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 the function of a 'grout line' tool used in stamped concrete work?
Answer: To deepen, clean up, or add joint lines between stamp impressions for a more realistic stone appearance
A grout line tool is hand-run between and around stamp impressions to sharpen and deepen joint lines, mimicking the mortar joints of real stone or brick.
When polishing concrete to achieve a decorative finish, which sequence of diamond tooling grits is correct?
Answer: Coarse grits first, then progressively finer grits
Concrete polishing always begins with coarse diamond grits to remove surface imperfections and progressively advances through finer grits to achieve the desired sheen level.
A client wants a 'salt finish' on their pool deck. How is this texture achieved?
Answer: By sprinkling rock salt onto fresh concrete and then pressing it in with a roller, later dissolving it with water to leave pits
Rock salt is embedded into fresh concrete using a roller, then dissolved away with water after the concrete hardens, leaving a pitted, slip-resistant texture ideal for pool decks.
Which type of colorant is most susceptible to UV fading on exterior concrete surfaces?
Answer: Organic dyes
Organic dyes are highly susceptible to UV degradation and fading, which is why iron oxide pigments are preferred for exterior applications due to their UV stability.
What minimum cure time is typically recommended before applying an acid stain to a new concrete slab?
Answer: 28 days
Most manufacturers recommend waiting 28 days for new concrete to fully cure before acid staining, ensuring adequate calcium hydroxide has formed for the chemical reaction.
During a stamped concrete job, a worker notices that the stamps are picking up and tearing the surface rather than leaving a clean impression. What corrective action is needed?
Answer: Apply additional release agent to the stamp faces and allow the concrete surface to stiffen slightly more
Surface tearing indicates the concrete is still too wet and the stamp faces need more release agent; allowing the surface to stiffen slightly more will also improve impression quality.
What is the recommended practice for storing leftover dry-shake color hardener between applications on the same job?
Answer: Seal it in moisture-proof bags or containers to prevent premature hydration
Dry-shake color hardener must be stored in sealed, moisture-proof containers because any moisture exposure will cause the cement component to hydrate and render the product unusable.