How To Decorate The New Concrete?

By Author: Benedict Yossarian
Total Articles: 10
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Concrete is one of the strongest elements used in the construction of buildings. They are used in different sections of the buildings including walks, floors etc. Though mostly known for adding strength, the concrete is also used for the decorative purposes. In fact, there are a number of options available when it comes to the decorating of the concrete. If done properly, the decorative concrete resembles the polished stone and that too, at a much less price.

There are different ways in which you can decorate the concrete. For example, there are the integral colorants that you can mix the color materials with the concrete, cement, aggregate and sand. In most of the cases, the colors are the iron oxides that can create shades like yellow, red, and black. Also, you can use the chromium to create green shades, while the ultramarine can be used for different shades of blue. However, the heavy materials that are often used to create the colors are harmful to the environment and can cause respiratory problems as well.

However, the good thing is that the new researches regarding the integral concrete color have invented ...
... means to color the concrete without the iron oxide based colors. In recent times, the PCC or the portion controlled colorant, and the SYPP or the synthetic primary pigments are used to get rid of the alkali discoloration and efflouresence. These new pigments are available in the form of emulsion and are highly concentrated so that it is easy to use them. However, the PCC and SYPP are different only in the sense that PCC creates an earth tone type of color rather than the primary shades.

Apart from colouring the concretes, there are several other things that you can do to decorate them. For example, you can use the rubber imprinting stamps and apply them on the wet concrete to create innovative designs on it. With the help of this process, you can easily create the textures of bricks or natural stone. These stamps are especially designed so that the stamps and designs are authentic.

Another option to decorate the concrete is to use the urethane form liner mold. Once the concrete is set, this mold is peeled away from the surface of the concrete and they create beautiful art on the surface of the concrete. This type of decoration is becoming increasingly popular in countries like the United States and others. They are wide seen in the exterior walls, bridges, sound retaining walls etc.

Originally, the art of using form liner was first used by the sculptors who used polyurethane, clay or wax to create the design. After that, they made a cast with the synthetic liquid rubber and eventually produce the form liners in the reverse image of the original design. This acts as a mold and the concrete is formed against it. Finally, the mold is stripped from the concrete and we get the designed concrete inside.

The author of this article deals with Decorative concrete. The author's articles on Imprinted Concrete and vertical stamping are great pieces of information.