Exposed aggregate--inconsistent surface--advice?

We had a new driveway and walkway poured 7 days ago. It is exposed aggregate that looked OK wet when first washed to expose the small rocks. As it dries/cures, however, the surface appears splotchy as if the washing was not consistent or complete. It looks as though the small rocks were exposed more in some sections and …

Exposed Aggregate Concrete for Surfaces Indoors and Out

Exposed aggregate concrete is concrete with a twist. Instead of having just the gray, smooth texture of a concrete slab, these surfaces have a pebble-like texture because an aggregate material like pebbles, stones, river rock—or even seashells or recycled glass—is mixed into the concrete and left exposed and visible on the surface.

How to Do Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Apply an Exposed Aggregate Product. To get the desired aggregate exposure, it's crucial to use a surface retarder that prevents hardening of cementitious paste. Check the instructions on the Technical Information …

Concrete Surface Retarders & Deactivators

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Leads to an Ocean of Discovery Protecting and Maintaining Exposed Aggregate Exposed Aggregate Sealers. ... How do you know when it's time to wash off the surface? The time of surface retarder removal will vary with each job, depending on the concrete mix design and environmental conditions. Generally, the …

Solving Exposed Aggregate Concrete Problems: A …

Exposed aggregate concrete can develop a range of problems over time, which can affect both its appearance and structural integrity. One common issue is cracking, which can occur due to freeze-thaw cycles, improper …

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Sealer

So, using concrete menders to fix cracks and spalls in an exposed aggregate concrete is a little bit more of an art than a science. But remember that prevention is better than cure. So, sealing the surface with a good quality, long-lasting sealer will prevent those problems in the first place.

TOP-CAST ® for an architectural finish | GCP Applied …

Functional and decorative concrete surfaces. With TOP-CAST®, it's possible to achieve an architectural finish with an exposed aggregate look. Our product is more than just a surface retarder — it's a surface retarder that's optimized for robust, consistent performance in all temperature and weather conditions.

Exposed Aggregate Concretes

There are two basic ways of constructing an exposed aggregate finish to a concrete; the first, Surface Dressing, acheives the effect by pressing the decorative aggregate into the body of the freshly poured concrete, whilst the second, Washed to Expose, which is preferred for heavy-duty or commercial use, is brought about by stripping away the …

Tips on exposed aggregate finishes

The concrete below gets very hard and makes a strong attachment to the stones. The depth of reveal also tends to be controlled in the process too. Assuming the concrete has good aggregate to begin with, enduring freezing and thawing is the primary durability issue. That applies to all kinds of exterior pavements, not just those with …

Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed aggregate concrete can almost be compared to a piece of granite or marble transformed by polishing: A plain, unremarkable surface has been stripped away to reveal the exceptional beauty lying beneath. …

Making an Exposed Aggregate Concrete Path

Making an Exposed Aggregate Concrete Path: I love working with concrete because it's tough and versatile and relatively cost effective. ... You'll have to make a judgement call on this but I was able to seed the pebbles soon after trowelling the concrete smooth. Pro tip: Wash the pebbles to remove any twigs etc. Step 3: Push the Pebbles Into ...

How To Clean Exposed Concrete

By learning how to clean aggregate concrete yourself, you'll keep your exposed concrete surface looking fabulous. It will last even longer and protect your investment in your home. Let's run through the simplest method on how to clean exposed concrete. Steps to clean exposed concrete. 1. Start with the easiest dirt to remove

Can You Pressure Wash Exposed Aggregate? [How To Clean …

You don't have to reseal your exposed aggregate after every pressure washing session, but it is extremely important to do so at least once a year or every few …

Exposed Aggregate | Qcrete Pre-mix Concrete

Exposed aggregate finishes by definition, are when the aggregates (the stones and/or sands) near the surface of the substrate are revealed; these components would otherwise be concealed by a thin layer of cement paste and remain unseen. Exposed aggregate concrete is great for paths and driveways. Choose from natural textures of exposed …

Sealing Exposed Aggregate Concrete for Best Results

Instead of penetrating a 1/2 inch into the concrete, the sealer sits on top on the surface. It helps hold the aggregate pebbles in place, reduces pitting and extends the life of exposed aggregate concrete. Depending on weather and traffic, when using an acrylic sealer exposed aggregate concrete should be sealed every 12 to 36 months.

Buff Wash and Exposed Aggregate

The Buff Wash and Exposed aggregate finishes are achieved by applying a chemical retardant that prohibits the top layer of concrete from setting properly, so that it can later be power-washed off, exposing the fine sands and stones underneath. This is a great non-slip surface that stays easy to walk on even in wet conditions, ideal for pool ...

