Stamped surfaces can offer decades of enjoyment when cared for in the correct way. But how much care does it really need? In this article we will discuss what maintenance might be required, some of the tools and techniques needed, a few cleaning tips and when you might want to think about calling a professional. Here are a few tips to help when your stamped concrete surface is in need of a little love.
Is stamped concrete high maintenance?
Similar to conventional broom-finished concrete, stamped surfaces can offer decades of joy and longevity if routinely maintained. Many home owners chose concrete over pavers, asphalt, or other options because of its durability and low maintenance. However, stamped concrete does have a few extra components that require a little more maintenance – secondary color and a protective sealer that makes it shine.
But don’t let that put you off! We’re only talking about a little TLC every 3-5 years. This level of maintenance will ensure your stamped concrete looks as good as new and will help it last 3-5x longer. Think of it like a regular spa day for your beautiful patterned surface – it’s worth the extra effort to keep things looking their best! So let’s get into how to make that happen.

Tell me the best way to clean stamped concrete?
The effort required to clean stamped concrete is directly correlated to the tools you have at your disposal. For light cleaning it’s as simple as periodically removing loose dirt by sweeping or blowing it off with a leaf blower and washing the surface occasionally with a garden hose and a broom. Easy breezy. For a stamped concrete surface with tough stains, dirt buildup, moss growth, or constant shade, a little sweat may be required. Again, the tools at your disposal will determine the amount of sweat needed.
Is it OK to power wash stamped concrete?
Most of the time it is ok to pressure wash stamped concrete. Most big box store pressure washers do not have enough power to damage the concrete. However, do not exceed 3,500 in PSI, use a spray tip of 25 degrees or greater and keep 6-12 inches away from the surface. You might find pleasure having this power at your finger tips so be careful, if you are causing damage, you often won’t know until it dries.
The biggest challenge with getting consistent results is keeping the tip a consistent distance away from the surface. Some enjoy the satisfaction of watching the grime blow away 2 inches at a time. If this isn’t you, maybe it’s the right time to call in a pro who will spend their Saturday getting their feet wet.
Can you use a spinning surface cleaner on stamped concrete?
Yes, to make the job easier, you can use a surface cleaner to clean stamped concrete and it will speed the job up significantly and improve the results. However, it is important to check the directions on the cleaner’s box before using it. This tool reduces the risk of getting stripes but may remove the topical sealer as well.

Check the Gallons Per Minute (GPM’s) recommendations and PSI before buying. You can buy one at your local big box store for $80+ dollars on the cheap end and like most things, you get what you pay for. One can spend a Saturday just getting it to spin after the first use. But, the tool is a time saver.
What about tougher stains?
This is where things get a little tricky but don’t worry, if these tactics don’t work, the sun + time is an effective cleaning solution. If you are seeing stains in your decorative concrete, it most likely means your topical sealer has worn down and the concrete’s protection is gone. Concrete is porous and absorbs all liquid that lands on it if it’s not properly sealed. If we’re at this point and you’re seeing deep leaf stains, tire marks, food stains, or oil stains, hot water, a mild detergent and scrubbing can help remove a percentage of the stain.
Degreaser from your big box store might help as well. However, if it doesn’t come out with liquid dish soap and warm water, before using strong chemicals, you should consult with a contractor as it may effect the color of your concrete and the “fix” will be worse than the original stain. Always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
How often do you need to seal stamped concrete?
Ok, we talked about sealant a few times now. This protective sealer does more than make it look good. It blocks penetration of dirt, chemicals, oil, grease or other substances. It’s even UV resistant so it keeps your outdoor surfaces’ color from fading.
Stamped concrete usually needs another coat of sealant after 3 years. It is simple to tell if another coat is needed. The concrete looks chipped or it can turn white or milky, which is a sign it needs to be removed and resealed. Or, it just looks plain and dull.
The amount of time between sealing will vary depending upon the use of the surface, and also the temperature. The onset of cold winter weather and hot summer months may cause premature wearing which would require sealant to be applied more often.
What kind of sealer do you use on stamped concrete?
All concrete needs to be sealed and resealed to keep it from early deterioration. A stamped concrete surface requires a surface acrylic sealer. Acrylic sealer does not penetrate deep into the concrete but sits on the surface and improves durability.
Choosing the right sealer is a bigger discussion for another time. Do your research or talk with a professional.
What about cracks?
Cracks in concrete are inevitable. It’s not a matter of if but where. Hairline cracks thinner than the width of a penny are normal and do not impede the structural integrity of your slab. We’ve found repairing or trying to hide with caulking or patch kits only makes it look worse and more obvious.
A rewarding and effective way to hide these is to add a secondary color to the surface. A professional can, for a reasonable price, add contrast color to the surface, making it look just as good as it did the day it was poured while also hiding some of these cracks.
In closing…Things to Avoid
It is impossible for you to avoid everything that can damage your surface. Thankfully, we are talking about concrete here, not Grandma’s fine china.
Here are a few good reminders to help keep it looking its best. Keep it dry. Don’t allow a pile of wet leaves or wet mulch sit on it for long periods of time. Don’t use deicing salts, which cause premature damage. Water expands 9% when it freezes, pushing out thin, weak top layers. Putting salt on the surface is the biggest culprit. If you want to know why, check out the Glue Spall mechanism.
In this article we discussed what maintenance might be required to clean your stamped concrete, some of the tools and techniques needed, a few cleaning tips and when you might want to think about calling a professional. If you have any questions, we’re here to help!