The world's foremost resource on decorative concrete
A batch of new decorative concrete products from Architectural Enhancements Inc. includes patch material, a countertop mix, a plasticizer additive and a microfilament additive. The microfilament additive, called Invisifiber, is imported from Japan. Because its fibers are less than a quarter inch long, the additive offers many more separated microfilaments […]
Having many techniques in your arsenal can bridge the difference between your client’s vision and the reality of a project. Today’s clients are more sophisticated. They expect more. Plain gray concrete is no longer good enough for them.
Bella Vernici’s sprayable overlay compound is the crown jewel of the company’s stainable concrete veneer system.
With the addition of color and increased attention to texture and detail, pervious concrete is now being specified for public parks, fine residences, and other hardscapes where appearance is as important to the environment as drainage.
Stenciling and coloring go hand-in-hand to create works of art in concrete. Acid- or water-based stains are the most widely used — and most versatile — materials for coloring stenciled projects. Acid stains tend to produce muted, earthy colors, while water-based stains are available in brighter, more vibrant colors.
Brushing or brooming a non-skid texture onto concrete is a standard finishing method. But with a little imagination, the right equipment and a skilled technique, a contractor can turn that finish into an inexpensive decoration that will please his client and boost his company’s reputation.
Stenciled overlays are usually used for relatively large areas like driveways, pool decks, patios and pathways. So how do you place the stencil properly for the most natural-looking result?
No matter how good your technique is, you won’t get an attractive, consistent pattern if your brush or broom has bent bristles. Here are some ways to avoid —or ?x — the “bends.”
The question of architectural concrete’s durability has finally been answered.
I wish I had 10 cents a square foot for every time I’ve been asked this question. And other questions such as: How much more does stamping cost compared to regular concrete? Are stained floors more than tile? I’ve realized over the years that all the above questions are legitimate and deserve an honest answer.
