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Textures and Finishes in Concrete and Mortar

Textures and Finishes in Concrete and Mortar

Formwork Concrete. The use of timber formwork imprints the natural veins and textures of the material onto the concrete surface.

Acid-Washed Concrete. Controlled application of acid on hardened concrete removes the surface paste layer, revealing the aggregates and producing a finer texture than that of exposed aggregate concrete.

Trowelled Concrete. Trowelling compacts the surface mortar layer and eliminates pores, leaving a very smooth and dense texture, with the aggregate not visible.

Permeable (Draining) Concrete. Characterised by high porosity, achieved through a mix without fines or with specific additives. It allows water to pass through the surface, preventing water accumulation.

Polished Concrete. Mechanical polishing provides surfaces with a very smooth finish and highlights the natural stone in the mix, emphasising colour and aggregate size.

Bush-Hammered Concrete. Mechanical treatment of the surface with metal-pointed tools creates a uniform, rough texture.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete. By applying a surface retarder, the setting of the top layer is delayed, allowing the aggregates to be exposed after washing.

Stamped Concrete. Involves applying moulds or templates to the fresh concrete surface to create reliefs and patterns.

Concrete with Visible Air Voids. Instead of being considered a defect, air voids (small pockets of air) are used as an aesthetic feature in exposed concrete.

Pigmented Mortar Joint in Exposed Masonry. Mortar pigmentation allows modification of the original grey colour, creating contrast or integrating with the brick colour.

Rock-Texture Mortar. Theming with thixotropic mortar to create a relief that mimics the natural appearance of rocks and stones.

Brushed Concrete. Finish achieved by brushing the fresh concrete surface to create a decorative, anti-slip texture.

Aesthetic and Technical Possibilities in Concrete and Mortar for Architecture and Construction

Concrete is much more than a structural material: it has become a versatile medium that, through different techniques, allows the achievement of a wide variety of textures, finishes, and aesthetic expressions. From rough and anti-slip surfaces to polished, washed, or pigmented concrete, this material offers solutions that meet both technical requirements and architectural design criteria.

In this article, we present various examples of pigmented concrete and special finishes, with photographs illustrating how it is possible to personalise and enhance any project, adding character, durability, and genuine added value to the material.

For any questions regarding the achievement of these finishes, we provide technical support to recommend the most suitable product according to the intended application.