Procedure of Rock Salt Finish Concrete Surface

Salt finish concrete

Salt finish concrete: It is a surface finishing concrete work in which the surface of the concrete surface is embedded with salt crystals. The salt crystals are embedded into the surface using a roller or afloat. The salt crystals embedded in the concrete are washed out with a stream of water after the concrete sets, which leaves behind numerous shallow indents giving off a subtle texture to the concrete surface.

It is a cheap and traditional decorative method on concrete surfaces.

Also Read: Steel Fiber Reinforced concrete

Rock salt concrete finish

Rock salt concrete finish is the concrete finish in which rock salt is used as salt to be embedded onto the surface.

Concrete broom finish vs salt finish

How to do rock salt finish on concrete?

Rock salt finish on concrete is done as similar as the salt finish on concrete. In rock salt finish concrete the rock salt is embedded onto the concrete surface.

Procedure of Salt Finish Concrete Surface

Proper Subgrade Preparation

To get adequate support to the loads that act on the concrete path the subgrade must be prepared well to get uniformity in the soil composition and compaction. Vibratory compactors or rammers are used for the process of compaction. This process ensures uniform slab thickness.

Placement of Reinforcement

The framework is provided at the sides of the concrete path to obtain a proper desired shape of concrete. The depth of concrete depends upon the depth of the framework.

Concrete Placement

The thickness implemented affects the structural capacity of the concrete.4 Inches is the minimum thickness recommended for a concrete path. The edges of the concrete are subjected to heavy loading so an additional thickness of 1 to 2 inches is provided at the edges of the concrete path.

Also Read: Compaction Factor Test of concrete

Proper Finishing of Concrete Driveways

For all types of driveways and pathways, the above-mentioned procedure is the same. The uniform surface of the concrete is obtained by striking off excess concrete with a screed. To prevent the accumulation of bleeding water the concrete is made to float using magnesium bull float. A hand-floating tool is used to get an even surface on the concrete. To give a fine smooth finish to the concrete surface the screed and cement are used.

Inserting Salt Crystals

The concrete which is placed is left out to dry for a certain amount of time. Check if the concrete is dried or not. Then onto the concrete surface evenly scatter the rock salt. The rock salt applied should be 3 to 12 pounds per 100 square feet. Then using a trowel or roller press the salt into the concrete. Half the diameter of the salt crystals should remain above the surface. Then it should be allowed to dry for 24 hours and then it is cleaned with a broom.

Cleaning of Salt

Due to the less amount of water the salts do not dissolve in the concrete. A pressure washer is used for the easy removal of salts. The water used dissolves the salt and leaves a series of irregular dimples where the salt crystals had been. This concrete surface is known as a salt finish concrete surface.

Applying sealant and Curing

Using a stiff push brush the area is cleaned. The roller is dipped into the sealant and spread evenly onto the concrete. The sealant looks milky when you first apply it to the concrete but once it is dried it will become clear and glossy. Apply two coats onto the concrete. Apply the second coat only after two hours after applying the first coat.

Salt finish concrete pros and cons

Also Read: Bleeding of concrete

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