The pavement is much more than the surface on which we walk or drive our vehicles. For a builder, an architect or an individual, choosing the right type of concrete floor is key to ensure durability, safety and aesthetics.
Among all the solutions, printed concrete (also called printed pavement or printed cement) stands out for its versatility and for a very competitive concrete price compared to other continuous materials.
Content Guide:
- What exactly is printed concrete and how does it differ from deactivated concrete or troweled concrete?
- Advantages of printed concrete.
- Factors influencing the price of printed concrete
- The installation process step by step.
- The most current printed concrete colors and molds.
- Real applications in housing, industrial floors and public works with Pavicret’s experience.
- Maintenance tips, how to compare with other industrial flooring and what to do to get the right experts on your project.
What is printed concrete?
Printed concrete is a continuous structural concrete slab that, before its final hardening, is colored and stamped with customized molds. In this way, textures as diverse as cobblestone, slate, wood or natural stone are recreated, achieving realistic finishes without joints or loose pieces. Once sealed, the surface has high mechanical strength and a high-end decorative appearance.
Differences with other concrete pavements
Choosing the right flooring involves comparing not only aesthetics, but also the construction process, mechanical performance, durability and maintenance cost.
Next, we will examine the four most common systems -pressed, deactivated, troweled and bush-hammered- and add two solutions that, although less frequent, generate doubts in projects: polished concrete and shotcrete.
1. Printed concrete
Process: the screed is poured, fratted and, before setting begins, the hardener color and release agent are applied. The molds press the surface to transfer the texture. Finally, it is washed and sealed with acrylic or polyurethane resin.
Differential value:
- Unrivaled aesthetic customization: more than 30 base pigments can be combined with glazes and antiqued pigments.
- Speed: a 150 m² house can be paved in 48 working hours.
- Protective sealing: reduces grease absorption and facilitates cleaning with pressurized water.
2. Deactivated concrete
Process: a chemical deactivator is sprayed on the fresh concrete to delay surface hydration. After 24 h, it is pressure washed, exposing the aggregate. The larger the aggregate size and the longer the waiting time, the deeper the footprint.
When to choose it:
- Need for high friction coefficient (sports facilities, swimming pool access).
- Projects that seek a rustic or natural aesthetic without prefabricated joints.
- Extreme climates: the grainy texture hides erosion by freeze-thaw and salts.
3. Troweled concrete
Process: once the slab is leveled, a helicopter is passed over it to “burn” the grout and, optionally, colored quartz is spread. It can be finished with a smooth satin finish, with circular traces or with anti-slip stripes by means of a brush.
Key advantages:
- Millimetric flatness: essential for heavy-duty racking and pallet truck traffic.
- Economy: by not requiring molds or surface pigment, it reduces labor.
- Compatible with epoxy resins or self-leveling polyurethanes as a high hygiene finish.
4. Bush-hammered concrete
Process: after curing (minimum 28 days), a pneumatic hammer with a pyramidal tip is used to peck the surface. When the surface paste is removed, homogeneous and very rough microcraters remain.
Why it is used:
- Extreme slip resistance ( Class 3 classification, CTE).
- Suitable for garage ramps over 12% or tanker truck access.
- Mechanical resistance without the addition of chemicals, making it suitable for food or environmentally sensitive areas.
5. Polished concrete
Process: it starts with a fine troweling, but is advanced with polishing machines with diamond heads in decreasing grain until a mirror shine is achieved. It is sealed with lithium or silicate-base polymers that densify the surface.
When to use it:
- Minimalist aesthetics in high traffic interiors (airports, exhibition halls).
- Reflects light and reduces electricity consumption by up to 30% in artificial lighting.
- Easy maintenance (mop and scrubber) although it requires restoring the shine every 8-10 years.
6. Shotcrete (shotcrete)
Process: cement/aggregate mixture sprayed at high speed with dry or wet method on mesh or rocky substrate. The impact compacts the material forming layers of 5 to 15 cm without formwork.
Advantages:
- Excellent adhesion on vertical or overhead surfaces.
- Allows curved geometries and structural reinforcement without the need for formwork.
- Rough finish suitable to be coated with decorative mortars or left exposed with sealer.
