eliminates the suction created when stamp tools are lifted from freshly placed wet cementitious material. Once surfaces are cured, and excess release is removed, it leaves behind color accents that increase the contrast and perceived depth of stamp patterns. The remaining contrasting color allows artisans to create concrete that simulates the look of weathered natural stone, wood grains, cobbled roads, brick walkways, or aged concrete. 

A LITHOTEX® Pavecrafters® Stamp Tool is an integral part of a system of matched concrete and overlayment pattern and embossing tools used to transform the surface texture of freshly placed architectural concrete flatwork into patterns that mimic other building materials and artistic patterns. By combining the structural strength and wear resistance of concrete with the look of other paving materials, they create natural appearing, low-maintenance, textured surfaces in a wide variety of imprinted patterns.

SCOFIELD® Liquid Release BG is a low-cost bubble gum scented release and bond breaker for use in the concrete stamping process. Application of SCOFIELD® Liquid Release BG to the concrete surface and stamps prior to stamping will prevent the transfer of the wet paste to the stamping mat. It may also be applied to tools to prevent them from marring patterns in fresh concrete and may be used when stamping or texturing cementitious overlays. SCOFIELD® Liquid Release BG will not damage integrally colored concrete and is suitable for use with most color hardeners. It will evaporate completely, leaving no residue, and will not interfere with the application of solvent-borne sealers. SCOFIELD® Liquid Release BG is not intended for use as a bond breaker for tilt-up construction.