The world's foremost resource on decorative concrete
Coatings are liquid or semi-liquid mixtures applied to cured concrete to make it more aesthetically pleasing, improve its durability, boost its longevity and/or reduce upkeep and repairs.
I firmly believe that the lifeblood of our industry is new and innovative products that continue to move the decorative market forward. A close second, the oxygen of our industry, is word-of-mouth advertising by satisfied clients who have had their expectations met.
This issue of blotchy and inconsistent color and gloss created by a sealer is not that uncommon. There are multiple factors that can create this appearance, but the two most common are application — how the sealer was applied — and surface — what the sealer is being applied to in regard to density and porosity.
What’s new in decorative concrete? That was a popular question that came my way multiple times during the recent World of Concrete. I realize my name is out there, but I’m a long way from having a crystal ball to be able to predict what the future of our industry holds.
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When it comes to concrete, it isn’t necessarily easy to define what a coating is. In its broadest sense it can be a general term for any chemical that’s applied to a surface to seal or protect it.
The unabashedly modernist home in the River’s End community, in Eagle, Idaho, near Boise, is called a “stunning glass jewel box” in an Idaho builders association’s 2013 Parade of Homes description.
Pool deck solutions are discussed, involving sealers, anti-slip additives and deck drains. All three of these items are important for your clients’ overall satisfaction, as well as the eventual success of your installation.
Are you seeing spots? How to get rid of spots when adding color to your microtoppings.
The choice of filler and sealant product for a decorative slab is influenced by the amount of movement taking place, the kind of abuse the surface will be taking, and, of course, how the filler will look.
However, is it possible that sealing necessity is not a necessity at all? Could it be that all the hoopla on sealing concrete is being motivated by glossy pictures causing new contractors to assume this is an industry standard?
