Concrete
staining is the use of concrete as not simply a utilitarian medium for
construction but as an aesthetic enhancement to a structure, while still
serving its function as an integral part of the building itself such as floors.
Concrete staining is not a dyeing or pigment-base coloring systems, but a
chemical reaction. Concrete staining surpass all other concrete coatings in terms of resistance
and long lasting durability. They will not chip, fade or peel off the surface
to which they are applied. Their longevity is even furthered when floors are
sealed and/or waxed. Concrete staining
is one of the most popular applications for transforming concrete slabs. Often
referred to as colored concrete, homeowners, designers and builders are drawn
to stained concrete because of the unique outcome that can be achieved
combining colors, application techniques, etc., on cement flooring and other
substrates. The results are limited only by the creativity of those involved in
the stained concrete process. Because of concrete's porous qualities and
neutral tone, it is the perfect blank canvas for topically applied color. Using
acid-based chemical stains, decorative concrete contractors have been able to
achieve rich, earth-toned color schemes resembling natural stone, marble, wood,
or even leather, giving a completely custom look to cement floors, concrete
driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, concrete walls and more. Most acid
stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic
salts. They work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the
hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete. The acid in the stain
lightly etches the surface, allowing the metallic salts to penetrate more
easily. Once the stain reacts, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and
won't fade, chip off, or peel away. Stone floor owners know that when stone
floors no longer have their original shine, they can become unsightly and
undesirable and then comes the need of stone
polishing.
The process of stone
polishing
brings back the shine
of stone floors. The term “stone” includes all natural stone, the more popular
and better known being sandstone, limestone, travertine, marble, basalt and
granite. All of these will require different type of stone polishing depending on the job to be done. There are literally thousands of
types of natural stone, each one having a unique mineral make up. With
traditional systems a technician must have a deep understanding of all types of
stone in order to determine which type of polishing pads to use for stone
polishing, what grit level to start at, which grit level to finish at and which
of many types of compounds are needing to do the final polishing.
Re-vitrification is the process in which the surface is cut
back slightly and chemically polished to yield a beautiful gloss and restore
natural richness to the stone. Grinding
is the process of stone polishing which removes deep scratches
and etching in severely damaged floors to yield a stunningly beautiful
end-result. Also used to smooth out unevenly laid tiles, giving the floor a
smoother appearance and removing tripping hazards.
About the author:
0 comments:
Post a Comment