What Is a Concrete Wall Finish?
The Concrete wall finishing Techniques that are used are as follows. Broom Concrete Finish, Trowel Concrete Finish, Stamped Concrete Finish, Salt Concrete Finish, Exposed Aggregate Concrete Finish, Swirl Concrete Finish, Pigments Concrete Finish, Colored Concrete Finish
The concrete wall finish is a modern home design type feature. This type of concrete was very popular in Brutalist architecture from 1950 to 1960.
Now the popularity of concrete wall finish is back in the 21st century with a great difference.
The name “wall finish” suggests that the wall is provided to make the interior or exterior look attractive. The finish of the material used for the interior is of very delicate material. Due to this, it needs to be maintained.
Commercial, residential, and industrial projects are widely used in the design industry due to their attractive appearance and ease of concrete texture in increasing technology.
A concrete wall finish gives a durable finish, which has attracted the attention of architects, interior designers, and homeowners.
The construction industry uses a lot of concrete. Concrete is made from a mixture of appropriate amounts of cement, coarse aggregate, fine, aggregate and water.
The process of finishing after casting of concrete is the most important task as it makes the concrete surface attractive.This article will give you that information on different types of concrete finishes and types of finishes used for walls, etc.
8 Types of Concrete Finish
Concrete wall finish types are as follows according to their design and material:
- Broom Concrete Finish
- Trowel Concrete Finish
- Stamped Concrete Finish
- Salt Concrete Finish
- Exposed Aggregate Concrete Finish
- Swirl Concrete Finish
- Pigments Concrete Finish
- Colored Concrete Finish
#1. Broom Concrete Finish
Concrete broom finishing is done by finishing the rough texture by pulling the broom over the concrete surface. This process is done when the concrete has reached a semi-dry state.
On fresh concrete surfaces, small stripes are made by pulling a broom according to the design so that the friction remains in control.
Broom finishing concrete surfaces are used in places such as highways and bridge surfaces, sports ground roads, etc. Due to the broon finish, it provides friction which is very important in terms of safety. The design can be created by running the broom in different directions. With a standard broom, you should pull the broom towards you according to the aptitude.
The concrete should be completely pressed before brooming.
Compaction of concrete should be done with a machine like a floater.
#2. Trowel Concrete Finish
For most of these applications in most buildings, the concrete is finished with the most common and popular trowel. After concreting the concrete into formwork and then leveling the concrete, the trowel is used to give a smooth and beautiful shape to the concrete surface.
The trowel is used both manually and mechanically. Now the manual trowel is fitted with a flat steel blade with an attached handle. Pressing the handle pushes it against the concrete surface.
Mechanized trowels are used for large industrial projects. Its design is like a big fan. It has a motor attached to drive the fan. The blade is turned over the concrete, and the concrete is pressed, and finishing is achieved.
Also Read: Type of Window | Criteria for Selecting the Suitable Window from Different Types of Windows
#3. Stamped Concrete Finish
A stamped concrete finish is achieved by pressing the required pattern into freshly leveled concrete. After their construction is completed, this type of concrete finish is given a look similar to slates or flagstones, brick, tile, or, with proper skill, wood-like stones.
Stamped concrete is a suitable option when it comes to options like aesthetic color and design. Stamped concrete finish is obtained according to the design by pressing the required design on freshly layered concrete. When this type of concrete finish is complete, it looks like real brick and tile-like stones and will look like wood if formed like wood with proper skill.
Stamped concrete is the best choice for places like walkways, driveways, outdoor paving, etc. Coloring designs can also be made on a stamped concrete surface using different color powders.
Stamped concrete finishes are much cheaper than designing other types of finishes. Stamped concrete is carefully and quickly processed to achieve consistent results throughout the slab before the concrete sets. Patterns are pre-planned, and figured designs are prepared. Once the concrete is poured and set to the proper consistency, it is processed according to color and design.
#4. Salt Concrete Finish
The salt finish is traditionally obtained by mixing the same coarse stone with salt. Concrete finishers spread salt particles over wet concrete. And then pressed to the surface with the help of a float or roller. Once the concrete is set (usually after 24 hours), the salt is washed out of it. Thus scattered patterns are formed by this method.
While this method is relatively quick and easy, new methods have sprung up there. Which completely removes the salt.
This method is effective for withstanding any weather if good-quality concrete is used in this method by waterproofing sealer. It is used for swimming pools or other wet areas. Also Read: Salt Finish Concrete Pros and Cons
#5. Exposed Aggregate Concrete Finish
Exposed aggregate concrete finish surface is created by pouring concrete and then removing the outer skin of cement paste to expose the coarse decorative aggregate. A power floater is used to polish the top surface of partially treated concrete. An excellent grade protection layer is applied to the surface of the concrete to give a polished finish.
