Concrete is a popular material for residential and commercial construction. It is used for sidewalks, driveways, patios and other exterior applications. The types of concrete finishes that you choose for your concrete project will have an impact on the overall look of your project.
You can choose from a wide range of finishes, from polished or brushed to various textures and colors. You should also consider the durability of the finish that you select. Some types are more durable than others and may cost more as well.
The Different Types of Concrete Finishes
Concrete is one of the most popular building materials because of its durability and low cost. Concrete finishes are a way to make a concrete surface look more attractive and give it an individual look.
There are many different types of concrete finishes, including:
- Troweled Finish
- Polished Finish
- Boom Finish
- Exposed Aggregate Finish
- Colored Finish
- Salt Finish
- Swirl Finish
Troweled Finish
A troweled finish is created by using a trowel to apply the material. The trowel should be used in a back-and-forth motion and the material should be applied with a “flicking” action.
Troweled finishes are typically used on interior surfaces such as walls and ceilings but can also be found on exterior surfaces such as brick or concrete.
“Troweled finish” is a term that describes the type of surface finish created by a trowel (a flat tool with a wide blade) pressed into wet concrete or mortar and then smoothed out. The troweling is done to spread an even layer of aggregates and water-conserving materials such as cement, sand, pebbles and crushed stone. This type of surface preparation can be found on interior surfaces like walls, ceilings or floors but also on exterior
Polished Finish
In order to have a polished finish, one must first have a smooth surface. The process of polishing is done by rubbing the surface with an abrasive material such as sandpaper, emery cloth, or a steel wool pad.
Polished surfaces are the result of polishing which is the process of smoothing and cleaning the surface of a metal object. Polishes are often used for this purpose, but other substances can be used such as waxes and oils.
Broom Finish
Concrete is a material that can be finished in many different ways. One of the most popular types of concrete finishes is called broom finish.
Broom finish is a rough textured concrete finish that can be achieved by brushing the surface with a broom and water mixture. This will create small bumps on the surface, which will give it an uneven texture and make it look like it has been hand-brushed with an old-fashioned broom.
Exposed Aggregate Finish
Aggregate finish is a technique that can be used to cover the surface of a material with small particles. This technique is mostly used in the construction industry, but it has been recently applied to other fields as well.
Aggregate finish can be an attractive option for people who want their surface to have a natural appearance and texture. It can also be an affordable way to create an interesting texture on materials like concrete or wood.
The aggregate finish technique was introduced by the Greeks, who used it on marble statues they called “polio”.
Colored Finish Concrete
Colored finishes are a way of adding color to concrete. This is a great option for those who want to add color to their concrete without the need of painting it.
The colored finished of the concrete is achieved by adding colored cement into the concrete mix. This happens after it’s been poured so that it looks like part of the existing environment.
The colored concrete can be made by painting it before it is fully hardened or by adding colored pigments to concrete mixes.
Salt Finish
Salt Finish is a kind of types of concrete finishes technique that involves the application of coarse rock salt crystals to a wet surface. The salt crystals are applied by hand or with a stencil, brush, or other implement.
The technique was invented in the 1990s by artist Jane Davenport and has been used in many places throughout the world.
Swirl Finish
A swirl finish is a concrete finish that is created by mixing two different colors of concrete together and then pouring them at the same time.
Swirl finish is a popular finish for commercial projects because it gives the appearance of marble, granite, or other stone finishes. It can also be used on residential projects as well.