DIY Decorative Concrete For Your Deck

Don't you hate it when you've been planning on giving your deck or patio a makeover but whenever you get an architect to quote you it always seems to be over your budget? Hiring other people can usually be expensive, especially if you want something specific to be done to your deck or patio, and because getting other people to do something for you generally costs more than when you do the job yourself.
The beauty of a decorative concrete project is that it requires little amount of effort coming from you, but the effects are nonetheless amazing. If you want to try something as easy but wonderful as a decorative concrete method, here are the basic steps to get you started. You can do it by yourself or with a help of a friend.
Assuming that you have all the needed materials ready, the first step is to mix the overlay concrete onto the concrete canvas you're going to work on. You'll be needing a gauge rake to spread the coat evenly throughout the concrete. The color of the overlay you have to already be mixed before you pour in the mixture.
Next, you're going to put in the antiquing powder onto the mixture before it completely dries up and before you put the design stamp onto the concrete. The antiquing powder works in two ways. First, it prevents the concrete from sticking on to the rubber stamp you're going to put on the concrete later, and second, it improves the color of your design.
After the antiquing powder has been added, the final and most crucial step is putting in the stamp on the concrete. It's up to you what design you choose and what look you want to achieve. The most common choices are brick and stone, but you can have your own design stamped on the concrete. Leave the project overnight until it has completely dried.
The following morning, pressure wash the surface to remove any sign of the antiquing powder that might have been left behind, and to polish the concrete also. After it has dried, put two coatings of a solvent based sealer to bring out the design of the concrete and at the same time protect its finish.

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