Replies

1. 
   DanH | Sep 15, 2013 08:59pm | #1

   I think generally this is done by pouring a relatively thin layer (1/2' to maybe 2") over a regular slab.

   Basically you're talking about a very simple form of Terrazzo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrazzo

1. 
   semar | Sep 15, 2013 10:08pm | #2

   polished concrete floor

   thanks dan,  I was not thinking of terrazzo. I saw a floor in an architect's home. It looked like they polished the floor with some kind of epoxy, but it was dark grey. Not the cream color I was looking for.

1. 
   DanH | Sep 15, 2013 10:46pm | #3

   Well, there's two varieties of "polished".  One is ground with a heavy-duty floor sander, and the other is coated with an epoxy-like coating.

   But to get color (that isn't just painted on), and especially to get a lighter color (vs just coloring the concrete), you need to have a layer of a lighter-colored material on top of the regular concrete.  I think in some cases it can be applied as a powder on the wet concrete, but that produces a fairly thin (maybe 1/32 to 1/16") coating, and it can be hard to get the color even.

2. 
   IdahoDon | Sep 16, 2013 11:25pm | #8

   Also keep in mind that almost any color combination of stains, dyes, paints, tinted cement based finish coat, etc. can be applied to the surface and covered with a clear or not so clear coat of epoxy. 

   Honestly the sky's the limit!

2. 
   gfretwell | Sep 15, 2013 11:32pm | #4

   Check out Acid Stained Concrete

   See if that is what you were looking at.

   I did my driveway about 10 years ago.

1. 
   semar | Sep 16, 2013 12:03am | #5

   concrete floor

   thanks, guys, I will look into this

2. 
   Mike_Mahan | Sep 16, 2013 01:17am | #6

   Concrete stain

   There are acid stains and water stains and any number of sealers. The products I use come from Westcoat. I've gotten excellent support from them. http://westcoat.com/ This is not an add. Just a recommendation.

   
3. 
   sapwood | Sep 16, 2013 12:28pm | #7

   You could spec the use of white cement rather than the usual gray portland cement. This will result in a significantly lighter color. You will want to see some samples beforehand to be sure it is what you want. You may have to do the sample yourself, or have your contractor do it. And, be prepared to pay a premium to the batch plant for making the mix. As far as placement and finishing, there should be no real difference. 

4. 
   Ethanbarkett | Apr 08, 2014 09:43am | #9

   I have not seen any other color either but isn't that rough raw look why we lovepolished concrete?