Types of concrete texture

Introduction to concrete texture

The concrete texture is much better than the ordinary concrete surface.

Because of its outstanding aesthetic effect, textured concrete has replaced many other materials on many occasions,like commercial flooring and other concrete products

We all know that cement concrete pavement has high strength, good stability, and durability.

Therefore, people use a lot of cement concrete in highway construction instead of asphalt.

With the continuous development of cement pavement construction, the anti-skid problem of pavement has become prominent.

Therefore, people began to add texture to the cement pavement.

Moreover, there are many types of textured concrete. Therefore, textured concrete finishes range from simple to sophisticated, and moderate to expensive.

Correspondingly, their functions are also different.

Among them, it is easy for people to create simple textures. But, people also need some special skills to create difficult concrete finishes.

Now，this article will introduce concrete texture information in detail.

What kind of concrete texture we have?

Next, let’s take a look at the common types of concrete texture.

Fair-faced concrete texture

Fair-faced concrete has many names.

For example, Architecture Concrete, Exposed Concrete.

And it can be seen that many architects like to use fair-faced concrete.

After the concrete is poured, people will not apply any other processes such as painting, tiling tiles, and stone to its surface. On the contrary, people showed the un-faced appearance of concrete.

After demolding, the surface of the concrete is flat and smooth.

Woodgrain and silk concrete texture

Sometimes, people can use wood grain form-work to make a wood grain surface for fair-faced concrete.

Moreover, this wood grain surface can blend well with the natural environment.

Therefore, it is also a good choice for a natural style.

However, some architects also like to use fair-faced concrete with silk patterns. And its texture is extremely uniform and smooth.

Stitching concrete texture

Some architects use form-work to make the surface of fair-faced concrete into a splicing style.

This splicing is small. And their seams are not strict nor flat.

Sometimes，even the architect intentionally left traces of the template used.

So, it looks very new and creative.

Bamboo pattern

The fair-faced concrete surface of some buildings is bamboo texture. And the texture of this wall is more prominent. Moreover, people use this fair-faced concrete texture in museums or some cultural fields.

So this can highlight the local historical and cultural charm.

Other styles of concrete texture

With the gradual popularity of fair-faced concrete texture, in actual production and construction, many styles with environmental protection and craftsman attitude have also attracted many builders.

Sometimes, architects will make other textures on the surface of fair-faced concrete. For example, holes, stripes, etc.

And these are just a small part of architectural design.

However, people worry that rainwater will soak or degrade fair-faced concrete.

Therefore, people will spray him with a waterproof protective film.

And fair-faced concrete not only saves costs, but the aesthetic effect it brings is not just a boring gray surface.

Brushed concrete texture

People use brooms to sweep over the concrete surface that is not dry. And this can make a textured surface. This is brushed concrete.

Moreover, people also call it broom concrete.

It is not a fancy surface treatment.

Usually, people use it to increase the slip resistance of concrete pavements.

Moreover, this is very important for safety around the swimming pool.

Sometimes, people also use this method to improve concrete floors that need to be trimmed.

And because of its non-slip properties, many places such as concrete terraces and driveways will basically use this concrete texture.

Usually, where there is concrete in the pharmaceutical industry, the finisher will use a broom to perform this treatment.

Next, let’s take a look at its characteristics.

Advantages

1. Anti-slip and wear-resistant
2. Very affordable
3. Easy to do
4. Durable
5. It can improve the road surface that needs to be repaired.

Disadvantages

1. People feel rough when they are barefoot.
2. Its decorative effect is not as good as other types of finishes.
3. Moreover, its surface may be mixed with dust and debris.
4. This treatment may sometimes cause color changes

So, when you want to make this kind of concrete texture, at what stage of construction should people process the concrete?

In which stage of construction is suitable for people to use brooms?

There are many factors to achieve good results. For example, the slump of concrete, weather conditions, construction time control, etc.

If the timing is too early, the surface strength of the concrete will be weaker.

However, if the timing is too late, the traces of the texture will not be enough for the anti-slip effect.

Generally, people do it after the slab is still soft and water has been released.

Depending on the weather, this may be 20 minutes-4 hours after the concrete is laid.

However, for this problem, each person who constructs can have his own way.

For example, some people start to sweep the surface of the concrete with a broom shortly after laying the concrete. Meanwhile, some people will pour water on the concrete when they start to sweep.

However, there are some techniques for reference to this issue.

For example, some people touch the concrete road with their fingers.

