There are three processes for stamping concrete; the addition of a base color to the new concrete, the addition of an accent color, and stamping a pattern into the concrete. The base color is the primary color used in stamped concrete. It is produced by adding a color hardener to the concrete (either as integral color or cast-on color).

The accent color is the secondary or highlight color used in stamped concrete. The accent color is produced by applying a color release to the concrete. The color release serves two purposes: it is a pigment that is used to color the concrete, and it also is a non-adhesive used to prevent the concrete stamps from sticking to the concrete.

The pattern is simply the shape of the surface of the stamped concrete. The pattern is made by imprinting the concrete shortly after it has been poured with a concrete stamp. The ability of stamped concrete to resemble other building materials makes stamped concrete a less expensive alternative to using those other authentic materials such as stone, slate or brick.