Caring for Architectural Concrete
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Do it once, do it properly..
There is little value in spending thousands on a beautiful bespoke concrete piece and not using a quality sealer. It just goes hand in hand.
I spent years trying and testing them all. Now I am stoked to be able to bring the best products to you.
This is the secret to lasting results and happy clients.
How to care for your concrete once poured and after sealing
Here is some handy information and tips to follow…
When concrete is first poured it is weak and delicate. It needs time to cure and firm up for honing or polishing as well as sealing. This can take up to 28 days so in that time it is crucial that your concrete remain untouched and left to cure naturally.
Only cover with clean plastic first making sure that you cover the whole bench and leave no area susceptible to potential staining. Leaving one area covered and not another can also lead to colour variation as it drys.
Also make sure there is no creases in the plastic as this can also lead to colour variations when curing. This can take place after 24 hours from when concrete is first poured.
Then corner protection and a more durable form of protection like ram board or particle board can be added, making sure you take extra care in applying these as the concrete is still green and very susceptible to chipping and scratching.
If there is no risk of damage from the time of the concrete placement to the time we return to polish and seal then leave it Un covered unless we specify otherwise.
Once concrete is sealed by us using our specified concrete sealers it will become a safe, food grade working surface after 24 hours.
Cleaning is something you will need to do often to keep your concrete looking good. Warm water and a micro fibre cloth is the best option for most spills. Cleaning with a mild dishwashing liquid (Mother Earth brand or similar.) For regular cleaning avoid harsh chemical cleaners like jiff and bleach as well as acidic liquids and spays. These will damage your concrete and sealer.
All spills should be cleaned up immediately and you should never leave glasses or cups to sit on the concrete overnight. As strong as concrete is you should never cut on your concrete bench, always use a chopping board or trivet.
Although our sealers are heat proof we advise never to place hot pans or saucepans directly onto your concrete bench top always use a trivet or heat proof matt.
Remember to love your concrete and it will love you for many years to come.
