Even at its best, owning a business offers a host of challenges. One of the latest: how to get and keep good employees.
Tips & How-Tos
Industry veterans, entrepreneurs and decorative concrete artisans reveal findings, divulge lessons learned and outline methods used to help advance the industry as a whole.
Successfully Brushing Acetone Dyes on Concrete is Possible
You can successfully hand brush quick-drying acetone dye on concrete with the aid of denatured alcohol and a partner to help with the application.
Filling the Joint
Not long ago my wife and I were having dinner at a well-known chain restaurant when we noticed that hundreds of feet of saw cuts had been left unfilled. I’m guessing this had to be a health issue. If nothing else, it made the floor look unfinished, to say the least.
Polishing Contractors Should Address Pour-Backs, Trenches and Cutouts
For both new construction and remodel projects, polishing contractors face similar issues when trying to get concrete not poured at the same time to aesthetically match. This is a major problem in the world of construction. From tile to epoxy, every other flooring material can easily cover the differences in […]
Should You Seal Concrete Now or Hold Off for Warmer Days?
In my experience, sealer issues caused by cold weather don’t occur in the northern “cold climates” but rather in the more temperate or “shoulder” regions that have transition seasons. They also tend to happen in warm climates that may experience cold weather for only brief periods of time.
Hand Brush Details on Concrete Borders
Over the last couple of years, I’ve written articles on how I use math to break down design layout and my views of color theory. This time, I’m going to share one of the little details that help my projects look amazing — how to properly use a brush.
What to Know when Buying Mixers and Pumps for Decorative Concrete
Some facts and advice in the form of questions and answers that may help you maneuver the market if you’re interested in learning more about mixers and pumps.
How to Seal Concrete for a Uniform Appearance
This issue of blotchy and inconsistent color and gloss created by a sealer is not that uncommon. There are multiple factors that can create this appearance, but the two most common are application — how the sealer was applied — and surface — what the sealer is being applied to in regard to density and porosity.
Step-By-Step Lesson to Drawing a Compass Rose
Ever since I began writing Design Theory, I’ve anxiously awaited medallions. The first one I ever did was exciting and a definite “aha” moment because it changed the direction of my career. At the time, I had just started out working for the company I now own. Back then, all we engraved were 2-foot tile and brick patterns.
A Variety of Tools and Techniques Adds Texture to Concrete Slabs
In this world, there are two types of concrete: concrete that’s flat, gray and utilitarian, and concrete that’s been shaped, colored and/or textured — and is considered art.
