How To Use Decorative Concrete Effects To Spice Up Your Home
When a person thinks of concrete art, they usually envision a
child's handprint in a slab of wet concrete. While this is cute,
this is not the basis of age old concrete art. Concrete really
is the making of various home decors and materials used to spice
up your home. Countertops, sculptures, fountains, bird baths,
and even whirlpools can be made from concrete. Tabletops and
fireplace hearths are often made of concrete as well. You would
never know, however, and that is the fun of it. It is a type of
art.
For example, whirlpools and countertops have a look of marble.
However, many of the marble looking countertops are really a
form of artistically engineered concrete. Most people would
never know the difference.
There are many aspects to this form of art. For instance, there
are many colors to choose when deciding to purchase concrete
art. Black, gray, brown, dark blue, green, are some of the
colors. These are enhanced by one of three different finishes.
Those types of finishes are named as follows:
Deepground
Softground
Troweled
. These are three different concrete affects that at texture to
any surface in your house.
The texture and color accompanied by at least eight different
edging styles. The following is a list of eight different edge
types:
Back level
Bevel
Pencil
Standard
Double Bevel
Agee
Bullnose
Double Round
Care of the concrete unit is very simple. It would include the
following techniques:
Rewax periodically. Wax once within 2 months of the
installation, and once every 3-6 months after that.
Make sure spills are wiped up quickly. This will ensure no
stains. Mild soap without ammonia or other abrasive chemicals is
recommended. Stone soap can be purchase for ongoing conditioning
of the surface.
Felt or rubber feet pads are recommended to go underneath
objects place on the surface. (Ex: unglazed ceramic pots). This
will help retain the coloration of the concrete surface, and
reduce the chance of scratching.
Make sure a cutting board is used. Cutting on the surface can
scratch it.
Note that the finish of some types of concrete art has natural
cracks in them. This is not considered a factory defect, but
rather a normal part of the texture. Keep this in mind when
shopping for a concrete countertop, sink or other piece of
concrete art.
There are also more advanced designs of concrete art. One is a
concrete piece with a rough texture and little animal imprints
it. These would be ideal for a large concrete engraved art to
hang on the wall in a front hall. The same type of art can be
placed on the front walk. A different imprint such as floral
imprints would be ideal for this purpose. Another design that
would look elegant on a front porch surface would be different
shapes of plant leaves painted on it.
Another more advanced form of concrete art is the balustrade
look applied to window ledges. This is very elegant, and can
come in a variety of colors. A balustrade in ivory added to a
brick building would look very chique. In fact, concrete can be
made into a brick style for the look of a natural brick style.
This would also make a home look very stylish.
For larger homes, driveways, foyers, walkways, and vestibules
can also be design with concrete. It creates a very confident
and professional home. It gives the huge home the look of an
upscale hotel.
There are more than enough resources for someone who wants to
learn more about this type of art. Furthermore, most of the
information regarding concrete art is only a phone call or a
click away. Anyone who wants to learn more about how concrete
art can improve your home decor will learn about it in no time.