Decorative Concrete Expert

Imprinting a polymer-modified overlay

The polishing of acid-stained concrete to a high-gloss finish that doesn't need sealing represents the cutting-edge process in the field of decorative concrete today, according to Tom Ralston, Tom Ralston Concrete, Santa Cruz, Calif. He blends stains to create a highly artistic marbleizing appearance that is enhanced after polishing. Faux techniques, such as ragging or stippling (in which a clear acrylic sealer is sponge-applied randomly first and then the entire surface is stained), can add unique effects. For fine accents and blending of color, Harris prefers to use an eyedropper when working stain into intricate designs.

Decorative concrete contractors need to document the details of their projects and record the techniques and colors used in case a client wants a certain look repeated. While there is much opportunity to experiment with various color and seeded-aggregate combinations, contractors should prepare test sections in advance. The best piece of advice given quite possibly was this: "Mock-ups prevent foul-ups."

TAPPING INTO THIS BOOM
Jim Peterson, President of the Concrete Network, Yucaiga, Calif., predicts an exploding market for polished concrete floors. He recommends that concrete contractors consider positioning their businesses for this dynamic growth. Across the spectrum of residential and commercial construction, decorative concrete is being specified for its uniqueness as well as for the durability it offers.

In the future, emphasis in the concrete industry will shift toward making concrete as "green"-environmentally friendly and energy efficient-as possible, which can only improve its position as a construction material of choice. Marketplace demand will also increase as more consumers realize that concrete has the potential for artistic and aesthetic expression-after skilled decorative concrete contractors transform it into something quite beautiful.

Some results of the DCC Spring Event demonstrations

Contact ASCC's Decorative Concrete Council toll-free at (866) 788-ASCC; web site: www.ascconc.org. Information on ACI certification is available by calling (248) 848-3788 or on the ACI web site: www.concrete.org.

Keith A. Tosolt is Managing Editor of Concrete International. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., with a Bachelor's degree in journalism, he has an extensive background in writing, editing, and magazine publishing.