If there is no fingerprint left, it means that the broom texture processing can be started.

There are also experienced people who use a broom to gently sweep the surface of the concrete, knowing whether this time is suitable.

Which type of broom is best for this concrete texture?

There are many types of brooms. For example, they have various widths.

Moreover, they have wood, aluminum, or plastic bristles. Meanwhile, people use horsehair, polypropylene, nylon, etc. to make bristle brooms.

And they have different textures with different stiffness.

For situations that require extreme texture, people can make it with a wire comb.

In the type of broom, the material of Marion broom is 612 nylon.

Moreover, it is one of the most expensive materials in the broom.

However, in terms of performance, this material is 3-4 times more durable than other materials.

Moreover, in the process of use, Marion can always keep clean.

If the bristles are bent, people can pour boiling water on them and they will return to their original shape.

During construction, people sometimes cannot control the depth of the texture well.

Therefore, people will choose to use a handle-less broom.

The handle-less broom will place the broom in a suitable position.

This allows the surface of the bristles to be formed by the sides of the bristles instead of the tips.

Therefore, the brushing surface is more even.

Molded concrete

People usually turn molded concrete into textured concrete or stamped concrete.

Moreover, it is a concrete finish.

Through this technology, people can make the surface of concrete into a surface similar to bricks, rocks, tiles, wood, etc.

Among them, the coloring curing agent is a popular method of coloring concrete.

Moreover, people use the stamped concrete to make the pattern more prominent.

Form-work concrete

Usually, people use form-work and stained concrete together.

On occasions with strong design flexibility, form-work concrete can be a good substitute for decorative concrete.

However, through concrete carving technology, people can also make concrete texture of stenciled concrete.

Float and trowel finish

To make swirls or arc patterns of different sizes on concrete, people call this float and wipe texture.

Moreover, according to the different tools used, the texture that people make can be rough or smooth.

Sometimes, people can make a medium rough surface.

For example, people use wooden floats to make rougher textures.

However, people can use aluminum floats or steel trowels to make medium or smooth textures.

You can make patterns on concrete, such as swirls or arcs of different sizes.

Depending on the tool used to impart the pattern, the texture created can be rough, medium, or smooth.

For example, wooden floats will produce a rougher texture. Aluminum floats or steel trowels can produce medium or smooth surface effects.

Rock salt surface

The rock salt surface is a traditional simple method.

And the decorative layer of salt can leave a spot pattern of shallow dents on the surface of the concrete.

Moreover, it resembles the appearance of a slightly sunken and weathered rock.

People can use this method to add subtle texture and slip resistance to ordinary or colored concrete.

Although this model is not complicated, it has a unique appearance.

Therefore, no other method can achieve this effect.

Moreover, people do not need additional tools and materials to produce it.

And those who vainly get the decoration within the budget can easily bear the cost.

How to make rock salt surface?

People use coarse rock salt as a water softener.

Moreover, in winter, people also use coarse rock salt as a deicing agent.

Generally speaking, these two kinds of salt are suitable for rock salt surface texture.

People use concrete surface treatment agent to sprinkle salt particles on wet concrete.

Then, people use rollers to press them into the surface.

After the concrete sets, people wash off the powder.

In this way, the shedding of salt particles will leave shallow dents on the concrete surface.

And these dents look like patterns of spots.

However, in areas with cold weather, it is easy to accumulate water or freeze in the dent.

Moreover, this increases the risk of concrete spelling.

Therefore, this treatment method is more common in warmer regions.

However, if people use high-quality concrete with waterproof sealing and protection, it can withstand any climate. Therefore, it is durable enough.

Tips for making rock salt surface

Although this method is simple, people pay more attention to details and follow some basic experience.

And this will make the appearance better.

Sometimes people spread salt unevenly.

Moreover, some people press salt too deeply into the concrete.

Meanwhile, in some cases, people don’t have enough depth when pressing the salt into the concrete.

In order to get the best results, let’s understand the techniques for correct and complete this texture.

Salt content and depth

Use salt crystals that are 1/8 to 3/8 inches in size.

Moreover, people press it into the concrete surface to a depth of about half the diameter of the salt crystals.

At this time, be careful to avoid indentations larger than 1/4 inch.

Otherwise, it will cause harm to people wearing pointed shoes.

Secondly, in order to make the surface texture clearer, people will make the surface of the concrete smooth before sprinkling salt.

Moreover, people make different patterns with different amounts of salt.

For light-colored patterns, people usually sprinkle 3 pounds of salt for every 100 square feet.

