Crafting with Concrete

All things about crafting with concrete. Concrete is a versatile material that can be used in many different ways.

Man patching plaster on interior wall with putty knife

Patching Clay Plaster: Matching texture and color without a patch ring

Plaster /

Introduction Patching clay plaster means repairing damaged plaster by blending fresh material with the surrounding texture so the patch isn’t obvious. This guide treats texture and color matching as a hands-on, jobsite task you can do with basic tools. You’ll work in small steps, testing on a scrap area first. Start by cleaning the area, […]

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Freshly applied self-leveling concrete floor with roller

Microtopping Problems: Preventing bubbles, pinholes, and delamination

Concrete /

Introduction Microtopping problems are defects like bubbles, pinholes, and delamination that happen when a thin decorative concrete layer can’t bond or level properly. This article covers straightforward, hands-on steps to prevent them during mixing, prep, and application. You’ll also see how surface preparation and choosing self-leveling options can help you get a smoother, longer-lasting finish.

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Close-up of thin red brick wall pattern with mortar joints

Overlay Thickness Rules: How thin overlays fail and what lasts outdoors

Off-Topic /

Introduction Overlay thickness rules determine how thin overlays will perform outdoors. If you go thinner than recommended, they can crack, delaminate, or wear away quickly. Always check the product label and local rules, and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for your climate and substrate. There are several overlay types you might consider, from micro-toppings to self-leveling

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Close-up of concrete screed tool smoothing wet concrete slab