Last month about eight of us got to view a demonstration of these products being applied. What a kick!

While hundreds of companies make these kinds of products, MCA has chosen Symons as its supplier for two very good reasons. They have the best products out there and the company's been around a long time. In fact, Symons is celebrating its 100th year in business this year.

The process of color stamping and staining originated in the Western, Eastern and Southern states years ago, but has recently found its way up to us Midwesterners--and with good reason. These products, which are simple and easy for the concrete contractor to use, create beautiful walkways, patios, driveways, and lobbies for the end customer--at a fraction of the cost (and time) of using natural materials.

Yet, a contractor can charge significantly more for a colored flatwork job that takes him only a bit more time and expertise.

There are basically four different methods for coloring and texturing flatwork (which also includes vertical work like steps and walls).

• New Concrete Jobs - Use Stamping Technique
• Integral Color -- For solid and consistent color through and through Symons' Integral Color additive for ready-mix concrete is the way to go. Over 30 colors are available. Once the concrete has been poured, then you go to work with your choice of over 30 different stamps to provide texture and good looks. Hardeners and patina stains can be added later to create even more interesting colors.
• Design-Crete -- If skin deep beauty is okay with you then Design-Crete might be just what you need. Using the same number and variety of stamps as the Integral System this product is applied to the surface of newly poured concrete to create the same interest and effects. The only difference is that the color is on the surface and not throughout. Again, hardeners and patina stains can be added later to create more interest and strength.
• Existing Concrete Make-Overs -- Use Surfacing Stencils and Stains
• Spray-Rite Concrete Texture System -- A colorfast, polymer modified cement system provides a durable thin set surface with exceptional adhesion. A variety of colors and pattern templates are available to produce different architectural finishes. Over 25 colors and 15 design templates are available.
• Patina Stain -- While this stain is sometimes used on new concrete jobs, this product is PERFECT for existing flatwork. This product is a penetrating acid stain that produces unique color effects that simulate the natural shading and aged appearance of stone or masonry--and it won't chip, crack or wear-off like coatings because the stain penetrates and colors the concrete surface as well as the substrate. The stains are available in ten colors.

Not sure how to do this fancy stuff? MCA and Symons can get you up and running through their 4-day seminar. Ask your MCA Sales Rep about it and start making a higher margin on flatwork jobs.

And let's not forget that MCA has stocked Symons' forming systems for twenty-five years. We carry a complete array of these versatile and time/cost-saving systems for residential and commercial work. Ask your MCA rep for Resi-Ply or Symons Silver™ for residential low-wall concrete construction and Versiform for heavy and commercial applications.