Concrete Stencil: Stenciling Fresh Concrete

Stenciling concrete is frequently relegated to renovation projects, because stencils work well with overlays and spray applications. But, as many contractors in the know will tell you, stenciling gives a more detailed and realistic finish to fresh concrete than stamping alone. And there are other advantages to stenciling, as well.

Doug Burgan, president of Spray Pave Utah in Roy, Utah, says the primary reason he prefers stencils over stamps is that “we can do large areas — different patterns all at the same time, not in different pours.” Also, he prefers the shallower grout lines created by stencils. Stamps leave deep impressions, he points out, which collect dirt and can trap moisture.

Contractors who use stencils on fresh concrete agree that the process isn’t difficult; rather, it is all a matter of timing and technique. If you’ve not tried stenciling on fresh concrete, the following tips and tricks may open a whole new world of decorative concrete for you.

Sizing up the job
It may seem elementary to say, but make sure you are familiar with your stencil patterns and how they will lay out ahead of time. Some patterns have more waste factor than others; some will be more difficult to place than others. Some contractors do a dry run. Jim Mullins, director of training for Artcrete Inc., in Indianapolis, sums it up well: “The layout should be examined before you have the wet concrete on the ground.”

Burgan says that for large projects, he rolls the stencil out in the grass, lines up the patterns and overlays the seams, and then staples it together. That way the stencil is ready and there will be no surprises during placement. Lining up of patterns is very important, he says. “You can tell if [a stencil] wasn’t placed properly if you see extra large grout lines.”

In Noblesville, Ind., Steve Vande Water, managing member of ArtistiCrete L.L.C., recommends, “If you’re working up against a wall and it’s an odd pattern — like a European fan or flagstone pattern that’s not square or doesn’t have a straight edge — lay [the stencil] on the ground and snap a chalk line. Then cut it to create a straight edge to go against the wall.” And the main thing for rectangular patterns, he adds, is to make sure ahead of time that the corners are square.