Concrete is certainly a favorite among people who are fond of decorating trends. The craze for industrial style is undoubtedly a major factor, people love concrete for its urban appearance. Moreover, it integrates marvelously well into both our contemporary and rustic decorations. But before adopting it in your home, you must know its advantages and disadvantages.
Concrete on the floor
It must be clean and well-adapted because the concrete will marry it perfectly to become a second skin and harden over time. If the base is not stable, such as tile, for example, the concrete will crack.
Since concrete is porous, you have two options to make it waterproof and resistant.
If you are a Sunday handyman, it is better to use a product that gives the illusion of concrete, without all the inconveniences. Loft Béton ciré is a coating that has been available in Quebec since 2006 and is very easy to apply with a trowel commonly known as a “float”. It can also be applied to your fireplace walls or your kitchen countertop.
Applying a sealer coating
Acrylic sealer
It is fragile and has a life span of 6 months to 3 years. It will not resist oils and essences and will scratch very easily.
Densifying sealer
It is very resistant and its duration is unlimited, but the imperfect aspect of the concrete will be very apparent. This can be a plus for lovers of industrial decors.
Epoxy
Its lifespan is 5 to 10 years but beware of the sun which will yellow it. Also, it will scratch.
Also read: Add Luxury to Your Home Decor With Copper
Concrete on the walls
Concrete must be poured, so it is more perilous to apply it vertically. However, it is possible. Simply prepare a plywood surface to receive it, taking care to make edges to keep the concrete on the surface before it is dry and hardened. Once dry and hard, the concrete can be worked to give it the desired appearance. For a large surface, several panels will have to be juxtaposed and fixed solidly on a base to the wall. Neophytes should refrain!
Polishing
It is the most ecological and resistant way, but the most expensive. It is a diamond grinding technique where the brittle parts of the concrete are removed to make way for the harder part of the concrete. Combined with the application of a liquid “densifier”, this technique makes the concrete surface more solid, shiny, and dust-free.
Translated and adapted by Noobuzz staff
Sources: Canalvie
