If you want to spruce up your concrete surface, there are many ways to finish it and make it look fresh.
People choose to spend their concrete for several reasons, including aesthetics and functionality.
We’ll help you learn more about the various types of concrete finishes and decide which will be right for your project.
Here are the most common different types of concrete finishes
What is Concrete Finishing?
Concrete finishing is adding a smooth, consistent surface to concrete. Many different types of concrete finishes can be achieved. This ranges from soft and glossy to textured and rustic.
The type of finish you choose will depend on the look you’re going for and the maintenance you’re willing to do. Here’s a quick guide to the popular types of concrete finishes.
Different Types of Concrete Finishes
Floating or Troweling
You can achieve different looks for your concrete by floating or troweling the surface. Troweling gives concrete a smooth, hard finish, while floating gives it a more natural look.
However, this is not the only difference between these two methods.
Floated concrete requires waiting until it’s dry before adding sealant or top coatings, as these will cause patches and streaks in the finished product.
Troweled surfaces are ready to be sealed and painted immediately after they have been poured.
Concrete Powder Coating
This is among the different types of concrete finishes that are new for concrete. This Finish is created by spraying a dry powder onto the concrete and curing it with heat.
Powder coating is available in many colors, which can be combined to create exciting patterns and designs.
This Finish is also very durable and easy to maintain. Powder coating offers excellent protection against salt, acid rain, and other harsh elements that will wear away at the surface of your garage floor.
Concrete Staining
Staining concrete is a great way to give your space a unique look. There are two types of stains you can use: acid-based and water-based. Acid-based colors react with the concrete to create a one-of-a-kind, mottled look.
Water-based stains are applied like paint and come in a variety of colors.
They do not react with the concrete as much as acid-based stains, so cleaning them up is easier if they spill or get on clothes. If you have pets or children, this may be a better option.
Reclaimed Wood Floors
Reclaimed woods are different Types of Concrete Finishes that come in various colors and textures so that you can find the perfect look for your home. Here is how to get it done.
Prep your floor. Once you’ve chosen your wood, it’s time to prep your foot by sanding and sealing it. This will help protect your investment and ensure a long-lasting finish.
Apply a base coat. A base coat of paint or stain will help bring out the beauty of the wood and prepare it for the topcoat. Finally, add a topcoat.
Patina Concrete
Achieving a patina finish on concrete is all about timing. The surface must be hard enough to hold an impression but soft enough to take a beating.
This type of finish is created by working the material into all the nooks and crannies with a stiff-bristled brush.
The key is to be patient and let the concrete do most of the work. Wait until the surface is dry before moving on to another area. Remember that this type of Finish takes time – so don’t expect a result immediately!
To look natural, sandblast or acid etch your concrete before staining it with oxidizing agents. Agents such as ferric chloride or ammonium chloride create different colors and textures on the surface.
Polished Surface Concrete Finish
A polished surface concrete finish is achieved by grinding the concrete with progressively finer abrasives until it reaches a desired level of shine.
This is among the different types of concrete finishes typically used on interior floors because they provide a low-maintenance surface that doesn’t show dirt and other debris.
Plus, it’s easy to clean and can resist staining. On the downside, this surface type cannot be repaired easily if scratched or cracked.
Swirl Concrete Finish
A swirl concrete finish is created by using a trowel to create a marbled look on the surface of your concrete.
This type of Finish is best suited for indoor spaces because it can be slippery when wet.
To get this look, start with a base coat of light-colored paint. Once the paint is dry, use dark-colored paint to create swirls on top.
You can add glitter or other accents to give your concrete a unique look. Dry brush finishes are another way to make concrete less slippery and provide an organic appearance.
Among the different types of concrete finishes, this is best used indoors because they will show dirt quicker and are not as durable outdoors.
Start with a base coat of light-colored paint. Once it dries, use a stiff-bristled brush to apply strokes in different directions over the entire surface, but only in one order on any given stroke.
Apply enough pressure to lift some of the previous layers and ensure enough overlap between strokes so you do not see any white through your bristles. The application should have no pattern; mix things up!
Acid Etching Concrete Finish
A concrete etching acid creates a matte finish on smooth surfaces. It’s perfect for a low-maintenance option that still looks great. The downside is that it can be slippery when wet.
Blended Finish
Blended Finish For some people, nothing beats an old-fashioned texture from hand tools like hammers and chisels!
There are two types: natural, which leaves textures caused by hammer marks, and etched, which creates a grooved surface with chisel marks left behind.
Salt Finish
A salt finish is achieved by adding salt to the wet concrete before it dries. As the salt dissolves, it creates a pitted surface.
This is one of the Different Types of Concrete Finishes that are best for driveways, sidewalks, and other high-traffic areas where a non-slip surface is desired.
A salt finish is also easy to maintain – sweep or hose off dirt or debris. It can be applied to a new driveway and over an existing one, which is sealed with a topcoat.
With proper maintenance, this type of surface will last up to 15 years before needing another coating.
Broom Concrete Finish
A broom concrete finish is achieved by using a broom to texturize the surface of wet concrete.
This type of Finish is commonly used on sidewalks and driveways. The broom finish provides a non-slip surface and can be customized with different colors.
When applying a broom finish, one should use an old push broom, which is usually made of metal or nylon. For other finishes, it’s best to use paintbrushes or roller brushes.
Conclusion
There are different types of concrete finishes, each with its unique look and feel. An acid stain reacts with the concrete to create a mottled, natural-looking finish.
Try a concrete sealer for a more polished look. For something different, consider stamped concrete. Work with a professional to get the best results no matter what finish you choose.
