The boring concrete gray is definitely a thing from the past. From backyard patios to kitchen counter-tops, foyers and lobbies. Modern colorful concrete typically has distinctive patterns and designs or slick colors that complement an aesthetic.
You can apply a variety of decorative concrete methods on dried concrete. Also, adding a touch of style to concrete can be a very inexpensive renovation idea. In addition, the expense of colored or patterned concrete is much less than renovations using tile or stone for every square inch.
Coloring
In the past decade the last decade, it’s been becoming more and more typical to see concrete infused by color, both in exterior and interior design. These are the three most popular methods for adding colour to concrete projects as well as existing dry concrete.
Stains
A decorative concrete technique is applying an acid stain on dry, clean concrete. After a drying time the chemical reaction with the acid calcium hydroxide present in the concrete gets neutralized and after which the concrete gets sealed. A variety of stain colors can be made and patterns could mimic the appearance of stone such as marble and slate. By applying specific finishing techniques certain stains may make a look like brass or wood.
Dyes
Instead of relying on chemical reactions like stains , dyes, whether solvent-based or water-based, rely on the porous properties of concrete for their task. This is why dyes have a more consistent the color of their products than staining. But, they are more for indoor use since UV rays may alter color in time. Another disadvantage of the enhancement of concrete using dye is the rate at which it is absorbs and then dried. This leaves very little space for error, so it’s best to employ a contractor instead of attempting to make an diy concrete color.
Colored Epoxy Finishes
Glossy or matte surfaces made of metallic and resin materials provide an attractive, thin coating to concrete that is dry. They mimic a range of stones or metals. Epoxy finishes aid to soften the appearance of concrete and enhance the overall aesthetics of the interior design. Epoxy finishes can also be used as a protective layer that can improve the durability of garage flooring.
Patterning
The transformation of a surface into improved concrete by incorporating geometric designs or patterns that imitate specific shapes is possible by a variety of methods. The most popular methods employed by concrete contractors is scoring or stamping and engraving.
Stamping
Instead of spending money on an expensive item like stone pavers or creating tile brick patterns stamping an indoor or outdoor surface will give you the same appearance at a less expensive price. If coupled with a coloring method concrete stamping can reflect the appearance of a variety of tiles and stone surfaces. In contrast to scoring, stamping isn’t restricted by straight lines and basic curves.
Scoring
This method is fairly easy and involves contractors laying down lines of chalk on the concrete that has been dried. After that with the help of circular saws to score the pattern in the concrete. Although many DIY websites like this show DIY techniques using a professional contractor, hiring a skilled one will ensure that the pattern is laid out correctly and cut to an even depth using high-end equipment.
Overlays and Engravings
The process of engraving and overlaying concrete can achieve similar results using various methods. With the help of specific equipment, concrete finishers can emboss intricate designs such as monograms, logos, or patterns onto concrete. The use of a sealant is not necessary to use this method, but it can be applied and staining could enhance the engraving.
Through overlays, intricate images, letters or other designs could be added as a layer of polymer to concrete, and then sealed. Since they aren’t carved directly into concrete, the overlays could wear off or the sealant’s bond might break.
