How to Stencil Concrete

19 November 2014

Eugene Vargas

Stenciling concrete is an inexpensive way to bring a fresh look and style to your home. It can be used to create elaborate patterns to your indoor or outdoor floors.

Stenciling concrete is done on both existing concrete and freshly done concrete. This article explains the process of stenciling freshly placed concrete using a brick pattern stencil.

Measurements for stenciling

1. Measure the area you would like the stenciled floor to be. This allows you to determine how many pieces of stencil you will need to cover the area.
2. Then cut the stencils from the roll and lay them to see how you will place them.

Prepare the floor for stenciling

1. Proceed to prepare the floor by excavating the area.
2. Then build a form, which holds the concrete in place, around it.
3. Prepare and pour the concrete, and then screed it using a straight edge.
4. Flatten, smooth and float the concrete to the right level using a bull float. Smoothing is completed with a hand float. Alternatively, you can use self-floating concrete.

Laying the stencils

1. Once the concrete is floated, you may begin laying the stencil.
2. First locate the centre and mark the centre line using tape.
3. Laying down the stencil requires a person on either side of the work area.
4. It is best to lay the stencil from the centre working outwards.
5. Place one roll of stencil next to the previous one and align them. The edges of the stencil are overlapped to provide a single width mortar joint where the two pieces meet. This ensures pattern continuity.
6. Using a stencil roller or trowel, embed the stencil onto the concrete to create a raised pattern.
7. Trim all the edges of the stencil less than half a centimetre inside the form boards. The purpose for this is to allow the stencil to swell slightly.
8. Stick down the edges using a hand float and then reroll the whole stencil.

Adding colour

1. Shake colour hardener over the surface by hand.
2. The colour is then worked into the surface using a bull float, and the edges are worked in with a hand tool.
3. Next, apply powdered or liquid antiquing release agent to the surface.
4. When the slab is firm enough to receive rollers weight, texture the concrete using a texture roller. This adds realism to the concrete.

Removing the stencil

1. When texturing is complete, remove the stencils to reveal the plain concrete below. This is done when the stencil is dry enough.
2. The following day, remove and clean excess release agent by sweeping and rinsing the surface.
3. Cut crack control joints using a saw.
4. Finally, seal the slab using a pressure washer.

These simple steps bring a concrete floor to resemble a beautiful brick patio in a cheaper and much quicker method. 

For more information and advice, contact a business such as Robert Guy & Sons Pty Ltd.

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