Bart Sacco Concrete Decor

Author: Bart Sacco

Dealing with Winter Damaged Colored Concrete

We’re in the middle of another winter season. While it’s not predicted to be as harsh as last year’s “polar vortex” winter, we still need to be thinking about all the possible causes and sources of winter damage and eliminate them.

Helping Decorative Concrete Survive the Winter

Concrete Repair & Restoration Concrete Placing Vol. 14 No. 1 - January 2014 by Bart Sacco Comments are Disabled

Winter and freeze-thaw have a way of exposing defects in concrete we normally would not see in warmer regions.

Differences Between Integral Colors and Color Hardeners

Staining & Coloring Concrete Vol. 13 No. 1 - January/February 2013 by Bart Sacco Comments are Disabled

Contractors often discuss which is better, integral color or color hardener. Contractors’ creative abilities can really flow once they have mastered the use of both products. This allows them to produce unique, realistic-looking stone, brick or tile and there is absolutely nothing wrong with selecting either or both for decorative concrete work.

Color Issues with Liquid and Powder Release Agents

Staining & Coloring Concrete Vol. 12 No. 8 - November/December 2012 by Bart Sacco Comments are Disabled

The choice you have is between a liquid release agent and a dry-powder antique release. Both products are similar in function — however, the application technique is completely different for each. This results in a different final look as well.

Answers to Common Concrete Sealer Problems

Concrete Repair & Restoration Concrete Sealers Vol. 6 No. 6 - December 2006/January 2007 by Bart Sacco Comments are Disabled

New sealers compliant with VOC laws have contractors in cold sweats. With these tips, you can REALLY start breathing easier.

tried and true steps for cleaning a pump sprayer

Decorative Concrete Tips:
Cleaning a Pump Sprayer

Tips & How-Tos Tools & Equipment Vol. 3 No. 3 - June/July 2003 by Bart Sacco Comments are Disabled

Sprayers can be a real pain in the neck when they don’t work right, so I’d like to share a procedure that has worked well for us through the years. This was developed after throwing away a mountain of spent sprayer cans!

Decorative Concrete Tips: Evaporation Reducers

Vol. 2 No. 4 - December/January 2003 Concrete Placing by Bart Sacco Comments are Disabled

We all know that the weather plays a huge factor in our trade. Trying to figure out the ever-changing weather conditions and how they affect our work is the lifelong journey of every dedicated concrete installer. As we all know, weather can change in a very short period of time despite what the weatherman calls for on TV.

Decorative Concrete Tips: Reducing Random Cracking Through Preparation

Tips & How-Tos Vol. 2 No. 3 - August/September 2002 Concrete Placing by Bart Sacco Comments are Disabled

The creation of a high quality concrete job starts with proper sub-base compaction. Generally speaking, a minimum of 4-inch rock sub-base is required to support the concrete slab cast on grade. The rock sub-base should provide uniform support to the slab without any soft spots.

How to Prep for a Diving Board Mount on a Pool Deck

Vol. 2 No. 1 - February/March 2002 Concrete Placing by Bart Sacco Comments are Disabled

Did you ever have to install a pool deck with an aggressive pattern and then worry about cracking or breaking the fiberglass diving board mount because you were unable to set the mount on a smooth and level surface?