New Concrete Blotchy Look

[Treeman]

I had this lean-to building floor poured early November, 2022. The contractor is very experienced with superb reputation. He explained to me his use of higher quality spec. concrete and just a tiny bit of cold weather accellerant. Temps were near 50F for 24 hours during/after pour, then dropped to low/below 30's for several days. A concrete blanket covered the pad for about 4 weeks. He cut the joints about 7 days after the pour, and reinstalled the blanket.

When I removed the blanket 4 + weeks after the pour, the surface had a blotchy look. I avoided washing it due to cold weather.

I have washed and broomed the surface this spring and it is still blotchy. I might use a clear sealer/topcoat like Ballistic or something similar.

- Did the joint cutting dust cause the blotchiness? (Initial pour looked uniform)

- Do you have any ideas to achieve a more uniform appearance?

Thanks for any help, suggestions, expert advice.

 

[ConCretin]

The appearance of the concrete primarily is the result of the blankets that covered it causing variations in moisture levels. It might take awhile but it will eventually even out. Warmer weather will help.

 

[Treeman]

Thank you !!!!

 

[dcg9381]

- Do you have any ideas to achieve a more uniform appearance?

Thanks for any help, suggestions, expert advice.

You can always coat it with a solid coat. Epoxy was the universal, but it's more expensive and labor intensive than other options.
This is all about your personal preference, but my go-to is to stain the concrete with a water based sealer (acid based work well too, it's a different set of colors). Then I use polyurea from one of our vendors. I just helped a buddy with his shop floor. Lighter colors will show more variations of the concrete. Polyurea can also be had in solid colors too. I did the lower floors of my residence in the same materials and it gets compliments all the time.

But in all cases, you have to let this concrete dry 100% first. In my state (which is a lot warmer) - I wait a minimum of 45 days if the concrete is exposed to the sun. There are ways (easy/inexpensive) to determine remaining moisture levels.

 

[jerrykrug]

You can always coat it with a solid coat. Epoxy was the universal, but it's more expensive and labor intensive than other options.
This is all about your personal preference, but my go-to is to stain the concrete with a water based sealer (acid based work well too, it's a different set of colors). Then I use polyurea from one of our vendors. I just helped a buddy with his shop floor. Lighter colors will show more variations of the concrete. Polyurea can also be had in solid colors too. I did the lower floors of my residence in the same materials and it gets compliments all the time.

But in all cases, you have to let this concrete dry 100% first. In my state (which is a lot warmer) - I wait a minimum of 45 days if the concrete is exposed to the sun. There are ways (easy/inexpensive) to determine remaining moisture levels.

DCG, what polyurea did you use? any pictures? I have about 900 sq ft garage that I want to do something on the floor.
Thanks in advance

Jerry

 

[dcg9381]

Jerry, check out legacy industrial's instagram.

This is a "wood shop" extension that I did for my dad. It's white stain over concrete.



This is a downstairs hallway floor in my home. The texture you see is an anti-slip additive:




Note, both are "transparent" colors. You can do solids, but options are much more uniform and limited.