Vol. 6 No. 1 - February/March 2006

Vol. 6 No. 1 – February/March 2006

Alternatives to Liquid and Powder Release for Concrete

Concrete Placing Vol. 6 No. 1 - February/March 2006 by Concrete Decor Staff Comments are Disabled

Liquid and powder aren’t a contractor’s only choices when considering release agents, and Richard Smith’s contracting company seems to have explored many of the alternatives.

Use Aerated Concrete to Create Cool and Stylish Homes

Building with Concrete Vol. 6 No. 1 - February/March 2006 by Mike Dawson Comments are Disabled

FlexCrete is a form of aerated concrete that contains as much as 60 percent fly ash. Unlike traditional aerated concretes, it is not cured under heat or pressure, so it uses much less energy to produce.

Cheng Design Exchange Chooses 2006 Winners

Events & Recognition Concrete Countertops Vol. 6 No. 1 - February/March 2006 by Concrete Decor Staff Comments are Disabled

Cheng Design Exchange announced the winners of its second annual Members Circle of Distinction Design Challenge at the World of Concrete 2006 in Las Vegas. The concrete countertop design competition received 93 submissions, resulting in a total of seven “Best” category winners, two Merit Awards, and 11 Honorable Mentions.

A Look at the Pros and Cons of Liquid vs. Powder Releases for Concrete

Stamping & Texturing Concrete Vol. 6 No. 1 - February/March 2006 by John Strieder Comments are Disabled

A look at the pros and cons of liquid and powder releases. When a contractor decides to apply a release agent to a wet concrete surface to keep it from sticking to a stamp, there are two ways to go: liquid or powder. Each has advantages, but each also causes problems.

What is Proline’s “The Billy Banger”

Stamping & Texturing Concrete Tools & Equipment Vol. 6 No. 1 - February/March 2006 by Concrete Decor Staff Comments are Disabled

Among the quirkier success stories of World of Concrete 2006 is a little texture-mat tamper that manufacturer Proline Concrete Tools dubbed "The Billy Banger."

Adding Color to Polished Concrete Floors

Concrete Polishing Vol. 6 No. 1 - February/March 2006 Staining & Coloring Concrete by Peter Wagner, CSI Comments are Disabled

Color and concrete have evolved. When considering adding color in conjunction with polishing, first it was integral colors or dry shake hardeners, then acid stains crept to the forefront as it became viable to combine densifying and acid stains.

How to Achieve Natural Looking Stamped Concrete with Color Hardeners

Stamping & Texturing Concrete Staining & Coloring Concrete Vol. 6 No. 1 - February/March 2006 by Amy Johnson Comments are Disabled

Experts share their knowledge on everything from preparation to application — including how to achieve the most natural-looking colors.

Using White Cement on Gray Concrete

Building with Concrete Vol. 6 No. 1 - February/March 2006 by Loretta Hall Comments are Disabled

Achieve pure, consistent color while providing your customers a highly reflective surface. Ninety-nine percent of the cement used in the United States is gray. The other 1 percent is a startlingly bright white color. Because it represents such a small share of the market, many contractors know little about white cement concrete.

Troubleshooting Concrete Countertops: Tips from the Experts

Tips & How-Tos Concrete Countertops Vol. 6 No. 1 - February/March 2006 by Susan M. Brimo-Cox Comments are Disabled

If you’re new to making concrete countertops, you may have encountered any of a number of pesky problems. Even experienced concrete countertop artisans encounter a problem now and then, but they will also tell you that practice makes perfect.