AFS Systems
How to choose a concrete finish?
Choosing a concrete finish is made up of a few considerations. Aggregate Exposure, Gloss Levels, Budget & whether the concrete was placed with the intent to polish.
4 stages of Aggregate Exposure are:
A - Cream Polish
B - Salt & Pepper
C - Medium Aggregate
D - Full Exposure
Cream Polish
Also known as the Nil Exposure finish, this is one of the simplest forms of concrete flooring. Here, the surface of the concrete isn't ground or honed but is simply polished with diamond pads to enhance the floor's natural colour.
Since there is little/no concrete removal from the floor surface, the natural contour and texture of the freshly poured concrete will be visible. This process reveals imperfections including trowel marks, low spots and different colors that are unique to each floor.
This type of polished concrete flooring has a very organic look which is quite popular in residential areas, especially the newer constructions.
Salt & Pepper
Salt & Pepper finish is a Cost Effective Polished Floor. Light Grinding of the surface reveals small aggregate within the surface, approx. 3-5mm typically.
The "Speckled" nature is one of the key aspects to acheive a Salt & Pepper Finish. Inconsistancy in aggregate size and exposure is often used to acheive an "Aged" look in the surface.
This finish is popular in commercial and industrial applications as well as residential renovations.
Medium Aggregate
Medium Aggregate Exposure Floors are ground flat to expose a significant amount of medium sized aggregate, approx. 8-12mm. Some Large Aggregate will be exposed randomly throughout the surface.
Highly durable surface - Aggregates are generally harder than the cement which improves the wear & life expectancy of a floor. Customised floors can be creating by adding certain colour, shape or textured aggregates into the cement mix at the pouring stage.
Popular in Commercial or Industrial applications such as Retail & Hospitality
Full Exposure
Large Aggregate concrete finish offers the look of luxury. This finish is one of the most highly sought after, requiring greater time and expense, but with the most durable and beautiful results.
A large aggregate concrete finish is heavily ground to flatten the surface. This grinding process exposes the large aggregate in the concrete resulting in an interesting, almost terrazzo-like appearance. Full exposure floors are often customised by Seeding specific aggregates into the cement mix prior to pouring.
This exposed aggregate concrete finish is highly sought after in luxury commercial and residential builds.
