The world's foremost resource on decorative concrete
Although concrete in general requires little upkeep, properly maintaining it will extend its lifetime, preserve its appearance and protect an investment. Different finishes require different maintenance programs.
Texas-based VLK Architects is no stranger to recognition for its outstanding accomplishments when it comes to designing public schools. Such is the case at the both monumental and expressive Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center. “I’d give it an A for sure,” says Sloan Harris. Harris is a partner with […]
As polished concrete has increased in popularity, there has been a tremendous number of innovative products brought to the market to help meet customer expectations. One very important product is polyurea. It’s a two-part liquid-applied product that sets up quickly, gets hard enough to polish. This product comes in a […]
Polished concrete continues to make headway as the flooring choice for grocery chains, big-box stores, museums, schools, restaurants and government buildings, but there’s a recurring problem that keeps rearing its ugly head: joint separation.
If done right, polished concrete — and other decorative concrete approaches — offer low-maintenance solutions in interior and exterior settings.
That’s “low-maintenance” as opposed to “no-maintenance” or “maintenance-free.”
On a regular basis, many of us are asked: “What is the best way to maintain polished concrete?” Is there one method proven to be superior?
In this article, we’ll explore some field testing reviews and compare traditional DIPs (diamond-impregnated pads) to a newer floor maintenance system involving composite resin abrasives (CRAs).
The air temperature is 97 degrees F, the concrete arrives late and it turns out it’s a hot load. A set retarder is added, which only makes matters worse. The concrete now sits for eight hours before you can do anything with it. Now what?
Consumers, often blown away with the low prices of desktop inkjet printers, forget to consider the additional cost of ink cartridges which put many of them on a first name basis with the folks at the office supply store.
Moisture problems in concrete slabs old and new can play havoc with decorative concrete projects and other flooring strata in several ways, including bubbling, blistering and blushing of color. It’s commonly an interior problem because breathable products that reduce the threat are more commonly used in exterior applications.
Smith Paint Products’ new concrete cleaner, CT-8 Cleaner and Toughener, does what all cleaners should. But CT-8 doesn’t just remove dirt. It chemically changes concrete to strengthen the adhesion of decorative stains and sealers.
When this concrete was installed in 1927, the decision makers of this historic hotel wanted the assurance that the building would have the natural look so commonly seen in the High Sierras — and not the look of industrial concrete. And its still delighting guests to this day.
