Materials required:
– RockMolds Vertical Stamps
– Vertical Stamp Mix
– RockMolds Stone Sealer
– RockMolds Integral Color
– RockMolds Powdered Release
– Marking Paint – Water – Wheelbarrow – Shovel
STEP 1
The existing substrate is a set of concrete blocks, stacked up on a solid concrete floor substrate.
STEP 2
First Flexy-Bo Primer & Bonder is rolled onto the concrete blocks. Allow to tack up for 30 minutes. Then apply s thin ¼” thick scratch coat of S-Type mortar with a RockMolds Pool Trowel, and scarify the surface with a RockMolds Scarifier Rake.
STEP 3
After the scratch coat has been allowed to dry for a day, hose down thoroughly. Immediately apply a ½”- 2″ thick texture coat of Vertical Stamp Mix, troweled up with a RockMolds Pool Trowel. Undulate the depth so that it has varying thickness. Immediately visualize the stones, and scratch in rough outlines. These will be your stamping guidelines.
Tip: The thicker the stones, the deeper the joints, and the deeper the shadows. This gives the depth and realism of the stone.
STEP 4
A liquid release is then applied to the troweled out texture coat, and to the RockMolds.com stamps. This allows an impression without sticking. Stamp a distinctive texture between the stamping guidelines.
Tip: It is important to immediately stamp after a batch of Vertical Stamp Mix has been applied, as the detailed texture will be captured with a softer surface.
STEP 5
Continue your application of a batch of Vertical Stamp Mix, and stamping out immediately behind. Use a variety of RockMolds.com stamps to avoid repetition of textures.
We use LS101F, LS102F, LS103F, LS104F, LS105F for the majority of our vertical stamping.
Tip: Rotate your stamps when stamping so the textures spin 360 degrees from stone to stone.
STEP 6
After the vertical stamp mix has sufficiently firmed up, usually within 4-6 hours, the joints can be accented by carving out. A RockMolds tuck point trowel works great.
Tip: Keep the joints tight between the stones, to create a shadow and depth.
Tip: A chip brush dipped in water may be used at this time as well to clean up the stones.
STEP 7
Let your stones cure 24 hours minimum. Hose off any loose debris.
STEP 8
Color the stones with RockMolds Stone Color Stain. Start with lighter colors, and layer in the darker colors until a certain look is obtained. You can always go darker!
Tip: Use multiple quart size spray bottles to apply different colors of RockMolds Stone Color Stain, mixing the colors wet on wet so they blend together. Use a concrete sponge to blot the surface for any runs.
