Artist Concrete Engraving

What is concrete engraving?
- The concrete engraving system consists of several combined processes that remodel concrete in order to produce a rejuvenated, beautiful appearance. A penetrating acrylic or chemical stain is used to transform the color and then a permanent, precise, deep pattern is engraved (cut) INTO the hard concrete surface with a patented diamond blade engraving machine. This system process is complete by application of a clear top coat to seal the surface area.

How long will an engraving job usually last?
- Engraved bricks, tiles or designated patterns will never come loose. How can they? The pattern is cut into the ordinary concrete. The pattern will last as long as the concrete because it IS the concrete.

What will an engraving job look like in several years?
- With periodic maintenance, the surface will look substantially the same years after installation. With no maintenance, over time, engraved bricks or tiles naturally take on an antique or used brick appearance. Most people find this to be a very desirable look.

How thick is it?
- There is no thickness added at all. The engraving process cuts into the concrete to give the appearance of a grout line or a mortar joint and that gives the look of depth and texture.

How long does it take to complete the engraving process?
- The concrete transformation process will take several days to complete depending upon the size of the job and weather conditions. Cleaning and preparing the concrete surface is key to the longevity of the finishes. The areas must be kept clean and uncontaminated as they dry. The stain and finish applications must also be protected from contamination and surface contact during the curing process. The concrete substrate should be isolated (roped off) during each operation to ensure proper adhesion of coatings. The areas must be avoided during the processes and should not be used until the coatings are completely cured. Reuse availability times will be dictated by specific weather conditions. Normally a 24 hour waiting period is required after the final finish is applied.

Where can an engraving be done?
- An engraving can be done basically anywhere that there is concrete. Indoors or outdoors.

Does any concrete need to be poured or replaced?
- Most of the time no. If there is severe cracking or if the concrete is falling apart in any way then replacement would be highly recommended.

What has to be done with cracks?
- Cracks, if they are not too large, can be easily disguised with little or no repair. For the most part, when the stain is applied and the engraving is complete most minor cracks are not noticeable. Extensive concrete damage may have to be properly repaired before engraving.

What does the stain do?
- The stain permanently penetrates the concrete and acts as a sealant that helps the surface last longer. Some stains react with the concrete to give various natural stone tones.

How deep are the cuts?
- The cuts are approximately 1/16" to 1/8" deep. Enough to simulate a nice uniform mortar joint or grout line, to give the full effect of the desired look.

How does the concrete need to be prepared?
- The concrete is first washed with a high pressure powerwasher, then is etched with an acid wash, and finally powerwashed again.

What kind of maintenance does a completed engraving job require?
- A completed engraving is very low maintenance, basically all you need to do is wash it down with your garden hose periodically to keep it clean and free of abrasives.

How many colors are there?
- There are well over 100 colors to choose from. Just about any color that you would want is available or can be mixed.

Will the colors fade with time?
- Sometimes colors may get a little darker with time but overall there will be very little change. Just remember to clean your surface periodically.

What kind of guarantee is there on engraving work?
- The concrete engraving work is guaranteed for the life of the concrete. As long as the quality of the concrete was good in the first place your engraving will last.

How many different designs are there?
- With this process the designs are virtually unlimited. We have many popular designs to choose from or you can bring your own designs.

How does weather affect this kind of work?
- The concrete temperature needs to be between 40 and 100 degrees for the staining. The concrete needs to be fairly dry for cutting.

What happens if the concrete gets chipped or gouged past the stain?
- Chips and gouges are easily repaired and touched up with stain.

What happens if part of an engraving has to be replaced due to concrete removal? Can the colors and the pattern be matched?
- Yes patterns can be matched and colors can also be tinted to match very well.

Can concrete that has glued down carpet or paint on it be engraved?
- Yes, but the cost will be greater due to the extra labor in removing the current flooring.

Can concrete with a poor finish be engraved?
- Yes, depending on how poor the finish is, we might be able to easily disguise it.

What has to be done with oil, grease, or tire marks on an engraving?
- The stain helps to seal your concrete so these types of stains are much easier to remove using household degreasers and water. An optional final clear sealant coat may also be applied for extra protection.

How many different colors can be applied to the same engraving?
- There is no limit. It's up to your imagination and taste.

Can just portions of the concrete slab be engraved?
- Yes, but the entire slab in most cases will be more attractive. It's a matter of personal taste but continuity in a design is generally more pleasing to the eye.

How much does it cost?
- The actual cost of a complete concrete engraving job is largely dependant upon concrete condition, total surface area, work area access, pattern style, and finish designations. Artistic Concrete Engraving will be glad to discuss your particular job and quote you a specific contract price. You can find contact information through this site on our Contact page.

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