Tips for Getting the Best Results

Despite its simplicity, a salt finish does require some attention to detail and adherence to a few basic rules of thumb to ensure the best appearance. The most common mistakes are applying the salt unevenly and pressing the salt too deeply into the concrete (or not deeply enough). Here are some tips for doing the job right:

  • For the best effects, use salt crystals 1/8 to 3/8 inch in size and press them into the surface to a depth about half of their diameter. Avoid producing indents larger than 1/4 inch, because they can be a hazard for people wearing pointy-healed shoes.
  • To achieve the most distinct salt imprint, give the concrete a smooth finish before applying the salt particles.
  • The amount of salt to apply will depend on the degree of pattern desired. For a light pattern, start at a rate of about 3 pounds per 100 square feet. Add more salt—up to about 12 pounds per square foot—to achieve heavier textures, similar to travertine. The most important thing is to distribute the salt evenly across the surface, so make sure you have access to the entire slab.
  • Start working the salt crystals into the concrete at the right time—usually when the concrete is just beginning to set. A good test is to press your finger into the surface. The concrete is at the right stiffness when the imprint depth is about 1/4 inch.
  • When washing the salt away, remove all traces to prevent surface discoloration, especially if the concrete is integrally colored.
  • Don't apply a sealer until the concrete surface and the small recesses left behind by the salt dry out completely.

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