Comparative table between different types of concrete
| System | Typical thickness | Final texture | Slip resistance | Maintenance | Recommended areas of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Printed concrete | 8-15 cm | Stamped (cobblestone, slate, wood…) | High (anti-slip sealer) | Low (re-seal every 3-4 years) | Single-family homes, pedestrian walkways, parking lots |
| Deactivated concrete | 10-20 cm | Aggregate seen | Very high | Under | Sidewalks, swimming pool areas, urban roads, etc. |
| Troweled concrete | 10-25 cm | Smooth or “brush hair | Medium (finished dep.) | Medium | Logistic warehouses, interior sills, airports |
| Bush-hammered concrete | ≥12 cm | Rough chopped surface | Very high | Under | Ramps, sloping approaches, bridge edges |
| Polished concrete | 8-12 cm | Mirror shine | Under | Low-medium | Shopping centers, showrooms, premium garages |
| Shotcrete | >5 cm (layer) | Rough or smooth | High (with roughness) | Under | Slopes, retaining walls, tunnels, tunnels, etc. |
Key Advantages and Benefits of Cast-in-Place Concrete
Printed concrete combines the robustness of a structural screed with the creative freedom of decorative paving. Below, we break down its advantages, providing technical data and application examples to help you understand why it has become the preferred solution for new construction and renovation throughout Spain.
Uncompromising structural durability
- High mechanical resistance: based on HA-25 or higher concretes and reinforced with fibers (glass, polypropylene or steel), it withstands punctual loads from light and heavy vehicles without cracking.
- Abrasion performance: the inclusion of quartz and corundum in the wearing course increases wear resistance by 20% compared to a conventional screed.
- Freeze-thaw cycles: its low porosity, sealed with acrylic or polyurethane resins, minimizes water absorption and prevents surface detachment in mountain climates.
2. Aesthetic versatility and total customization
- More than 30 base pigments (iron oxides and titanium dioxide) that can be mixed to create custom shades.
- Catalog of molds in constant renewal: Roman cobblestone, multiformat slate, aged wood, hydraulic tile… Ideal for coordinating the pavement with facades, landscaping or street furniture.
- Glazes and antiquing: secondary color application techniques that generate realistic shading, providing visual depth.
Simple and economical maintenance
- Fast resealing: a clear resin coating every 3-4 years restores the shine and seals micro-cracks; the operation is executed in one morning and does not require heavy machinery.
- Cleaning without aggressive products: pressurized water (max. 120 bar) and neutral detergent is sufficient to remove dust or occasional oil stains.
- Chemical resistance: current formulations of acrylic resins withstand diesel spills, chlorine splashes from swimming pools and antifreeze agents.
4. Unbeatable value for money
- Lower cost per square meter than natural stone, outdoor ceramic or multilayer resin systems.
- Speed of execution: as it is a continuous pavement, joints are reduced and laying times are optimized; an expert team installs up to 200 m²/day.
- Longevity: the useful life exceeds 25 years, which dilutes the initial cost compared to modular surfaces that require replacement of parts.
5. Safety and comfort for the end user
- Certified anti-slip surface (Class 2 or 3 according to CTE) thanks to the micro-texture of the molds and the rough additives of the sealants.
- Customizable light reflection coefficient: light colors reduce overheating and improve nighttime visibility on roads and parking lots.
- Thermal comfort: the mass of the concrete acts as heat storage, softening extreme peaks on terraces and pedestrian walkways.
6. Adaptability to all types of projects
- Indoors and outdoors: it is used in loft-style living rooms, industrial kitchens and outdoor leisure areas, maintaining visual continuity.
- Vertical application: light molds and high adherence mortars are used to recreate stone or brick walls without structural overload.
- Compatibility with existing infrastructure: it can be installed over old slabs by means of an epoxy bonding bridge, avoiding costly demolition.
7. Sustainability and lower environmental impact
- Reduction of raw materials: the system uses the structural base as the final finish, eliminating intermediate layers of mortar, adhesives and tiles.
- Low CO₂ footprint mineral pigments: iron oxides are produced with metal waste recovery processes.
- Local repairability: in case of punctual damages, it is not necessary to lift large surfaces; the affected area is cut, filled and re-stamped, minimizing waste.
8. Certifications and regulatory support
- Complies with UNE-EN 206 for structural concrete and UNE-EN 13813 for continuous pavements.
- Sealants with CE marking and anti-slip test according to UNE-ENV 12633.
- System recognized in the Price Generators of the main Spanish architecture platforms, facilitating the technical prescription.
