Acrylic Polymer Versus Hybrid Polymer Cements… Is There Really a Difference? The short answer to the above question is YES. The more detailed answer is this… if you’re having another company than Silverline install your decorative concrete overlays you are most likely using an acrylic modified cement mix. This type of mix has been around a long time and has become the preferred modifier by manufacturers because it is inexpensive to buy and easy for them to sell. Why do I say this, because it is merely a watered down acrylic resin that you’re using. So, in essence you are using mostly water, “Magic Water.”
Acrylic mixes do exhibit good hardness and UV resistance, but only fair adhesion to the concrete substrate. Where acrylics fall short is you are generally limited to spray textures, knockdown textures and trowel textures. These acrylic mixes also dry very quickly, in fact too quickly and become difficult to apply as they get thicker. The fact that they dry quickly also prohibits them from achieving an optimal bond as they don’t have time to soak into the pores of the concrete. It is not uncommon to have bucket of acrylic bag mix set up in the bucket before you can finish using it? The technology behind acrylic bag mixes is no different than that of acrylic paint. Does acrylic paint permanently adhere to concrete? No it certainly does not and will not.
A Hybrid Polymer is a blend of many different polymers. It does include some acrylics, but also has vinyl polymer, styrene and some others. The key benefit is it will allow you to do applications that you cannot with plain acrylic mixes. The acrylic gives this mix hardness and UV resistance. The vinyl polymers give it better adhesion and make it easier to apply by giving you more working time. Lastly, the styrene polymers make this product water resistant. Our Hybrid Polymer mix has an increased ‘pot life’ beyond anything you have ever used before. The styrene is very important as it prevents our product from re-emulsifying if it gets wet.
To make a long story short (too late) Hybrid Polymer is more versatile, easier to use, more durable and provides a quality, durable finish. Silverline Systems only uses Hybrid Polymer Overlay materials. We at Silverline are not concrete contractors that simply offer this service as a touch up. We are certified, licensed installers who can transform you plain gray concrete into a work of art. Don’t Hesitate and Call Today! We will be more than happy to have one of our skilled design consultants meet with you and show you what we can do to take your boring gray concrete to the next level.
Hybrid Polymer Ideas for Concrete Beautification
There are many ways to decorate and spruce up your boring, plain grey concrete. You can go from staining and sealing, to an intricate concrete overlay. The options are vast and provide people the chance to achieve the individual looks and style that they would like to achieve. The main benefit of these systems is that it allows people to change the look of their concrete without the prohibitive cost of tearing out and replacing their existing surfaces.
Acid based concrete stains provide an inexpensive and highly decorative way to change the color and look of any concrete surface. Acid stains are a reactive process that react chemically with the compounds and materials in your concrete and create a variegated spotting and marbling effect. This is a very popular process for many interior and exterior applications. There are a variety of colors that can be achieved with an acid based concrete stain, but mostly are darker earth tones. With an added top coat of high quality sealer an acid stain is a very durable yet cost effective way to beautify your concrete.
Another option to improve your concrete is a decorative concrete overlay. Concrete overlays are a hybrid polymer based product that can be applied to achieve a wide variety of textures and colors. The most popular applications provide the look of natural rock or stone and can even be installed with various tile designs that even have height variations to not only give the look, but also the feel of a high end tile. Overlays are extremely durable and are hand troweled giving each installation a custom look and feel that you never have to worry about being exactly replicated.
Still another option to improve and decorate your concrete is a concrete coating. Concrete coatings are highly durable, highly customizable surfaces that are extremely well suited for any concrete surface you may have. With a wide variety of color options and textures available, concrete coatings transform your garage from a place to park your cars and store you odds and ends into another room of your home. There are many types of concrete coatings available, but for the area that we live we have found that polyurethane systems stand heads and shoulders above the rest. Polyurethane systems provide a UV resistant, surface that is completely impermeable and chemical resistant. Marks from hot tires, oil stains, and various other “ugly spots” will become a thing of the past and clean-up will be easier than you could have ever imagined.
Regardless of how you may want to spruce up and beautify your concrete, Silverline Systems can help you. We are the Treasure Valley’s Premiere installer of concrete stains, coatings, and overlays. Call Silverline to set up a complimentary design consultation and estimate, or stop by our design center to see exactly which system will best serve your needs and style. Don’t hesitate, call Silverline today and turn your boring, plain, band, grey concrete into something that not only protects your concrete surfaces, but enhances the overall appearance and style of your home
Make Your Concrete Shine
For years, convention centers and hotels used elaborate and glitzy carpeting to decorate lobbies and meeting rooms. However, in the past few years, things have started to shift towards a more subtle look.
Instead of busy and bright carpet, decorators are turning to materials that are easy to maintain and inexpensive. Decorative concrete has become a favorite in buildings around the world. Furthermore, the decorative concrete used in commercial buildings can easily be applied to your home.
Polished concrete is a great way to add elegance without adding expenses or overwhelming details. Polished concrete maintains a minimalist look by seamlessly connecting the floor with décor. It provides an excellent canvas to accent with furniture, wall hangings and lighting.
Another benefit to using concrete over carpeting is maintenance. Cleaning polished concrete is a lot easier than carpet. You won’t have to worry about stains or wear and tear. Polished concrete is affordable and versatile. You can adapt the concrete to match your vision, whether you are looking for class and elegance or warmth and ease of maintenance.
If you want to explore the options of polished concrete, Silverline Systems can help.
