Hiring,buying pic tools?

[shernus]

hi,
i'm in the process of constructing a 25m patio for light useage in my back garden,i've decided to go for a pic or stenciled concrete design which i intend to complete myself to fit my meagre budget,i've yet to physically go round all the hire shops and builders merchants to look for pattern plates,stencils,colour and sealant,but have looked online where there seems to be very few,could anyone tell me where i can find somewhere near broadstairs,kent or online,basically i want the best price i can get.
many thanks karl

[Tony McC]

Trust me - you will make a bollocks of PIC unless you've been trained and had plenty of experience in working concrete. Further, it is NOT a one-man job, even when it's a relatively small area such as this.

[shernus]

i had thought about the many warnings given on this site about attempting to go it alone with pic,but i'm in a position now where i have nearly finished the sub-base,i have a cheap supply of concrete,a mixer, 2 able bodied gents to help me on the day,so what i really want then is for someone in the trade,to come to sunny broadstairs on the day of pouring,and help out with the technical stuff,as all the labour is supplied

[Tony McC]

I think you're waiting in vain. It's highly unlikley anyone in the trade would be interested in supervising DIYers attempting PIC for the first time: it's far too risky. If a contractor has the mats and all the rest of the kit, why would they want to lend it to a DIYer and do themselves out of a job?

You might get lucky and find a semi-retired contractor with time to spare and the mats, roller, colour hardener, release agent, pressure washer, lutes and all the rest of the kit doing nowt in a shed somewhere, but it's pretty unlikely.