Understanding Concrete Surface Preparation

Concrete, a durable, versatile material if ever there was one, is showing up all over the place in new constructions and in remodels. Though its use in commercial and industrial settings has been common for quite some time, newer applications have been found for concrete that are quickly gaining a stronghold in residential settings. In a home, the rough, unfinished look of unadorned concrete is often less than desirable, and concrete in residential areas tends to lean towards a more polished and glossy finish. To attain this kind of finish, proper concrete surface preparation is necessary.

Concrete Pumping
Along with the rise in popularity of concrete floors in condominiums and urban lofts comes the issue of getting the concrete where it needs to be. In many instances, concrete pumping is necessary to reach units that are high above the ground, or are, for one reason or another, difficult for a truck to reach. Concrete pumping is an efficient, and often cost-effective way, to reach these areas. A crane is fitted with a large tube, then a powerful pump forces wet concrete up the tube and into the desired area (often many stories up).

New Concrete Surface Preparation
Preparing concrete that has just been poured is generally easier than preparing concrete that has been around for a while. With a fresh pour the only material present is the concrete; there is no worry of running into oils or debris that can cause problems during the finishing process. Concrete surface preparation for a newly poured area usually only involves etching or staining the concrete before it is sealed and polished.

Surface Preparation of Existing Concrete
There are many materials that need to be removed from an older concrete surface before it is finished in order to achieve a good result. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned. It must be clear of all dirt, debris, oil, and moisture. Afterwards the surface must be etched (either mechanically or chemically) and, if desired, stained. Any defects in the concrete must also be ground down or filled in before the surface can be finished.

Know what you Want
The key to getting concrete to look the way you want it is to plan ahead. Many of the effects possible with concrete must be taken into account before any actual work begins. The most reliable way to attain any particular look is to find an example of it, and research the techniques and methods that were used to produce it. Certain finishes might require some backtracking if they are not decided upon before the project begins, which means more time and money spent.

Concrete Finishing Options
Concrete, much like hardwood, can be stained. Concrete, however, is stained chemically: The color is created by applying chemicals that react with the materials in the concrete, producing a particular color. Concrete can also be stamped with designs, coated with epoxy, or polished and waxed to a high shine. The options are numerous, but the techniques always work best when planned beforehand.