9. Added value for the property
- Revaluation of the property: it offers a “premium” finish with a moderate cost overrun, increasing the attractiveness for sale or rental.
- Corporate image: possibility of incorporating logos, signage or color games in commercial areas and hotels.
- Extendable warranty: most reputable manufacturers offer 5 to 10 year policies if maintenance guidelines are followed.
Factors that determine the price of printed concrete
Talking about printed concrete price implies analyzing multiple variables that influence the final budget:
- Surface and thickness
- Single-family houses: usual thickness of 10 cm (HA-25).
- Roads and parking lots: 15-20 cm, reinforced with fiber or mesh.
- Type of concrete
- Conventional concrete (HA-25, HA-30) or white concrete for light colors.
- Pigments and hardeners
- Darker shades require more dosage.
- Quartz hardeners increase wear resistance.
- Design complexity
- Special molds, borders and decorative cuts increase labor.
- Accessibility of the work
- Need for pumping, narrow aisles or unevenness.
- Sealing and curing
- Premium solvent-based resins increase the cost by 5%, but triple the durability.
Indicative range 2025 (Spain)
- Residential projects: 22 € – 28 €/m².
- Commercial or light industrial use: 28 € – 35 €/m².
- Vertical elements (walls, facades): 30 € – 40 €/sqm
Step-by-step installation process
The success of a printed concrete pavement lies in a meticulous execution that combines good traditional construction practices with decorative stamping techniques. Below you will find a complete guide, divided into eleven key phases, which includes indicative times, quality controls and safety recommendations.
1. Preliminary study and staking out
- Topographic survey: elevations, minimum slopes (1%-2% in exteriors) and water drainage are checked.
- Support analysis: the type of soil (clayey, granular, rocky) and its bearing capacity are identified.
- Determination of joints: the shrinkage mesh is defined (max. 25 m² per panel) and the layout of movement joints for adjoining structures.
Pro tip: mark the joints with paint on the ground; it helps the crew locate the cuts later, even if the dust hides them.
2. Land preparation
- Clearing and cleaning: removal of vegetation, debris and organic layer.
- Excavation: until a firm level is reached; 15-20 cm is usually sufficient, except in expansive soils.
- Compaction: vibrating plate or roller to achieve ≥ 95 % of modified Proctor (checked with nuclear densimeter).
- Slope formation: reprofiling with laser level to ensure proper drainage.
3. Granular base layer and separating barrier.
- Artificial ditches (4-32 mm) or gravel: 10 cm compacted in 5 cm layers.
- Geotextile or polyethylene of 200 microns: acts as an anticapillary barrier and avoids grout losses.
- Perimeter drainage: Ø 110 mm corrugated pipe wrapped in geotextile where the water table is high.
4. Forming and placement of perimeter joints.
- Metal planks or plates perfectly leveled; they are anchored with rods and wedges.
- Polyethylene foam band (10 mm) against walls and pillars to absorb expansions.
- Checking of squares with diagonal tape measure to ensure orthogonal geometry.
5. Pouring of concrete
- Concrete: HA-25/30 with 12-18 mm aggregate and S3-S4 slump (≥ 120 mm) to facilitate stretching.
- Fiber supply: 3-5 kg/m³ of glass or polypropylene reduces cracking.
- Continuous pouring: from pump or boom truck, avoiding interruptions that generate cold joints.
- Vibrating: with needle Ø 38 mm every 80 cm to eliminate air pockets.
Key control: the maximum time between mixing and pouring should not exceed 90 min (UNE-EN 206).
6. Leveling and initial troweling
- Laser or aluminum ruler with back and forth movements.
- Mechanical troweling: smooth propellers at low speed to close pore and grout surfacing; do not abrade.
- Flatness check: 2 m ruler (≤ 5 mm arrow) and laser prism.
7. Application of the colored wearing layer
- Dusting of hardener color (3-5 kg/m²): contains cement, pigment and quartz.
- First float with a hand shovel when the grout darkens in color; integrate the quartz without sinking it too much.
- Second float with magnesium finished propellers for smoothing and polishing.
Finishing tip: in dry climates spray fine water to avoid burning the color coat.
8. Mold release and stamping
- Powder (150-200 g/m²) or liquid (100 g/m²) mold release agent that prevents mold adhesion and provides shading.
