CONCRETE SURFACES – TREATMENT & CARE
Irrespective of the chosen finish, the nature of the surfaces is subject to natural variation. Small pores and surface markings, minute cavities and colour deviations or shrinkage cracks are no cause for concern that warrant complaint, but rather – just like knots and rings in wood – they are part of the individual appearance of the material. Each piece of concrete is unique.
No piece achieves a completely uniform appearance of colour hues and pores. Surfaces are rarely homogeneous, they can show slightly different shades of colour, inhomogeneous pore formation and small shrinkage cracks. These are natural properties of the product and enhance its individual value.
In addition to these natural and unavoidable properties, concrete has two notable characteristics more: absorbency and acid sensitivity. Therefore, the surface should be treated and maintained accordingly.
SURFACE TREATMENT
We have two surface treatment options available for our concrete uniques: hydrophobing & impregnating and the dade coating.
We have done a couple of tests with the dade coating and we like the result a lot. The feel of the concrete is retained, the surface is matt and water rolls off very well.
THE TWO OPTIONS FOR TREATING SURFACES
1) Hydrophobing & impregnating
The concrete workpieces are hydrophobized, smoothed and polished. Then they are either impregnated (invisible) or waxed (slightly greasy surface).
Mode of operation: The advantage of an impregnation lies in a higher resistance to mechanical wear (e.g. cuts) because the impregnation resp. the wax penetrates into the concrete. However, this treatment method is not acid-resistant but only dirt-repellent. Typical for impregnated concrete kitchens are dark edges around the ceramic hob (e.g. from Tomato sauce). Contact with acidic and colouring liquids should therefore be avoided at all costs, in particular:
- Fruit and vegetable juices, ketchup, mustard
- Oil, chemicals and aggressive detergents
- Wine and Champagne, vinegar
- Cleaner with citrus fresh or similar
- Soap dispensers and soap dishes set up on the concrete
- In the bathroom: perfume and herbal shampoos or similar
2) dade coating
The PU coating developed by dade design protects the surface with a fine protective film. The surfaces are silky smooth, matt and let the concrete character come into their own.
How it works: The film is breathable and has excellent resistance to liquids and household cleaners. In laboratory and practical tests, the coating withstands the penetration of liquids and acids for around 12 hours.
The disadvantage: the coating is not cut-resistant. Injuries to the coating must be avoided at all costs. Never cut on the worktop and use coasters for pans. If the coating is damaged by mechanical action, it may happen that it peels off. The coating can be renewed / repaired.
Both treatment options – Hydrophobing & impregnating and the dade coating – are food safe and free of cobalt and nanotech materials.
CONCRETE CARE – DOWNLOADS CARE INSTRUCTIONS, PRODUCTS & CONSULTING
DOWNLOAD CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Everything you need to know about care and surface treatment can be found in our info folder “Care instructions“.
dade CONCRETE CLEANER
is a surfactant-based cleaner. After a reaction time of approx. 10-20 minutes, the cleaner is wiped off. You can order this product on our website.
dade SURFACE TREATMENT
Restores the dirt and water repellent coating for cour conrete surface. You can order this product on our website.
CONTACT & ADVICE
For us, concrete plays the first fiddle and if you fancy a special composition we are at your disposal.