Finishing concrete

For concrete floors and pavements, the appearance, smoothness, and durability of the surface is particularly important. Finishing refers to any final treatment of the concrete surface after it has been consolidated to achieve the desired properties
Exposure can be achieved in several looks.

TYPES EXPOSED CONCRETE FINISH

The most popular finishing forms are represented by: integrally pigmentation of concrete. Pigments based on oxides used at concrete colouring are available in three shapes: fine dry powders, liquids/dispersions, granulated powder. Most frequent shape for pigments using is the dry powder which can be directly mixed with cement or fresh concrete. 

• AGGREGATE EXPOSURE

 Aggregate exposure for supine cast panels is realized by washing the  surface. This process offers a very attractive finishing at a cheap price, and selected aggregates have to be uniform in size,

AGGREGATE EXPOSURE CONCRETE FINISH

• ABRASION 

A large set of formworks with plastic properties are available in a large field of models and profiles, permitting concrete surfaces casting with shape of linear plates.

ABRASION EXPOSED CONCRETE FINISH

• ABRASIVE BLASTING

It's also possible to expose the aggregate after the concrete has set and hardened by using abrasive blasting (either sandblasting or shotblasting). The disadvantage of abrasive blasting is that it can fracture the aggregate and dull its appearance. This method is not a good option if preserving the shape and full color intensity of the aggregate is essential.

SAND BLASTING EXPOSED CONCRETE

• BRUSHING AND WASHING

This is the oldest method and the simplest because it doesn't require chemical retarders or special tools. You just wash away the thin layer of surface mortar covering the aggregate by spraying with water and scrubbing with a broom until the aggregate is exposed to the desired depth.

BRUSHING AND WASHING EXPOSED CONCRETE