Concrete Finishes

The concrete is a versatile construction material used all over the world for all
types of construction applications. Concrete in its green form can be molded
into any shape, size, and finish with the help of different finishing techniques
and equipment to give a beautiful and long-lasting surface with a high aesthetic
value. The most basic type of concrete finish is a smooth surface created
through the use of screeds and trowels.

Types of Concrete Finishes

1. Troweled Finish
Trowel finish is the most common and popular finish of concrete used for major
types of applications. After the concrete is laid in the formwork and leveled, the
trowel is used to smooth and fine-level the surface of concrete. Trowels are
available in both manual and mechanical types. A manual trowel consists of a
flat steel blade with an attached handle that is pushed and pulled across the
concrete surface. A mechanized trowel is used for large commercial projects
which resemble large fans with the blades sitting directly against the concrete.
2. Broom Finish
The broom finish of the concrete is rough textured finished obtained by
dragging a broom on the trowelled surface of the concrete while the concrete
is still fresh. Dragging of broom on the fresh concrete surfaces creates small
ridges that provide for traction control and slip-resistant.

3. Stamped Concrete Finish

The stamped concrete finish is obtained by pressing the required patterns on
the freshly levelled concrete. This type of concrete finish after completion of
their construction looks similar to stones such as slates or flagstones, brick,
tile or with proper skill they can look similar to wood. Stamped concrete
finish is a very intelligent and innovative innovation in concrete widely
applied for floor in patios, car porch, driveways and sidewalks.
4. Salt Finish
The salt finish concrete surface is obtained by inserting coarse rock salt
crystals using rollers on the freshly placed concrete surface and washing it off
with streams of water after the concrete is set. This finish gives a decorative,
rough subtle texture and skid resistance to plain or colored concrete. It is
mainly used for swimming pools or other wet areas.
5. Exposed Aggregate Finish

The construction of exposed concrete finish is to have leveled concrete floor

surface, distribute aggregate evenly, and keep air voids to as minimum as
possible. Power Floater or Diamond Polisher is used to polish the top surface
of the partially cured concrete. The equipment removes a concrete layer
whose thickness does not exceed a few millimeters at the top of the concrete.
A fine grade protection layer is applied to provide the favored polished finish.
6. Swirl Finish

Swirl finish is one of the most exceptional types of concrete finish that is
generated by smearing the concrete surface in a uniformly overlapping
circular pattern. It provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the
concrete surface which is favored for outdoor applications because not only
does it add beauty to the surface, but it also provides a safer walk and stand in
comparison with smooth surface finish, specifically during the wet season.

7. Polished Finish
The polished finish on a concrete surface is achieved by a mechanical process
of grinding and polishing with the help of a penetrant chemical to provide
different texture with the help of specialized tools and equipment.
8. Colored Finish
The colored finish of the concrete is accomplished through mix-added
pigments or post-cure staining to provide a pleasing look to match the
surrounding environment. The colored finish on a concrete surface can be
carried out by either pigment or strains. The pigmented colored concrete can
be accomplished by adding the pigments directly to the concrete mix prior to
pouring.

The strained colored concrete can be obtained by applying stains to concrete

of any age to obtain a more vibrant colored finish. The application of stain is
typically followed up with the installation of a seal over the concrete to
protect the surface.
The type of finish preferred for different construction
applications

1.Roof Slab – Trowel Finish

2. Swimming pools – Salt Finish
3. Commercial and Industrial flooring – Trowel Finish
4. Porticos, driveways, and sidewalks- Stamped Finish
5. Museums, Auditorium, and Galleries – Polished Finish
6. Parks and Play areas – Colored Finish