- Mold placement: start at the corner farthest from the exit and zigzag forward to minimize footprints.
- Uniform blasting: 5 kg rubber mallet, perpendicular blows; constant pressure gives homogeneous relief.
- Visual check against the light before removing the molds.
9. Cutting of shrinkage joints
- Time: between 6 and 24 h after pouring, when the concrete resists friction without chipping.
- Diamond blade 3 mm thick at one third of the edge (≈ 3 cm).
- Immediate cleaning with air blower to remove dust and ensure clean joints.
10. Washing, finishing and curing
- Gentle pressure washing ( 80-100 bar) 24-48 h after stamping, removing release agent without eroding reliefs.
- Spot patches: mixture of pigment and sealer to even out small defects.
- Curing: curing membrane spray or fine irrigation for 3 days in summer; avoid accelerated evaporation.
11. Sealing and commissioning
- Complete drying (matte surface): essential before sealing.
- Solvent-based acrylic resin (400 g/m² roller application) or aliphatic polyurethane for high traffic.
- Drying time: 2 h to the touch, 24 h for pedestrian traffic, 7 days for vehicles.
- Final inspection: uniformity of gloss, absence of orange peel and anti-skid check (Class 3 if it is a humid area).
Color chart, textures and molds
The range of printed concrete colors includes earth tones, Mediterranean ochers, urban grays and premium finishes such as basalt black or white concrete with marble effect. Here are the most popular combinations:
| Color | Recommended texture | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Terracotta | Roman cobblestone | Pedestrian areas and terraces |
| Anthracite gray | Slate | Garages and roads |
| Sand | Irregular tile | Swimming pool environment |
| White limestone | Planed wood | Porches and gardens |
Pro tip: Combine large molds on the main surface and perimeter borders to frame the slab and hide shrinkage cuts.
Most common applications with Cast-in-Place Concrete
Printed concrete has become a technical and aesthetic wildcard for projects of all kinds. You can read below its most common uses, including construction details, color recommendations and maintenance tips for each context.
1. Residential spaces
a) Gardens and landscaped areas
- Curved paths winding through flowerbeds: the “Roman cobblestone” mold in earth tones integrates the pavement with the vegetation and facilitates surface drainage.
- Pool edges: slate texture or sand-colored brushed wood; it is advisable to add polymer microspheres to the sealer to achieve class 3 slip resistance without sacrificing aesthetics.
- Patios and terraces: usual thickness of 10 cm reinforced with fibers; the absence of external joints prevents plant roots from lifting the pavement.
b) Vehicle accesses
- Private garages and ramps: anthracite gray printed concrete with reinforced quartz (5 kg/m²) to resist tire friction.
- A minimum slope of 2% towards the street and transversal grooves in the mold to evacuate rainwater are recommended.
c) Industrial style interiors
- Loft-style living rooms: the “micro-slate” seal adds subtle texture and reflects light evenly.
- A satin acrylic re-seal every four years keeps the finish looking like new and improves daily cleanliness.
Commercial and tourism sector
a) Hotel and shopping center parking lots
- Thicknesses of 15-18 cm on granular base, with corundum quartz in the wearing course to withstand heavy traffic.
- Integrated horizontal marking: white or yellow stencils and glazes are applied before final sealing, so that the paint is protected by the resin.
b) Boardwalks and recreational areas
- Exterior printed concrete in light tones (beige, limestone white) reduces thermal absorption and improves the comfort of the barefoot pedestrian.
- The aliphatic polyurethane sealer resists salinity and prolongs gloss, reducing repainting in coastal environments.
c) Restaurant terraces
- Aged wood or hydraulic tile molds to reinforce the corporate image.
- A shrinkage joint is recommended every 16 m² to minimize cracking under concentrated loads (tables, outdoor stoves).
3. Industrial and logistics facilities
a) Light production vessels
- Exterior troweled concrete as a base and stamped anti-slip layer for a smooth transition between covered and uncovered areas.
- Thickness ≥ 20 cm and steel fibers to control the impact of pallet trucks and forklifts.
b) Logistics platforms and loading docks
- Large format molds (80 × 80 cm tile) in dark gray; the texture reduces the risk of vehicle skidding.
- Pigmented polyurethane sealer that hides oil stains and facilitates cleaning with an industrial scrubber.
c) Silos and concrete plants
- Natural cement-colored printed concrete (without pigments) protects the screed against additive spills and abrasion by loaders.