Exposed Aggregate Concrete: All You Need to Know

How Exposed Aggregate Concrete Is Made. Exposed aggregate concrete is made by adding a coarse aggregate (like gravel) to the regular concrete mix. The concrete is poured as usual, but the top layer is removed before it dries to expose the aggregate beneath. This can be done using a power washer or hand-scrubbing with a …

How to Power Wash Your Plaster, Exposed Aggregate, Or Concrete …

Before using a power washer on your plaster, exposed aggregate, or concrete pool surfaces, you will also want to remove any aspects of the pool system that are unable to handle or withstand high-pressure washing. Take extra care to sufficiently cover and protect any electrics including pump motors, heaters, and stereos. 3) Power …

How to Acid Wash Concrete: 12 Steps (with …

Acid washing, also known as acid etching, prepares a concrete surface to accept a sealer. You can also use acid in weaker …

Acid Washing Explained: Revive Your Old Concrete in 10 …

Concrete Tools; Exposed Aggregate Supplies; Spray-On Concrete Supplies; About Us; Contact Us; Call: 03 9408 7722. Search. ... By using the appropriate methods and high-quality concrete cleaning chemicals, you can remove unsightly stains, algae, mould, and dirt from your concrete, ...

How to Clean An Exposed Aggregate Driveway …

Cleaning an exposed aggregate driveway can be a daunting task as what makes exposed aggregate so fantastic as a feature of your home is also what makes it so difficult to clean. Exposed …

How to Get an Exposed Aggregate Finish on Concrete

Step 4: Expose the Aggregate. As the concrete sets but is still workable, use a hose with a spray nozzle to gently wash away the top layer of cement paste, revealing the …

Exposed Aggregate Patios – Pros & Cons, Ideas & Pictures

An exposed aggregate concrete patio is a great decorative concrete option for both residential and commercial properties. Here are some of the reasons people love it for outdoor hangout areas: ... If food or drinks spill on your patio, it's important to wash off your surface, no matter what type of decorative concrete you have—but you need ...

How To Clean Exposed Aggregate Concrete

The best method to clean exposed aggregate concrete involves sweeping debris, rinsing with a hose, and using a power washer with a concrete-safe cleaner for stubborn stains. Sealing the surface aids in preventing future stains. Do You Need to Acid Wash Exposed Aggregate? Acid washing exposed aggregate is not always necessary.

How to Apply Exposed Aggregate Concrete On Your Driveway

Then, using the flat side of a rake, smooth the surface to ensure that it's level. As mentioned, the soil must be compact. To do this, you'll need a tamper to pack the soil. Once you have a level, compact surface, you're ready to move on to the concrete part. Applying exposed aggregate concrete. Exposed aggregate is a type of decorative ...

How To Clean Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Steps to Clean Exposed Aggregate. Step 1 – Saturate the surface with a cleaner leaving it to absorb into the concrete. Step 2 – While the surface remains wet, scrub the surface with a stiff-bristled broom to …

How To Install Exposed Aggregate Concrete

We've talked about the overview of the steps in our exposed aggregate concrete guide but that's barely scratching the surface of the whole process. Here's a more detailed guide and some troubleshooting tips, …

Exposed aggregate concrete – what is washed concrete?

Advantages of washed aggregate concrete. Exposed aggregate concrete usually costs around $100-$150 per square metre including the installation labour costs. This is roughly double the price of regular concrete. However, exposed aggregate has numerous benefits that make it an appealing option. The main benefits of exposed aggregate are:

How To Clean An Exposed Aggregate Driveway

Unlock the secret to cleaning exposed aggregate here. If you'd rather have the pros do your pressure washing and driveway cleaning, call 864-761-6589. ... How To Clean An Exposed Aggregate Driveway. Exposed aggregate concrete is a versatile, attractive choice for driveway material. Compared to regular concrete, it requires slightly more ...

How To Install Exposed Aggregate Concrete | Cube …

We've talked about the overview of the steps in our exposed aggregate concrete guide but that's barely scratching the surface of the whole process. Here's a more detailed guide and some troubleshooting tips, too. 1. Base Preparation. The installation process begins with excavating the area to the required depth, typically between 4 to 6 inches.

Dulux Avista Concrete Sealer Exposed Aggregate

Old Exposed Aggregate Cleaning Concrete is to be clean and free of grease and oil. A stiff broom and general purpose cleaner are recommended. Acid etch with hydrochloric acid. Dilute 20 parts water to 1 part Dulux Avista Hydrochloric Acid (depending on porosity)