Take a look at the various "primary" applications and finishes listed below to get a better idea as to the advantages as well as the disadvantages of each.
Skim Coat & Broom Finish: Although this application is not decorative in most cases, it is still a finish in high demand as well as profitable for the contractor.
Designed For:
- Restoring structurally sound yet surface deteriorated concrete.
- Creating a smooth or broom finish to virtually any stable concrete surface; Driveways, patios, pool decks, sidewalks, garage floors, parking decks and more.
- Interior or exterior applications.
Advantages:
- Virtually no competition anywhere.
- Easy to install for even the most inexperienced installers.
- Installation time is very quick compared to some other applications.
- Can be installed as a slip resistant surface.
Disadvantages:
- Slip resistant surfaces can sometimes be too rough for some areas such as interior applications.
Spray Texture: This application is one of the oldest and time-tested decorative finishes dating back over three decades. Most decorative oriented contractors begin with the spray textures due to the fact that it is an easy and profitable application process that requires little experience and just the basic tools and equipment.
Designed For:
- Restoring structurally sound yet surface deteriorated concrete.
- Creating an elegant architectural finish to virtually any stable concrete surface; Driveways, patios, pool decks, sidewalks, garage floors, parking decks and more.
- Interior or exterior applications.
Advantages:
- Very little competition in most geographical regions with the exception of a few "acrylic modified cement" users.
- Easy to install for even the most inexperienced installers.
- Unlimited patterns with the use of design tape or DURA-PRINT™ Stencils.
- Unlimited colours with the use of DURA COLOURANT™.
- Installation time is very quick compared to some other applications.
- Can be installed as a slip resistant surface.
- Can be "knocked down" to create yet another look and finish.
Disadvantages:
- Slip resistant surfaces can sometimes be too rough for some areas such as interior applications.
- More than normal masking of surrounding areas is needed prior to the application process.
From the consumer’s perspective, the spray texture is as innovative as any other decorative application. The broad range of colours and patterns allows the contractor to customize the finish to match any surrounding landscape or building design colours & features. Because the spray texture can be installed quickly and with a low material cost, contractors can afford to sell applications for less than thin stamped overlays.
Island Texture/Slate Finish: This application is one of the easiest and profitable application process and requires little experience and just the basic tools and equipment. In addition, it does not require the extensive masking that Spray Texture finishes require.
Designed For:
- Restoring structurally sound yet surface deteriorated concrete.
- Creating an elegant architectural finish to virtually any stable concrete surface; driveways, patios, pool decks, sidewalks, garage floors, parking decks and more.
- Interior or exterior applications.
Advantages:
- Very little competition in most geographical regions with the exception of a few "acrylic modified cement" users.
- Easy to install for even the most inexperienced installers.
- Unlimited colors with the use of DURA COLOURANT™, REACTIVE-STONE™ Acid Stain and/or DURA-STONE™ Antiquing Stain.
- Installation time is very quick compared to some other applications.
Disadvantages:
- Not nearly as elegant as Thin Stamped Overlays.
Thin Stamped Overlays: This application is one of the hottest and most demanded decorative finish over the last three to five years, primarily due to the authentic look of stone, brick, slate and tile this finish creates compared to spray textures. Although many contractors choose to begin installing thin stamped overlays with great success, it is our recommendation to practice and/or begin with an easier application.
Designed For:
- Restoring structurally sound yet surface deteriorated concrete.
- Creating an elegant architectural finish to virtually any stable concrete surface;dDriveways, patios, pool decks, sidewalks, interior floors, garage floors and more.
- Interior or exterior applications.
Advantages:
- Virtually no competition.
- Demands the highest resale price of all finishes.
- More authentic look as compared to splray textures and island texture/slate finishes.
- Many patterns and textures to choose from with the use of DURA-PRINT™ Stamp Tools & Texture Skins.
- Unlimited colors with the use of DURA-STONE™ Antiquing Stain, REACTIVE-STONE™ Acid Stain and DURA COLOURANT™.
- Installation is easier and quicker than conventional stamped concrete.
Disadvantages:
- Slightly higher material cost but that cost is offset by a much greater resale cost.
Thin stamped overlays raise the bar as it pertains to architectural concrete overlays. The level of elegance is second to only real stone or slate but at a lesser price. That level of elegance comes at a higher material cost as well as an increase in labour. The successful contractor may find that thin stamped overlays are suited better for commercial applications, interior and to the more affluent.
MICRO-FINISH™ Custom Flooring: This application is the hottest and most demanded decorative finish for interior flooring in the industry. because of the literally unlimited colour and design capability.
Designed For:
- Restoring structurally sound yet surface deteriorated concrete.
- Creating an elegant custom floor finish to virtually any stable concrete surface.
- Interior applications
Advantages:
- Virtually no competition.
- Unlimited colors with the use of REACTIVE-STONE™ Acid Stain and DURA COLOURANT™.
Disadvantages:
- If used on exterior applications, it may become slippery when wet.
