Color & Texture Finishing Flashcards
7 cards from real ACI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Color & Texture Finishing flashcards as text
What is 'efflorescence' and how does it affect colored concrete surfaces?
Answer: A white, chalky salt deposit that migrates to the surface and obscures the intended color
Efflorescence occurs when soluble salts migrate to the surface with evaporating water, leaving white deposits that are particularly noticeable on colored concrete.
When creating a travertine texture finish on concrete, what tool is used to produce the characteristic voids and rough surface?
Answer: A brush or sponge applied in a swirling motion before the surface fully sets
A travertine finish is created by scrubbing or dabbing the fresh concrete surface with a brush or sponge in circular motions to produce irregular voids resembling natural travertine stone.
How does the water-cement ratio of a concrete mix affect the final color of integrally colored concrete?
Answer: Lower w/c ratio generally produces more intense, darker colors due to denser paste
A lower water-cement ratio produces a denser, less porous paste that concentrates pigment and typically yields more vibrant, deeper colors.
A finisher is applying a second coat of dry-shake color hardener to a slab. What is the purpose of floating between the first and second applications?
Answer: To embed the first application and bring moisture to the surface to hydrate the second coat
Floating after the first application embeds the hardener particles into the slab and brings enough moisture to the surface to hydrate and bond the second application.
What is the recommended overlap distance when placing textured stamps to ensure a seamless, continuous pattern?
Answer: A slight overlap of the grout lines at the stamp edges, typically 1–2 inches
Stamps are typically overlapped slightly at the grout line edges to ensure pattern continuity and prevent visible seams or gaps in the finished texture.
Which factor most significantly affects the color uniformity of a large integrally colored concrete placement?
Answer: Consistent mix design and water-cement ratio maintained across all loads
Color uniformity across a large pour depends on maintaining the exact same mix proportions, pigment dosage, and water content in every truck load.
When a sealer on a decorative concrete surface begins to show white haze or 'blush,' what typically causes this condition?
Answer: Moisture was trapped beneath the sealer during application, often due to application over damp concrete
Blushing or hazing occurs when moisture vapor is trapped under a film-forming sealer, scattering light and creating a milky white appearance.