Building the Frame

• 1). Measure the concrete surface so that you can build a wooden frame around the old concrete stamped area to hold the resurface material. Add 1/8 to 1/2 inch to the measurement of the length and width of the surface so that the overlay covers the sides as well as the top of the old concrete.
  
  
• 2). Dig down around the edges of the concrete to locate the bottom. The trench you dig will be used as a place for the frame to sit. Measure the thickness of the concrete. Add to the measurement the thickness of the concrete stamp forms you are using as well as 1/4 inch more as a buffer so that the stamp form doesn't touch the old concrete. This is the height you need for the frame.
  
  
• 3). Get boards that are as wide as the measurement you determined for the height. If there are none available for the exact measurement, use wider boards and cut them to the proper width with a table saw.
  
  
• 4). Measure and mark the boards based on the length and width dimensions of the concrete surface determined. Cut along the marks with a power saw to make the sides for the frame.
  
  
• 5). Put the boards together at the ends to form right angles and connect them with 3-inch screws. Place the frame around the concrete surface.
  
  

Pouring and Stamping

• 1). Clean the concrete with a scrub brush and soapy water. Let it dry for a day or two.
  
  
• 2). Fill a bucket with cement mix and water to create a concrete paint. You want a consistency of thin pancake batter.
  
  
• 3). Mix up cement and course sand for an overlay in a wheel barrow. Use 1 part cement to 2 1/2 parts sand. Add water to get a consistency of a thick milkshake.
  
  
• 4). Paint the old stamped surface with the concrete paint and pour the cement over it. Pour the cement on before the thin paint dries to help bond the old and new together.
  
  
• 5). Smooth it with a trowel, and then level it. Use a board across the frame to level the wet concrete and scrape off any excess.
  
  
• 6). Let the concrete dry and check it often. You need it to set up somewhat before stamping it. If it is still too wet, the stamp impression won't stay after you remove it. If you wait too long, the stamp won't make a good impression. You want to stick your finger in it and have the impression stay without filling up with water. The amount of time it takes to set up varies depending on weather conditions such as humidity as well as how thick the pour is. With a thin pour like an overlay, it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes to be at the right consistency, but it is best to start checking it after 10 minutes and continue checking it every few minutes after that.
  
  
• 7). Place stamps down along one end and walk on them to press the stamps into the cement. Repeat with a second row of stamps next to the first..
  
  
• 8). Remove the first row of stamps as soon as you finish the second. Pick them up and start the third row on the other side. Continue quickly until you have stamped the entire surface and removed the final stamps.
  
  
• 9). Sprinkle water on the surface of the newly stamped cement and cover it with plastic. Allow it to cure for a week. Spray more water on it when needed to keep it damp for the entire week.