Decorative concrete

Hi,

I'm thinking to build a patio in my garden and also to re-pave the exsisting solid concrete footpath (a rather ugly one) using decorative concrete. I want them to look something like this:
http://www.concretethinker.com/Content/ImageLib/dfw3.jpg
(Well probably not exactly the same pattern, but you get the idea)

I have 3 questions in this regard and would be grateful if anybody could help.

Firstly - is there any online manual on doing this? I worked with concrete before, so just need some subject-specific guidance?

Secondly, does any major retailer sell the equipment, by which i mean the dye you add to concrete and the stencils/imprint molds?

Last one - what is the required minimal thickness of the layer? The footpath is already raised about 3 inches and I wouldn't like to turn it into a catwalk.

Many thanks

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Solved.

Here's what I've found:

http://www.pavingexpert.com/links06.htm
http://www.stencil-tech.co.uk/contact.htm

You're nearly there, it's here. I like to know where to buy the tools though, I'll keep on searching

Thanks,

The project is becoming clearer and clearer.

One question is remaining. What should be the thickness of a concrete layer being layed on top of an existing solid concrete slab so that it doesnt crack easily or chip off. The area in question is a footpath. Will 50 mm be enough or should i go for 75?

Also, I'm not sure there is a damp proof membrane underneath this existing concrete. I don't suppose it's feasible to lay one between the layers of concrete?

Here's another link to a supplier by the way:
http://www.royhatfield.com/coloring/pattern-imprinters.asp

Hi Alexx, sorry to resurrect an old thread but I was wondering how you got on with this? Did you ever buy the bits and if so how did it go?

Thanks, Bryan.

Brian,

I've abandoned the idea after contacting a couple of suppliers and finding out that they only sell in bulk (well, in batches way bigger that I needed and was prepared to spend on)

I'm leaving it rusticky for the time being