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ConcreteNetwork.com MAY 2010
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Learn How to Transform Concrete with Engraving


Engrave-A-Crete training

Nowhere but Engrave-A-Crete can you find more training in decorative concrete engraving and advanced staining techniques. Learn:

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Turn Cracks in Concrete Floors into Assets



Greetings!

Stain-enhanced cracksAre existing cracks in a concrete floor preventing you from enhancing it with a decorative treatment? There's no reason to cringe at cracks. As long as they're not creating structural problems, they can actually be an asset to your design and add to the character and rustic nature of a floor. Just take a look at these creative ways contractors have transformed cracks into assets in their concrete floor designs.

Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network

Dyed cracks

Give them a dye job
Minor cracks and pits can be darkened with applications of stain or dye for a marble-like veined look. On this floor, the cracks were filled with a white-tinted filler to absorb even more color and make the cracks more visible. Learn how it was done.

Sawcut design

Disguise with sawcuts
It's possible to work existing cracks into your floor design through sawcuts. One way to do this is to have cut or engrave joints into the concrete that follow existing crack lines, turning cracks into a purposeful pattern. See how cracks were worked into the design of this previously carpeted residential floor.

Stenciled floor

Blend in patterns
Minor cracks in a concrete floor are less likely to be noticed when you detract from their appearance using pattern and color. An easy way to mask cracks is to "weave" them into a stencil pattern applied to the floor. Learn more about using decorative stencils.
Stained and polished floor

Let them be your guide
Let the cracks in a floor guide your design. Their random patterning and depth can add natural detail and create a rustic, fractured look. You can even accentuate the decorative crack pattern by airbrushing the cracks with color. Watch this video for more tips and techniques on how to turn cracked concrete into a beautiful floor.
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