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, 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. 

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

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 and give the full effect of the desired look.

Can concrete with a poor finish be engraved?
- Yes, depending on how poor the finish is, it might be easily disguised, or in extreme cases it may require an outsourced method of repair before anything can be done.

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 many years will an engraving job usually last?
-The pattern is cut into the original concrete. Engraved bricks, tiles, or designated patterns will never come loose. The pattern will last as long as the concrete because it is the concrete.

I just poured a new slab. When can it be stain?
- Depending on several things like temperature and humidity, with few exceptions, stain manufacturers require a 30-40 day cure time before staining. As it cures moisture dissipates from the slab. If it is stained to soon the water vapor build up could cause your stain to turn "black" or push the sealer off.

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.  

Do I have to have the concrete stained to get it engraved?
- No, if you would like us to engrave a pattern into your concrete without adding any color we will be happy to do so. The finished product will still be very desirable and can be clear coated to reduce any damages from outside elements. 

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 essential 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 48 hour waiting period is required after the final finish is applied.

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.

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

What kind of maintenance does a completed engraving job require?
- These floors should not be considered maintenance free. They will need to be kept clean and clear of any debris that may scratch the surface. For interior jobs you will have a clear wax, also called a wear coat that will need to be reapplied based on the traffic and wear of the floors. For exterior projects a new coat of sealer will need to be applied every few years as the sun and natural elements will wear its sealing properties. These services are available with a maintenance plan.

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

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. If the engraving ever fails it is strictly connected with the failure of the concrete itself.

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. Since there is no more unevenness than the concrete that was already there it will not affect the shoveling of snow. 

What can be done with oil, grease, or tire marks on a completed project?
- The sealant on your concrete makes these stains much easier to remove using household degreasers and water. An additional coat of clear sealant may also be applied for extra protection.

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 or replaced before engraving.

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.

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

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.

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 effects.

How many colors are there?
- There are many colors to choose from depending on the type of stain used. 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 happens if the concrete gets chipped or gouged past the stain?
- Chips and gouges are easily repaired and touched up with stain. We record the brand and color used on your job for future reference in case of accidents.

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.

Is it ok for me to place rubber backed rugs or non-open skid weave matting or pads under my rugs?
- No, it is not recommended; doing so could result in permanent discoloration in the area's they were placed due to trapped moisture/ vapors or sweating conditions.

How much does it cost?
- A complete concrete engraving job cost is dependent on square footage of an area, pattern choice including templates, concrete condition, and many other variables. Innovative Concrete Engraving will be happy to complete an assessment of the concrete in question and perform an estimate for free. Generally I like the owner to be present so I can get a feel for what type of design they may have in mind.

Is Innovative Concrete Engraving insured?
Yes, Innovative Concrete Engraving is fully insured.

Concrete Cleanings, Staining and Sealing
Innovative Concrete Engraving offers cleaning, staining, and sealing of your
existing concrete. If you are interested in this service, please contact us for
further info!