Tuesday 8 November 2011

How to Fix Concrete Colour Problems

Concrete colouring is very popular around the Washington, DC area, but sometimes unsightly problems can occur. If you’re not happy with the results of your previous concrete colouring job, there may still be hope to make your concrete surfaces look good, without going throughthe trouble of completely replacing them.

It may be easier than you think to repair your colour. If the discoloured area is small, you can consider acid staining. Stains are basically a chemical reaction on concrete surfaces, resulting in a unique and beautiful marbled look. This is also good for revitalizing colour which appears to be faded.

Chemical dyes may be considered as an alternative to staining. Water-based dyes can result in a similar marbled look to acid stains, while solvent - based dyes can produce a more uniform look. This option is best used on indoor surfaces, as dyes are typically not UV resistant.

Coloured sealers can also be used for unattractive colouring. This method is often the cheapest way of fixing uneven colour. Sealers can come in already mixed colours, or a custom colour can be created at the time of application.

These options can be quite effective in certain circumstances, but it’s best to speak to a decorative concrete contractor who is experienced in concrete resurfacing and restoration, as they can give you the best advice to ensure your concrete surfaces look good long after the work is done.

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Decorative Concrete: Diamond Stencils

Concrete is unique in that is offers substance as well as mass and creates a warm sense of permanence. The feel is traditional and modern simultaneously, forming an irrevocably feel for homes and businesses alike. The tactile nature of concrete can echo a stone which was rounded and battered by sea or a patina which experienced tiles worn by time. In terms of concrete resurfacing, concrete coatings, and concrete overlay stencil work is becoming vastly popular due to multiple-layer stenciling. This is when clients want multicolored logos or graphics for an office entrance. This can be done by applying several stencils, though only one at a time to the same location. Each of the layers will isolate a particular area of the design and thereby allow different colors and effects to be applied along crisp lines.

When working with stencils for concrete resurfacing, concrete coatings, and concrete overlay, diamond grindings have become a popular way to complement multi-stenciled layers so that the 3D effect really shines. Using these stencils on durable concrete means that the concrete will not scale from any freeze or thaw cycles and the surface of the concrete and the stencil design will not erode. These high durability mixes can at times be too much. Durable concrete is a result of three major factors combined. The first is the concrete mix design. The second is the amount of water in the mix. The third is the amount of entrained air within the concrete. Concrete durability can be enhanced through supplementary materials.

Monday 25 July 2011

Garage Floors and Garage Doors

Many homeowners opt to transform their garages into a workplace that houses bikes, cars, tools, or outdoor toys. To help decorate, many use concrete staining, acid stain, and colorful concrete stain to add to the décor. By utilizing concrete staining, garage floors are functional and fun. Accenting the concrete stain or acid stain that you have can be done with roll up garage doors.

Roll up garage doors are perfect for any residence. Before purchasing new roll up garage doors, you should familiarize yourself with the options. Many roll up garage doors offer additional features which provide extra security or storage. Traditionally roll up garage doors were made of wood. This makes them very strong, but also a bit expensive. However, the money saved with an acid stain or concrete stain can be better invested into this style door to match a faux wood pattern concrete stain. To better fit into your budget there are options for fiberglass, synthetics, or metal doors. The steel doors provide the most resistance and require less maintenance. Many of these options are resistant to pests and fire which leaves you reassured of your family’s safety. These doors are useful for accenting stained concrete that uses etching, patterns, or stamped overlays.

With the new awareness of environmental impacts and energy conservation, having roll up garage doors which provide the optimum insulation will cut down on energy costs and keep the garage a great space for additional work or play. Better insulation will ensure that your garage is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Thursday 23 June 2011

The Versatility of Chrome Outdoor Decorative Lighting

When homeowners think about which outdoor decorative lighting recommended by their decorative concrete contractor and concrete company will best suite their home, not many think of chrome fixtures. Chrome fixtures have thusly been reserved for modern interior design however it is still perfectly applicable to outdoor decorative lighting recommended by their decorative concrete contractor and concrete company. In terms of maintenance, chrome outdoor decorative lighting features recommended by their decorative concrete contractor and concrete company are best because they are simple to clean and maintain. They can be selected with the perfect weather proof fittings so that being outside does not damage the fixture in any capacity. There is a wide variety of styles and colors, with a modern look that can fit any modern home, or bring any home into a modern age. Chrome fittings can be found for outdoor decorative lighting recommended by their decorative concrete contractor and concrete company which is antique in their appearance if you prefer an older setting to blend with a traditional outdoor seating area or garden.

Chrome outdoor decorative lighting recommended by their decorative concrete contractor and concrete company fixtures are great because they can be added as a simple lighting afterthought or they can be integrated into a well-thought out, outdoor lighting system plan. They offer the same outdoor lighting you require with a greater longevity. The chrome materials used in these outdoor decorative lighting fixtures recommended by their decorative concrete contractor and concrete company are hard wearing and simple to clean. They offer a better lifespan than alternative lighting materials. Chrome outdoor decorative lighting fixtures also offer a more creative and decorative appearance in your yard, raising the value of your home.




Monday 30 May 2011

Making the Best Impression

With the new versatility that stamped concrete flooring has to offer, there are many times that a concrete company and the professionalism of a decorative concrete contractor can be used. You can add shine to your existing concrete so that it appears like a freshly waxes surface just without the slipping hazard. Through a professional concrete company, you can add a decorative touch with an acid stain. The great thing about an acid stain is that it is applied on top of your existing concrete floor. The mixture applied creates a chemical reaction with the concrete which leaves varies shades of your selected color. You can include colorful flecks in the acid stain that will remain in the flooring or you can apply a glossy finish to the end result.


With a decorative concrete company you can also integrate scored concrete flooring. This means that you utilize different geometric shapes as well as patterns in the surface. Since this is done through the use of circular saws which cut into the surface, it requires a professional concrete company and decorative concrete contractor. You can use various shapes and depths to create intricate designs and bold colors for a beautiful focal point. If you choose to use scored concrete flooring, then it is best to seal the imprinted concrete treatment after it is finishes so that the beauty is maintained. No matter what you choose, having a professional there to give you advice and to transform your concrete into a thing of beauty will leave you feeling happy.

Tuesday 26 April 2011

Guide on choosing the best Concrete Resurfacing System for your home

There are many different concrete resurfacing options that you can use for your home. Whether you are looking for just a concrete refinish or decorative concrete, you can definitely make any dream come true. There are different patterns you can create, a bunch of different colors, and a few types of stains. For interior surfaces you can use floor coatings. These leave your floor with a water-like shine. You can find floor coatings in brown, tan, green, blue, or red. You can even get color options which have paint chips in them. Your home can be brought together with matching floor designs created by stencils, stains, stamped coatings, or color coatings. If your concrete area is outside, then you have a few options.

There are great coatings you can use which are applied directly on top of your existing concrete. However, if your concrete needs to be ripped out, you might want to consider a heavier layer of seals or removing the concrete all together and replacing it and applying new stencils, patterns, and stains on top of the freshly laid concrete. For interior or exterior surfaces in your home which get stained a lot because of tires, traffic stains, or oils and spills, then a polyurea polyaspartic coating is great. It only takes hours to set and then gives your floors a great resistance to impact, UV light stability, and high abrasion. Decorative concrete options for your home can include the spray coating from Sundek acrylic. This is perfect for pool decks or other exterior surfaces.