Using decorative concrete is a great way to transform the usual grey hue of concrete and boost the aesthetic features of your home. The many benefits that this material offers will help save you money and time. No wonder it has become a popular option for Aussie homeowners.
But as the material became more innovative, choosing from among the available decorative concrete coatings to use also became complicated at times. Read further to learn about your different decorative concrete coating options and how to choose the best for your home.
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7 Concrete Coating Types
1. Solvent-based acrylic
A solvent-based acrylic is your best choice if you want to achieve a satin-matte finish or a unique design that is colorful. If you have exposed-aggregate concrete or stamped concrete, this is an ideal option to enhance its beauty and to protect its surface.
2. Water-based acrylic
A water-based acrylic will form a highly resistant coating that can withstand high temperatures. As opposed to its solvent-based counterpart, this type of coating is not prone to bubbling. It is an ideal choice for your garage floors because it is resistant to automobile fluids that can lead to staining.
3. Non-yellowing acrylic
A non-yellowing acrylic coating is best used if you want to protect the color and appearance of your decorative concrete. It is the best choice for projects like driveways, patios, swimming pool areas, and other spaces exposed to sunlight and harsh weather. It is efficient at keeping the harmful UV light at bay, thus promoting color preservation.
4. Epoxies
Epoxies are thicker than the other coating options, which makes it the ideal choice for high traffic areas. It protects the surface from scratches, wears, and abrasions. Furthermore, it is tougher and low-odor. And since they can be formulated in clear or numerous pigments, they are highly decorative.
But unlike the non-yellowing acrylic, epoxies can turn brown or yellow when exposed to sunlight and harsh elements because it is not UV-stable. Thus, this type of coating is suitable for interior decorative concrete, such as your garage.
5. Urethanes
Urethanes are known for their ability to prevent moisture and bacteria from entering the floor. Remember that when bacteria get into your floor, several problems can happen.
Aside from that, this type of coating is UV-stable, durable, beautiful, and offers great protection. Also, it comes in various pigments, thus providing design variation.
6. Polyaspartic
A polyaspartic coating is known for its durability, strength, high resistance to scratch and abrasion, and fast cure time. It is an ideal choice for decorative concrete for commercial establishments or high traffic areas like hotels, malls, and restaurants. It is also a great option for your garage floors because they are highly resistant to gas and grease. Like solvent-based acrylic, a polyaspartic yields a matte to a high gloss finish.
7. Silicones/Silicates/Siloxanes/Silanes
Silicones, silicates, siloxanes, and silanes offer excellent protective features and breathability. They are an ideal option for concrete that is often exposed to de-icing chemicals and thaw cycling. Unlike the other coating options, these products have no gloss finish.
How to Choose a Decorative Concrete Coating
Consider the style and color of your home
If you want to achieve a colorful design, pick coating options that are available in different hues. Make sure though to choose colors that match your home’s style. If, for instance, you want to achieve a natural look, choose one that imitates natural stone.
Look into the different textures
Different decorative concrete coatings offer various textures for your finish. If you want a smooth finish, there is a concrete coating perfect for this project. The same is true if you want your decorative concrete to have an updated, contemporary look.
Explore all possible options
Before making a final decision, you must explore all possible coating options to figure out which offers the best outcome. Depending on where you want to install it, one option may perform better than the others. Epoxies, for instance, are not a good option for exterior decorative concrete projects because they are prone to discoloration. Instead, consider using non-yellowing acrylic or silicones.
Basically, you have to take into account the pros and cons of each option. From there, decide which decorative concrete coating best suits the area you want to transform.
Get professional help
If you do not know anything about decorative concrete, it is better to ask help from experts. Don’t think of this as an added expense, but rather, a good investment to improve the appeal and value of your home. These professionals can explain which of the available coating choices is suitable for outdoor or indoor application.
Professional applicators can also do the job for you. Besides, they have the right experience in dealing with these products and have attention to detail.
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