Applying Concrete Dyes to a Concrete Overlay
I think the best place to start telling you about concrete dyes is to explain what the options are for coloring concrete. There are 4 types of topical concrete colorants; water based dyes, solvent based dyes, acrylic dyes and acid stains. Solvent based dyes – Dyes are mixed with acetone. That makes them highly volatile [...]
Speedy Clean Concrete Dissolver
Here’s a handy product. Speedy Clean Concrete Dissolver the acid alternative for cleaning cured cement, mortar, grout or stucco. The liquid is sprayed or brushed on and attacks the portland in cement dissolving hardened cement and power washed off with cold water. This stuff really works. I’ve used it many times to clean trowels, buckets, [...]
Creative Rock Forming – Rocks!
Most of my updates relate to concrete floor coatings but here’s a wild twist. Custom vertical stone carving using concrete. Check out www.creativerockforming.com if you want to transform a space to a new world. This business was started 8 years ago in Chicago by entrepreneur Nathan Giffin. Nathan learned the business by a chance encounter [...]
The Ultimate Basement Concrete Floor
I recently wrote an article about how the ultimate basement floors are concrete overlays without seams with area rugs. Well here is a floor that “takes it up a notch” as Emeril puts it. Over the weekend I received a photo of a basement concrete floor installed by a do it yourselfer. Never had this [...]
ConcreteIdeas.com Bookmark This Site!
I spend a lot of time surfing around looking for information related to remodeling, rehabbing and the uses of various property improvement products. One site that I like as a great library of information is www.concreteideas.com . They do an excellent job showcasing professional images with informative content. If you are planning a remodel of [...]
Colormaker Floors – The Primo Concrete Overlay
They’ve been at it for a while. Gary Jones of Vancouver B.C. runs Colormaker Floors and parent company Smart Surface Technology. The company was formed in 1990 and has developed 2 genius core products “Sgraffino” and “Pentimento“. Both are brilliant concrete overlays. Sgraffino which is mixed with a polymer modifier is a fairly simple application. [...]
Bionix – The mold eliminator
Formula Technologies has created a scientifically advanced product for eliminating bacteria, mold and even black mold in kitchens, restrooms, retaurants. A great use on decorative concrete floors but the applications are almost unlimited. Anywhere where bacteria can congregate. Bionix is an encapsulated bacteria which eats and eliminates bad bacteria found in sugar, starch, protein and [...]
RaceDeck Interlocking Garage Floor Tiles
A superb option for covering concrete floors is modular interlocking garage floor tiles manufactured by RaceDeck. RaceDeck is the pioneer and leader of this market for garage floors, basements, day care centers and just about any show floor. The system is available in 12 and 18 inch square tiles. There are 8 colors and various [...]
Decorative Concrete Floors as Part of Restaurant Interior Design
Restaurants have become big users of decorative concrete and a critical part of restaurant interior design. The advantages are many. 1. Seamless – a concrete floor has nowhere for food grease and dirt to collect. They’re clean 2. Custom – Ambiance and theme are critical to restaurants. Color can be varied. For example vaious reds [...]
The Importance of Lighting for Decorative Concrete Floors
A few years ago one of my contractor clients had an eye opening experience installing a decorative concrete floor in a residential basement. The concrete overlay was applied with a white concrete and water based dyes with light shades of red and blue. When it was time to apply the sealers the floor looked almost [...]
Flattooing – The Art of Tattooing Concrete
A “Flattoo” is a stencil specifically used for creating graphics on concrete. The Flattoo is designed to stick firmly to a concrete surface. Adhereing to concrete is critical. Preventing color from seeping under the Flattoo is why the adhesion is so important. Flattooing can be simple. Anyone can achieve simple but outstanding results. For the [...]
How A Small Company is Revolutionizing Concrete Cleaning
Surafce Gel Tek run by concrete entrepreneur Tamryn Doolan has revolutionized the way liquid acid is is used to clean and profile concrete. Tamryns’ husband Dan made an accidental discovery when trying to find ways to clean the rust from concrete coping on the edge of their pool deck. The only cleaning solution was acid [...]
Applying Concrete coatings in Winter
Even though most concrete coatings and overlays are interior applications there are still winter conditions to deal with. It is important that there be ample heat inside. The biggest concern and risk of potential problems are temperature of the concrete slab. Concrete is a great conductor of heat and cold. Even though it may feel [...]
Would You Please Take Care of Your Concrete
I attended a swim meet over the weekend at a local university. Big meet lots of swimmers and parents. Many parents drag their little kids along, so they’re running all over the place. The pool was in a beautiful field house. Terrazzo flooring in the lobby and stairway leading to gym with indoor track and [...]
Carpet Glue Removal from Cement Floors
Carpet glue removal from cement floors is a nuisance. It looks ugly. Thanks to product advancements there are non-hazardous solutions that are applied to the surface and will decompose the adhesives. Adhesive removal is not fun so it’s important to use high quality adhesive removers. These products are rolled or sprayed on and then go [...]