The surface of the concrete is leveled in the construction of an open concrete finish. The concrete should be compacted with a vibrator. So that at least air voids can be kept between the particles of aggregate.
#6. Swirl Concrete Finish
The swirl finish is produced by the concrete surface in a uniformly overlapping circular pattern. It gives an aesthetic look to the concrete surface and creates a petal-like structure on the road.
This type of finish is preferred over outdoor applications. This type of method gives a safer smooth finish in the wet season compared to a simple surface finish.
#7. Pigments Concrete Finish
For this type of concrete finish, the pigments are poured correct into the concrete mix. this step needs to be done before the concrete is poured on the surface. Pigments can be found in both liquid and powder form (in “ready to mix” packets that dissolve). So, make sure you choose one based on what you like and what’s easiest for you. In both cases, though, the pigments will have to be mixed with the concrete.
The only bad thing about these pigments for concrete is that they only come in neutral, “earthy” colours like brown, grey, green, and blue. Also, you have to make sure you have just the right amount of pigment because storing them without a seal may shorten their shelf life.
The good thing is that the colour will still be there no matter how you finish the surface. No matter what kind of concrete finish you choose—polished, swirled, or something else—the design will be consistent throughout. This gives architects and designers a lot of freedom.
#8. Colored Concrete Finish
The treatment of Colored Concrete Finish is based on the chemical reaction between the staining agent and the concrete. When this solution is placed on concrete, the stain dries and changes the color of the concrete.
The color pigment reacts differently to each concrete floor. Which gives you both a unique and beautiful concrete surface. Its color will not change. No matter how much you clean it or use it, it won’t fade.
Types of Concrete Finishes for Driveways
- Coloured Concrete Driveway
- Slate Impression Concrete Driveway
- Exposed Aggregate Concrete Driveway
- Polished Concrete Driveway
- Stencil Concrete Driveway
- Cut Concrete Driveway
- Stamped Concrete Driveway
- Textured Concrete Driveway
- Imprint Concrete Driveway
- Paving Border Concrete Driveway
- Plain Concrete Driveway
- Broom Finishing Concrete Driveway
- Driveway with Concrete Blocks and Grass
- Rock Salt Finish Concrete Driveway
How to Finish Concrete
Concrete finishing provides a smooth and durable surface. Concrete has to go through various stages to be finished.
Step 1. Pour the Concrete in the Required Size
Properly mix the concrete components in the mixer machine according to the required grade. The concrete is then poured in the right place in the required size. The concrete is then properly compacted by a vibrator machine.
Step 2. Level Surface by Float
The float should be used to level the concrete surface. Concrete finishing requires skilled workmanship.
Step 3. Broom Finish on Road
The use of broom is commonly used to broom the top surface of the concrete, which will produce friction with the surface.
Step 4. Process of Curing
Curing after the finishing process plays one of the most important parts. Curing the concrete is required for at least 7 days.
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What Are the Different Types of Concrete Wall Finishes?
8 concrete wall finish options are:
- Broom Concrete Finish
- Trowel Concrete Finish
- Stamped Concrete Finish
- Salt Concrete Finish
- Exposed Aggregate Concrete Finish
- Swirl Concrete Finish
- Pigments Concrete Finish
- Colored Concrete Finish
What Is Best Concrete Wall Finish Paint?
Acrylic latex paint is your best option for concrete wall finish paint. Also, elastomeric wall paint is an excellent choice. These two paints are great for the walls. They have binders that enable the paint to contract and expand with the concrete.
How Do You Concrete Wall Finish Interior?
There are 3 main ways that people generally use to finish these concrete walls: painting, pargeting, and wood paneling/drywall, all of which we will describe below. Some may believe that these are the only 3 viable options, but that isn’t the case.
Can You Use Concrete Wall Finish Bathroom?
It’s certainly possible to use concrete as a material for the walls in your bathroom. Ever since the dawn of industrial décor, interior designers have used concrete to make bold statements and add durability to bathrooms everywhere.
Can You Concrete Wall Finish Texture?
You can apply a new layer of concrete to a wall, known as an overlay. There are several kinds of concrete overlays and ways to decorate overlays, but one that may interest you in particular is a stampable overlay. Apply the overlay to the wall, then use a concrete stamp to create a texture.
Exterior Concrete Wall Finish Options
Exterior concrete wall finishes vary in type and expense. You can install stone veneer, which comes in an array including man-made stone, stucco (the cheaper of the two), brick veneer (a bit more difficult to install), and paint, which can be applied quickly and easily but is the most generic of all.
Does Polished Concrete Wall Finish Scratch Easily?
Polished concrete wall finish is extremely strong and resilient and is able to withstand the pressure from very heavy foot traffic and equipment. It is very difficult to damage and is nearly impossible to chip or scratch.