To achieve the most distinct salt imprint, give the concrete a smooth finish before applying the salt particles.Avoid producing indents larger than 1/4 inch, because they can be a hazard for people wearing pointy-healed shoes. For the best effects, use salt crystals 1/8 to 3/8 inch in size and press them into the surface to a depth about half of their diameter. ![]() Here are some tips for doing the job right: The most common mistakes are applying the salt unevenly and pressing the salt too deeply into the concrete (or not deeply enough). Tips for Getting the Best Results with a Rock Salt FinishDespite its simplicity, a salt finish does require some attention to detail and adherence to a few basic rules of thumb to ensure the best appearance. But if you like the look and use good-quality concrete protected by a waterproofing sealer, a salt finish should be durable enough to endure any climate. The reason: In areas subject to freezing weather, water tends to collect in the indentations and freeze, potentially causing spalling. Salt finishes are more commonplace in the warmer western and southern regions of the country. While salt imprinting is relatively quick and easy to master, there are newer methods that can speed up the process by doing away with the salt altogether (see " Ways to Produce a Salt Finish, Without the Salt"). After the concrete sets (typically after 24 hours), they power wash the salt away, revealing a speckled pattern of shallow indentations left by the dislodged salt particles. Concrete finishers broadcast the salt particles over wet concrete and then press the grains into the surface with a float or roller. How to Create a Salt FinishAs the name implies, a salt finish is traditionally achieved with the same coarse rock salt sold for use in water softeners or as a deicer in winter. Natural rock salt finish in an office building courtyard, integrally colored with CHROMIX Admixtures. Even better, the finish requires few additional tools and materials to produce, keeping the cost affordable for those who want decorative concrete on a budget. While the pattern isn't elaborate, it has a distinctive look not achievable with any other method. ![]() That's unfortunate because a salt finish still has a lot going for it and is far too attractive to be considered obsolete. Hire a pro: Find a decorative concrete contractor near me. With the growing popularity of stamped concrete, however, the use of this finish has been waning, and many homeowners aren't even aware of it as an option. Considered a step above smooth or broom-finished concrete, a salt finish leaves a speckled pattern of shallow indentations on the concrete surface, similar to the appearance of slightly pitted, weathered rock. Lasting Impressions in Concrete in Petaluma, CAĮxposing concrete to salt isn't always a bad thing, especially in the case of a rock salt finish-a traditional and easy method for adding subtle texture and skid resistance to plain or colored concrete.
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