However, if you want a heavier texture similar to lime, people use about 12 pounds of salt per square foot.

The most important thing is that people must distribute the salt evenly on the entire concrete surface.

Time to sprinkle salt crystals

Usually, people start to sprinkle salt crystals on the concrete when the concrete just begins to solidify.

Of course, people can also use methods to test.

Usually, people press their fingers into the concrete.

If the depth of the impression is about 1/4 inch, the concrete is at the right stiffness.

Other considerations about concrete texture

After the above steps are completed, people need to wash away the salt crystals on the surface.

At this time, people need to know all the traces.

And this can prevent the surface of the concrete from discoloring. Especially for the colored concrete.

Moreover, people must use the sealant after the small grooves left by the salt are completely dry.

The innovative method of using salt finishing agent

Ordinary concrete with salt facing by attraction.

However, when it is combined with colored concrete and other decorative finishes, the effect will be better.

Moreover, some contractors specializing in stamping concrete use salt finishes.

And it forms an interesting contrast with stone, masonry patterns, etc.

Besides, gardeners have long relied on salt treatment to form pristine garden paths with the appearance of natural stone.

Moreover, due to its inherent non-slip texture, pool contractors welcome this surface treatment.

In addition, there are other creative ways people use salt coating:

1. Asa decorative border of swirling knife or broom texture concrete
2. Make the boundary of the smooth concrete large panel
3. Add texture to the colored concrete overlay

Other concrete texture 

The smooth, high-gloss appearance of polished concrete is durable.

And the color of stained concrete can imitate marble, leather, natural stone, wood, etc.

As for epoxy coatings, they are available in metal, decorative fragments, or mosaic-like terrazzo.

Which concrete texture are the most affordable?

The brushed concrete and fair-faced concrete introduced above only need the finishing work done by the concrete finishing engineer, which can be completed by one or two staff.

Moreover, they do not need to add other materials.

If special tools, stamps, form-work, etc. are required, the price of the concrete project will increase.

Then, what should people pay attention to if they want to decorate the concrete themselves?

Make the concrete texture yourself

People can get the texture by using the models which have their own textures.

For example, you can put the model on the surface of the concrete. And then，paint the first layer of the concrete.

About two days later, you can move the models away. The texture will be there.

But if you feel this process is too completed, you can choose the opened model. It means you can put the plastic film on the surface of the concrete. And then, you can put the small rubble on it. That’s the opened model you make by yourself.

Other ways people can make concrete texture themselves

Another way is you can use the pebbles and rocks or other permanent materials. And put them into the concrete.

Before the concrete was totally dried, people move the material away. And then, people can use brushes and water to erode it.

Moreover, concrete can also be the substrate of inlay work.

For example, one can consolidate ceramic or glass tiles that have not yet solidified concrete.

Then, let’s take a look at the steps.

Usually, people first use admixtures to prime the surface of the concrete.

Then people use a notched trowel to smooth out the slurry.

If people mix concrete with crushed marble, they can grind it away later.  And this technology is also known as “terrazzo.”

Usually, people use it to make floors and other functional objects.

Suggestion when making concrete texture

No matter which technique is used, the most important thing is to cure the concrete correctly.

After preparation, the whole block of concrete must be kept moisturizing for at least one week.

And the longer this process lasts, the stronger the concrete will be.

If the curing process is lacking, or the curing process is not good, the strength of concrete will be weak.

However, the process of freezing and thawing concrete is also prone to problems.

Therefore, if people need to make outdoor products in the frozen areas of the north, people will use air-en-training agents and anti-porous admixtures.

Although these methods cannot completely solve these problems, they can help.

Conclusion

Textured concrete is much better than an ordinary concrete surface.

Because of its outstanding aesthetic effect, textured concrete has replaced many other materials on many occasions.

Moreover, there are many types of textured concrete:

Clear water coagulation: After people pour concrete, they will not have any painting, tile and stone, and other processes on its surface. Moreover, its surface can also have many concrete textures. For example, wood grain surface, stitching pattern, bamboo texture, holes, stripes, etc.

Also, people use a broom to sweep over the concrete surface that is not dry. This is brushed concrete. Moreover, depending on the weather, people may use the broom 20 minutes to 4 hours after the concrete is laid.

In addition, there are molded concrete and form-work concrete.

Moreover，people can get the texture by using the models which have their own textures.

Another way is you can use the pebbles and rocks or other permanent materials.

That‘s all for the concrete texture.

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