Advancing the aesthetics of concrete

With growing demand for buildings that are not only functional but also visually striking, Chryso is helping customers reshape the face of concrete

According to Michelle Fick, business unit development manager for concrete aesthetics at Chryso Southern Africa, customers now have access to a wider range of innovative products tailored to various applications.

Driven by technological advancements and a strong appreciation for architectural innovation, the company now offers a broad portfolio of solutions that ensure concrete is both durable and beautiful.

“To achieve the desired aesthetic impact, it is essential to consider how the concrete is applied,” said Fick.

“That is why we offer a comprehensive suite of solutions, including surface retarders, integral pigments, surface treatments, curing compounds and demoulding oils.”

These products can be used in combination to enhance even the most basic concrete features such as pillars or floors, ensuring that aesthetics are never overlooked, regardless of the project’s scale or complexity.

One of the most common requirements in aesthetic concrete applications is colour consistency, said Fick.

Chryso’s integral iron oxide pigments provide vibrant durable colour throughout the concrete mass, so even chips or abrasions won’t reveal an underlying colour difference.

Surface quality is another priority. Chryso’s plasticisers and superplasticisers improve the workability and flow of the concrete mix, reducing surface defects and ensuring a smooth high quality finish.

To further strengthen and enhance surface performance, the company also offers densifiers and hardeners that provide improved abrasion resistance. Additionally, its release agents support a clean separation from formwork, enabling a high class finish with consistent colour and texture.

Surface finishing is key to consistency, and CHRYSO FiniSafe can be applied just before the final finishing operation to enhance surface uniformity.

Fick stressed that the success of any aesthetic concrete application depends on best practice.

“Consistent batch control, quality materials and correct curing techniques are essential,” she said.

“We always recommend proper concrete trials before commencing a project, especially for large-scale applications, to confirm the best combination of admixtures and placement methods.”

Texture also plays a vital role in the visual appeal of concrete. Viscosity modifying admixtures like CHRYSO Quad 20 improve cohesion, preventing issues such as segregation or honeycombing.

Efflorescence — the white powdery residue that can appear on concrete surfaces — is another common challenge the company tackles with products like CHRYSO Fuge B, an integral waterproofing admixture that blocks pores and reduces the risk of moisture ingress.

It also offers water-repellent surface treatments, such as dry-coat sealers, which prevent water from reacting with free lime, the cause of efflorescence.

Fick said that Chryso takes a collaborative approach, working closely with customers from planning to execution to ensure outstanding aesthetic outcomes.

“Our innovations are designed to make concrete beautiful,” she said. “But it is our hands-on support that helps customers unlock their full creative and architectural potential.”

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