Using a surface retarder that’s colored, such as Select-Etch, allows you to easily see where you’ve applied it. Make sure to achieve 100% coverage of the surface retarder to get uniform exposure across the slab. When completing an aggregate finish for a client, consistency is key. Use an HVLP or pump-up sprayer, such as these Swissmex Sprayers for acids. When using Brickform’s Select-Etch, you should apply it immediately after the final finishing pass on your concrete. The product comes in twelve depths of exposure, so you can use it to create surfaces that range from a light sand finish to full aggregate exposure. It’s designed to selectively slow down the hydration process so contractors have better control over the level of exposure. Check the instructions on the Technical Information Sheet and protect the surrounding areas from overspray before getting started.īrickform’s Select-Etch is a water-based surface retarder. To get the desired aggregate exposure, it’s crucial to use a surface retarder that prevents hardening of cementitious paste. Simply float them into the concrete during your normal finishing. Pro tip: Take your exposed aggregate to another level with Brickform’s Concrete Dimensions reusable stencils. If you’re going for a deeper exposure, you don’t need to worry as much about trowel marks since more paste is removed from the top layer during the exposure process.Thoroughly work out trowel marks before applying the Select-Etch so they’re not visible. For lighter exposure levels-such as a light acid wash or sand finish-meticulous finishing is essential.The level of exposure your client wants influences the finishing process. Let the Exposure Level Guide Your Finishing Process Seeding the aggregate after pouring the concrete will allow for heavier exposure.ģ.Combining it with the concrete mix will create a more subtle exposed aggregate finish.Deciding which method to use depends on the level of exposure your client wants: You can either mix it into your concrete before pouring, or you can seed it onto the surface after it’s been poured. In addition to knowing your mix, you need to decide how you want to add your aggregate. Understand the Difference Between Mixing & Seeding Pro tip: Easily enhance your exposed aggregate installation by adding integral Powdered Color directly into the concrete mix prior to pouring. Talk with your ready-mix producer to get the mix design you need for your project. “Sand finishes require more sand in the mix, whereas a larger exposed aggregate finish requires less sand and more aggregate,” he explains. Reynolds recommends a standard 6-sack mix as a starting point and then adjusting from there. The composition of your ready mix will affect the way your exposed aggregate project turns out. He oversees the Brickform Training Program and is a pro at surface prep, decorative systems, and technical support. Reynolds has been concreting since 1996 and is a certified NRMCA Concrete Technologist. Here, Brickform’s technical representative, John Reynolds, provides expert advice for creating beautiful and consistent exposed aggregate concrete finishes. Fortunately, modern chemical retarders, such as Brickform Select-Etch, are now standard. Contractors needed to use methods that came with the risk of inconsistent finishes such as sandblasting and using sugar-based retarders. In the past, achieving this finish was a complex process. Perfect your exposed aggregate process by using the best techniques and products in the industryĮxposed aggregate finishes continue to grow more popular in the decorative concrete world. 9 Expert Tips for Mastering Exposed Aggregate Finishes
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