| A
large market exists for cementitious overlays applied
approved waterproofing membranes. Spray-texture overlays
simulate tile and marble patterns on newly placed concrete
slabs. Decorating the surfaces around new swimming pools
is an especially viable segment of the market, as are
interior floors, outside walkways, and driveways in
housing, office, and retail developments. The technique
is also used vertically as well-overlays can provide
the look and texture of brick during remodeling of existing
concrete walls.
Jim Rome of the Miracote Division
of Crossfield Products Corp., Thornton, Colo., discussed
the use of troweled and stamped overlays of polymer-modified
cements that offer high adhesion and resistance to wear
and water. These overlay are applied to a depth of 1/4
to 1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm). This thin-topping approach
is very conducive to interior design applications. For
example, homeowners can have striking, one-of-a-kind
counter surfaces that are extremely durable and relatively
maintenance-free at a cost comparable to that of traditional
materials (and in some cases, at lower cost).
EXPANDING
THE COLOR PALETTE
Proper surface preparation is critical to successful
results with acid-etch staining and sandblast-stenci
ling techniques to decorate concrete. When making sawcut
designs in a slab, Bob Harris, Director of Product Training,
Scofield Institute, at L.M. Scofield Co., Douglasville,
Ga., advocates dustless grinding to keep contaminants
from the surface, followed by pressure washing. Many
contractors will use glass shotblasting when doing stencil
applications because there is less fine residue to clean
up before staining. |
Seamless mat-texturing
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