Imprinted concrete is a very robust surface, widely used across the UK for driveways, patios and many commercial areas. Although the concrete itself is durable, the surface finish and colour still need periodic care, which will usually involve cleaning, re sealing and occasionally re colouring to keep it looking its best over the years.
Common Faults:
Process & Rectification
All of the above are common faults and we can easily rectify any of these problems.
For imprinted concrete surfaces it is recommended that a fresh coat of sealer is applied roughly every two years to help prevent surface wear, cracking and fading of the colour. If your imprinted concrete driveway or patio has been laid for more than five years, it is likely to be overdue a maintenance visit and will generally benefit from at least two coats of quality sealer for proper protection.
The cleaning stage is carried out with a high powered rotary cleaner that lifts algae, moss and ingrained dirt from the surface. Once cleaned, the area is left for around two days to dry thoroughly, after which any localised defects or cracks can be repaired using a high strength repair compound. The surface is then ready for two coats of sealer, applied with an anti slip additive and colour enhancer, helping the drive look close to its original condition.
A range of common problems can also be put right where previous work, products or application have fallen short. Ghosting or whitening patches caused by trapped moisture, known as blooming, can usually be treated and brought back to a clear, even finish using a series of specialist treatments. Colour issues caused by poorly mixed tints, uneven application or excessive use of colourant, which may leave the driveway looking flat or painted, can be addressed with a more considered tinting process that uses multiple materials to achieve a natural variation in shade. Please call if you would like tailored advice on restoring the colour of your imprinted concrete. Peeling of tinted sealers is another frequent issue because the colour is carried in the sealer film and does not soak into the concrete itself, so if the preparation or application has not been carried out correctly the sealer can lift quickly and leave unsightly marks. Again, please contact us for more information or guidance.
Sealers and application methods are often at the root of ongoing problems, with a high number of enquiries each year relating to blooming caused by temperature, poor timing or, most commonly, incorrect sealer use. Off the shelf products such as general purpose sealers from DIY stores that state they are suitable for concrete are not recommended; for imprinted concrete the sealer should be an acrylic product, preferably xylene based rather than water based. Incorrect sealer choice or application can easily lead to blooming or peeling. All of these issues can be assessed and rectified, so please call to arrange a site visit and ensure all the information needed is gathered to put your imprinted concrete back into good order.


Tell the team the size of the concrete, its age and any problem areas such as flaking sealer or faded colour. A specialist will suggest the most suitable cleaning, colour and sealing options and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.