Mastering Concrete Colors for Graphics and Surface Restoration - March 20-21 2025 - Stockton, California

This hands-on course is designed to teach concrete enthusiasts the art and technique of applying colors to concrete to create stunning, durable graphics.

This workshop will teach participants best practices for preparing existing concrete surfaces for coloring, using a full range of materials, including reactive and water-based stains, dyes, color concentrates, antiquing agents, washes, and more. Use of topical overlays  will expand the color palette,  showing participants methods for creating deeper and darker hues with earth-tones or pastels.  Use of stencils will be included to further emphasize the creative possibilities of concrete as a canvas for art, branding, or decorative designs.

In addition to learning best practices for color applications, students will gain valuable skills in restoring and maintaining existing colored and textured concrete surfaces. Through practical lessons, they will discover how to refresh faded colors, fix surface damage, and maintain the longevity of both new and aged concrete graphics. Topics will include surface preparation, cleaning methods, coloring techniques, protective coatings, and the best practices for long-term care.

Upon completion, students will be equipped with the expertise to transform any concrete surface with vibrant graphics and effectively preserve their appearance over time, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and wear resistance. Ideal for artists, designers, and contractors interested in decorative concrete solutions for vertical and horizontal surfaces, indoor or out.

Key Topics:

• Concrete coloring techniques: stains, dyes, paints, and integrally colored mixes
• Creating and applying textured graphic designs on concrete
• Surface preparation: cleaning, patching, and priming
• Restoring faded or damaged colored concrete surfaces
• Protective coatings and sealers for color longevity
• Methods for maintaining and preserving textured concrete finishes
  
• Troubleshooting common issues with concrete graphics and restoration

Trainer: Shawn Wardall

Continental breakfast and lunch served daily.