- Cutting of shrinkage joints every 4-5 linear meters and filling with flexible hybrid putty to withstand continuous vibrations.
4. Urban environment and public works
a) Sidewalks and boulevards
- Printed paving mold cobblestone and ochre-maroon shades that imitate traditional stone; standard thickness 12 cm.
- It allows for the integration of accessible ramps without expansion joints that would be uncomfortable for users with reduced mobility.
b) Squares and cultural spaces
- Two-color designs with perimeter border to enhance monuments and delimit passageways.
- Reinforcement with electro-welded mesh 15 × 15 cm, Ø 6 mm, when access for maintenance vehicles or dismountable stages is foreseen.
c) Bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways
- Rust red or olive green color due to integral iron oxide in the mass; improves daytime and nighttime visibility.
- Matt sealer with elastomeric additive that avoids annoying reflections and withstands mechanical aggressions from skateboards and bicycles.
5. Special applications
a) Vertical printed concrete
- Coating of retaining walls, party walls and ventilated facades with chemically bonded mortars.
- Thickness 15-20 mm, irregular stone or wood mold; low self-weight that does not overload existing structures.
b) Integration with sustainable drainage systems (SUDS)
- Combination of deactivated concrete strips and printed concrete strips, ensuring selective permeability and aesthetic continuity.
- Ideal in park and ride lots and urban green areas that seek to minimize runoff.
c) Corporate branding
- Inclusion of logos and directional signage using PVC stencils and contrasting pigments before final sealing.
- Common technique in regional airport surfaces, accesses to university campuses and headquarters of large corporations.
Printed Concrete Maintenance and Repair Tips
- Periodic cleaning: pressurized water and neutral detergent.
- Re-sealing: every 3-4 years to restore gloss and UV protection.
- Crack repair: epoxy resin injection and selective repainting.
- Replacement of damaged areas: perimeter cutting, pouring and re-embossing; sealing homogenizes the color.
Comparison with other continuous pavements
| Property | Printed concrete | Epoxy resin | Microcement | Exterior ceramic tile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 8-20 cm | 2-5 mm | 3-4 mm | 10-15 mm (pieces) |
| Impact resistance | High | Media | Media | High |
| Variety of colors | High | Very high | High | High |
| Slip-resistant | Yes, with rough sealer | Yes | Yes | Depends on the glaze |
| Cost per m² | Low-medium | Medium-high | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Under | Under | Medium | Medium |
Regulations and certifications for printed concrete in Spain
- Technical Building Code (CTE): DB-SE and DB-SU regulate structural resistance and safety in use.
- UNE-EN 206 and EHE-08: concrete requirements for outdoor exposure.
- CE marking on pigments and sealants.
- Technical Suitability Documents (TDS) for industrial flooring systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a well-maintained printed pavement last?
With periodic sealing, it exceeds 25 years outdoors and more than 35 years indoors.
Does printed concrete slip when it rains?
No, if an anti-slip acrylic sealer is used and the minimum slopes of 1% are respected.
Can I apply printed concrete over an existing pavement?
Yes, as long as the substrate is sound and adhered by epoxy bridge or bonding mortar.
Does it fade in the sun?
Mineral pigments offer excellent stability; sealing protects against UV rays.
Are there environmentally friendly options?
The use of substitute fibers for lath and cements with a lower CO₂ footprint reduces environmental impact.
How to choose the right company
- Demonstrable experience in printed concrete pavements and training certificates.
- Portfolio of completed works and references.
- Itemized budget: m³ of concrete, quantity of pigment, type of resin.
- Minimum 5-year written warranty.
- Use of approved tools and compliance with ORP regulations.
Pavicret: integral solutions for pavements
Pavicret supplies:
- High resistance mineral pigments.
- Low residue powder and liquid release agents.
- Transparent or colored acrylic and polyurethane resins.
- Refordur glass fibers to reinforce the screed and replace the mesh.
- Free technical support and pricing generator for professionals.
Printed concrete combines the strength of structural concrete with the aesthetics of fine materials, offering an efficient, economical and low-maintenance solution for any type of project in Spain. If you are looking for a continuous pavement capable of adapting to residential, industrial or urban environments, trust Pavicret: the experience of a decade innovating in pigments, sealants and mortars allows us to guarantee results of the highest level.
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