4 Types Of Concrete Surface Treatments To Consider For Your Residential Projects

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When someone describes an idea or action as "concrete," they generally mean that action is permanent or stable. Of course, that meaning is derived from the fact that concrete itself is really hard and stable. This is why, over the years, concrete has become such an in-demand material. It's used to make everything from the biggest skyscrapers to the smallest of patio pavers. What other material could be so versatile? We hope to bring more attention to that versatility as we write about concrete and contractors on this blog. As our readers, you can enjoy the content and let us know how we're doing.

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4 Types Of Concrete Surface Treatments To Consider For Your Residential Projects

9 September 2022
 Categories: , Blog

Concrete surface treatments add glitz to any space, producing a smooth, shiny surface that complements your home's structure. You can use different surface treatments to enhance the aesthetics of residential concrete surfaces. The four main types include:

  • Coating

  • Staining

  • Polishing

  • Using densifiers and hardeners

Read on to discover how residential concrete contractors use these treatments to transform concrete surfaces. 

1. Coating

Coatings are the most common type of concrete surface treatment. Residential concrete contractors use them to protect concrete surfaces from the elements and improve their appearance. Coatings are available in various colors, styles, and textures for customization purposes.

You can use coatings on any type of concrete, but it's most effective on flat or low-slope surfaces. Residential concrete contractors have experience applying concrete coatings. In addition, they choose a durable coating that matches your application requirements.

Commonly used coatings are epoxy, polyurethane, or acrylic resins:

  • Epoxy is a low-cost but durable coating that offers excellent resistance to abrasion and chemical attack.

  • Polyurethane coatings are more expensive than epoxy, but they offer better resistance to chemical attack and higher flexibility than epoxy.

  • Acrylic resin is an inexpensive option that you can use to cover both structural and decorative concrete surfaces.

2. Staining

Staining is an option for flat concrete surfaces with no cracks or other defects. It's also an effective way to cover exposed aggregate in decorative patterns. These include crosshatched designs or pavers with a natural finish.

However, staining requires residential concrete contractors to undertake some preparation work before application. After application, the stain won't chip off or fade over time. This makes it ideal for outdoor areas such as patios, walkways, and driveways.

3. Polishing

Concrete is porous, so polishing helps give it a smooth finish that protects it against damage by water and other elements. Residential concrete contractors can polish your concrete on-site with wet sanding or machine polishing equipment. However, some jobs need more intense treatment than others. 

For example, you will need special polishers with a highly textured concrete surface. Residential concrete contractors also use specific tools to achieve the desired results.

4. Using Densifiers and Hardeners

Densifiers and hardeners improve the hardness of concrete surfaces. They contain silica sand and calcium carbonate, which form an abrasive mixture. Residential concrete contractors use them to bond the surface layer of concrete together, while anti-slip additives help keep it in place.

Conclusion

Surface treatments of concrete are essential as they:

  • Prevent cracking and scaling

  • Improve the aesthetic appearance of the concrete surface

  • Improve durability

These surface treatments make cleaning concrete surfaces with ordinary products and tools easier. Contact a residential concrete contractor for more information.