10" Border Roller for Concrete Stamping
Here is an overview for using a concrete border roller:
Form, pour, and place concrete as normal. Bull float and edge normally. If control joints are being placed with groover, do so as normal.
Timing is everything and rollers are used earlier than when you begin stamping. You should be able to press your thumb into the surface far easier than the standard for stamping (anywhere from 15 min to 45 min).
The ideal time is when the surface cream allows the roller to partially settle into the surface allowing a clean impression. If when you begin to roll and the roller “slides/skids” instead of rolling, it is too soon. If the grout lines “support” the roller on the surface, it is too hard and you will need to lean much more on the roller making steady a impression more difficult.
If using a release agent (powder or liquid) of a different color than the rest of the job care should be taken to carefully place release in the border path. One simple method is to cut a heavy napped paint roller cover (or sponge for liquid) to the same width as your TI stamping roller, coat with release and roll the release along the intended border path. If using the same color release as the remaining job you can apply your release with less discretion TI rollers have either one or two grout edges. Either works for borders. If using a single edge roller, the plain edge is to be placed on the outside along the form where it should have been previously edged, thus giving you the second grout line.
With one hand on the bull float handle and the other on the outer edge of the bracket, carefully begin to roll the impression. A slow steady walking pace keeping a slight, but steady pressure on the roller, keeping it aligned along the outer form will produce the best results. When encountering a curve, move the outer hand to the roller itself to aid in manually “rolling/turning” the roller. This method will allow the tool to shape the stones or bricks into the corresponding shapes as though they were cut for the curve. If doing a double row, the same process is followed with the exception of having no form support as a guide. Added rows are recommended only by using a second roller as timing can become critical as the surface hardens.
If the remaining surface is to be stamped after rolling the border, certain precautions should be taken to avoid damaging the completed border. Most typically, when working around the border, you will protect your border with a similar texture seamless skin. Carefully place the skin on the border surface under the potential striking area of the floppy. If needed, you can gently rest the floppy over the skin, preventing any grout lines or other surface marring as you complete the impression with that mat. Care must be taken not to tamp the stamp on the actual border. Continue this method as you complete the edges of the main stamped surface.
When doing longer runs with the TI roller that are not along the edge as would be the case of masking a control joint, you will need to use an appropriate length handle. With a steady hand, carefully roll the roller along the groove with the non-grout edge on the groove if that is the roller design. When possible using a long straight-edge as an edge guide is recommended for steadiness. If a metal straight edge is not, available making an “L” brace with 2x4s will work and resist curving. Long internal runs like this need to be done before any outer borders due to the inability to provide as much downward pressure on the border roller.
Optional matching floppy mats are also very useful when working into sharp corners and up against a vertical obstruction. Touch ups and small corrections are usually completed with a grout tool and/or touch-up mat. As with any new decorative concrete tool, it is highly recommended to use on a test slab for practice with various techniques before an actual project.
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International Customers: Custom fees and taxes fees are your responsibility and will have to be paid before your order will be released to you. We do not know those fees so you should be aware of what your customs fees will be for your country before ordering.
Thank you for your interest in decorative concrete supplies from Walttools.
In addition to stamping tools, we offer a complete line of additional decorative supplies including integral color, color hardener, and a variety of decorative release agents. In addition we offer acid stains, water base stains, and water-based dyes, etc. To complete the job we have a dozen decorative sealers to tailor the final finish of your project. Our knowledgeable staff looks forward to supplying you with decorative concrete products and technical assistance.
Best,
-Contractor Source
eBay buyers note:
Walttools brand decorative concrete supplies is a full line of professional grade concrete tools and consumables that have been produced with the contractor in mind. They combine the highest quality materials with ease of use to ensure the job at hand gets a fair shake. Their tools and supplies have been used extensively by contractors in the U.S. and Canada for projects ranging from new installations of decorative concrete in both residential and commercial settings, to a wide range of restoration type projects in countless settings. To date, contractors in more than 40 countries have found value in Walttools.
The original line of texturing tools is unmatched in texture quality and workmanship. Walttools texture tools are always U.S. made with materials chosen for durability and reliability. Products are always subjected to regular quality control methods. Beware of any online tools or supplies that seem a bit "homegrown" because you don't want their problem with quality control to become your problem with quality control. It takes years of manufacturing experience to engineer product lines that can withstand the test of time and stand out from the rest. Don't be fooled by the pretender.
Concrete Stamp/Mat FAQ
What is a rigid stamp and what is a floppy/flex stamp?
A rigid stamp is one that is semi-rigid and has handles. It is designed to work with others like it for the majority of the texturing job. They will support your weight in properly staged concrete or overlayment. The floppy/flex is the same size and shape but is made from a more pliable material to allow you to use it where the standard mat cannot be bent into place (such as with walls, along edges, and other obstacles).
What is a touch up skin?
A touch up is a small (approximately 14 inches) piece of similarly textured material WITHOUT grout lines to enable quick and easy correction of missed and/or improper textures.
Do I need a release agent?
Yes. A release agent is critical to use any texturing tools in fresh concrete. Release agents come in a clear liquid or a powder, and is available in several colors.
How many stamps should I get?
The general rule is to be sure you have enough stamps to line up across the widest part of your project, along with a stamp or two to start a new row.
For example, let's say you have a patio that is 12x16 feet and you want to use the Roman Cobble Stamp in the 12 foot direction. That stamp is 30 inches long, so you need 5 stamps to go across that side. Therefore, you will want at least 6 rigid stamps in your set so you can start the next row. You should NOT count the floppy as an inline stamp.
Do I have to follow a color pattern?
No. Each stamp in a pattern has a certain color, but all the stamps in the set will fit with each other properly no matter the color. As a rule of thumb, you should avoid placing too many of the same color stamp next to each other to avoid an overly-repetitive look.
NOTE: Seamless skins are not color coded.
When do I stamp?
This is the hardest question of all. All concrete cures out at different speeds and is very dependent on time, temperature, humidity, and other factors like wind and sun. Stamping needs to occur during the "plastic" state. This is when the surface is soft enough to accept an impression, yet firm enough to support the weight a bit. The concrete will continue to stiffen once starting and force of "tamping" in the tools will need to increase throughout the process.
Purchase Policy and Terms: By purchasing the tools sold here you hereby acknowledge the following conditions. The Walttools texturing tools sold on this site are copyrighted materials. Tools are for fair use only. You are hereby forbidden to copy, either in whole or in part, any Walttools' texture stamps, texturing tools, form liners, rollers, or any tool apparatus otherwise found on this site. Those found in violation will be subject to persecution and damages to the full extent of the law. When ordering a freight shipment you will be responsible for any accessory charges including residential charges when applicable.