The first stamped concrete that I saw up close was in a cemetary. The design included a wooden cross. I was impressed that the templates have become so much more creative. The next one I saw was in a playground. Very colorful. It was a path that ended with a animated sunflower. I have had many conversations about stamped concrete with a friend that works in the concrete bussiness. He explained the process and is amazed at all that can be done with this type of hardscape. I asked exactly about the chipping,cracking,fading etc... He had not seen or heard that this had happened he thought it would take alot to chip or crack. But you never know. Not much of an answer I would agree. All in all he likes the rubber stamps the best. He also agreed about negotiating a project. He believes that the reason it is so expensive is because it is so popular. Also the process of adding the dye as well is a factor. We both had an eye rolling moment on that part. His advise is to use a contractor that has done this and is picky. Ask to see the work they have done. Ask the age of the project that was done. It will give you a good idea as to the durability of an aged and well done job. You don't have to have a gaze, however you will need to seal the area. As far as the cleaning goes. Spray down with a garden hose. I'm curious to the post about the rings from the pots on the patio. White I belive I read. Is it calcium or lime deposite? If so the contractor for this should beable to help. Stamped concrete is relativly new here. Meaning the concept is slowly picking up. I myself am looking to do my front entry patio. So this has been great to read all the posts. Keep it comming as I would love to hear the patterns used and the different ways to use stamped concrete. Also color combos would be welcome. Good luck to you all.

As spec'd by our architect, we installed Roppe raised design rubber floor tiles (#992, I believe, on the attached web link) in "Lunar Dusk" as the flooring in the entry and stairwell to the apartment above the garage at our lake house. While it has been a great surface for that particular application, I'm not sure I would recommend this floor surface for a kitchen. After one year of use, it does show some scratches and scuffs; I was told by the rep that some colors show this more than others -- very light and very dark colors should be avoided for this reason. I have had difficulty finding a floor cleaner that doesn't leave streaks and a dull finish on the tiles, but I need to do a little more experimentation and check back with the manufacturer to see what they recommend. I do love its durability, especially when my hairy dog tracks in mud from outdoors. Can't speak to how grease affects it, as we haven't exposed it to any greasy stains. Here is a link that might be useful: Roppe raised design floor tiles

One thing, there is a company called Stamp' UP similar to scrapbook parties. Go on line if you do not have a consultant in your area. They have a large variety of stamps and they are not cheap, but good quality. Also Close to My Heart which is scrap booking but has an excellent selection of clear plastic stamps. Both can be bought on line. Do you have a large Walmart or Hobby Lobby?

Postage is postage, use them wherever you need postage. I've never had an issue. AFAIC we've been getting ripped off for a long time. Prepaying postage meant we bought the delivery of a 1st class letter and if you didn't use it for a few years shouldn't mean there's an expiration on it. It's about time they did the "forever" thing, which was done to sell more stamps anyway since people got sick of postal increases and started buying smaller amounts of stamps. I've been using the online and bank for bill-paying for years now and it's great. My bank will also send a check if they can't do electronic transfer for me so they pay the postage, check fee and envelope, rather than me. Very convenient and it's certainly a savings on postage using online. 10-15 payments per month means nearly $5-$7.50 per month just in postage, plus there's a small cost in envelope and I often tape the envelope shut for extra security, again a minimal cost but a cost nonetheless. Plus the gas and vehicle costs to take them to the mailbox or post office since I don't like putting them in the house mailbox unless I can keep an eye on it for safety. There has been too many times where kids and even not-so-kids have messed with the mail and I don't always get out and about every day. And for me it's not worth keeping 22¢ stamps around so when I need additional postage I sacrifice the cost of another stamp. In any case, I've quit sending Christmas cards, and use fax, email and instant messenger for a lot of communication so I use very few stamps these days. Even mail-order purchases are usually credit card or PayPal so my mail system use is very little and I'm very pleased about that. I got totally disgusted with the Post Office when they couldn't get a newspaper to me in less than 10-15 days so I don't want to give them any more business than necessary.