Types of Concrete Finishes

A plain concrete surface can have its own beauty. However, a perfectly finished concrete surface is even more attractive to look at. Concrete finishes are not only decorative, they can also be highly functional as well.

If you’re planning to create a concrete space – whether it be a countertop or a driveway – you should understand the options that you have available to you when it comes to concrete finishes. These include:

• Tamped Finishes

In a tamped finish, a texture is applied to the concrete by imprinting it using a tamping beam. The wood beam is moved across the concrete surface in several up and down tamps. This type of finish is often used for high traffic areas such as farmyards and walkways.

• Brush Finish

Also known as a broom finish, these finishes are achieved by essentially sweeping a specialized wire brush over the freshly leveled concrete surface. This option is often seen in areas such as outside car parks and transport yards. This is because this type of finish affords several advantages, including a non-slip texture.

Aside from this, a brushed finish is cheap and simple to apply. It can also be covered in paint, or you can add paint to the dye before setting the concrete. This will add an attractive look to the finish as well.

• Stained Finishes

Stained concrete finishes are a way to add new life to old concrete. These finishes are applied similarly to the application of chemical staining on new concrete. The only difference is that the old concrete must first be cleaned and stripped of any sealants and waxes before it can be stained.

These finishes are long-lasting, especially as compared to simply painting your concrete surface. While paint can chip over time, the stained finish is far more durable. It is also stain-resistant.

Stained finishes are a good way to add a sense of style to an old space. These finishes can be used in several spaces and are a great option for everything from driveways to industrial applications such as hospitals and warehouses.

• Colored Finishes

There are several ways to create a colored finish. One of the most common is by adding the color to the concrete mixture before it is poured so that the color remains completely even.

Other options include the use of a color hardener, which is used to dust the surface of the concrete with the color before the concrete is completely hardened. This adds texture to the design.

Finally, you can stain the concrete. This can be done in two ways: using either a reactive stain or a water-based stain. Reactive stains create more abstract looks, as well as a wide range of colors and shades. Water-based stains, on the other hand, create a solid color. However, they are usually lighter than the colors achieved using reactive staining, as the other method involves the use of chemicals.

• Float and Trowel Finishes

In these concrete finishes, patterns are made on the concrete using tools. The patterns can be varied, including swirls, arcs, and more, and the texture can be coarse, medium, or smooth. The texture is dependant on the type of tool used to create the finish – wood floats lend coarser textures, while aluminum floats and steel trowels result in medium and smooth finishes.

• Stenciled Concrete

Stenciled concrete is a popular alternative to decorative stamping, as it allows for similar design flexibility. Stencils can also be used alongside stained and colored finishes, as well as concrete resurfacing, in order to provide a complete overhaul of the look of the concrete.

Final Thoughts:

Concrete finishes are available in various options. Aside from the ones mentioned in this article, there are many more varieties available for you to choose from.

If you are wondering which would be best for your needs or would like to look at samples to decide which option you find most attractive, contact Xpedite Coatings at (713)365-0444 today. We’d love to answer any questions that you might have!