MSE Wall Cosmetic Remedy
MSE Wall Cosmetic Remedy
(OP)
We are completing construction of a new MSE wall that uses panels with a pigment mixed into the concrete. One of the panels arrived on site with a noticeably different appearance (apparently due to residue in the forms from a previous job performed by the precaster).
The panel in question was installed several rows below the coping, and one of the owner agencies has waited until the end of the construction to raise objections over the appearance of this one panel.
We would like to modify the appearance of the panel in-place, and are open to suggestions. We have not yet applied an anti-grafitti coating. Any information on possible surface treatments, including information on long-term maintenance impacts, would be appreciated.
Jeff
The panel in question was installed several rows below the coping, and one of the owner agencies has waited until the end of the construction to raise objections over the appearance of this one panel.
We would like to modify the appearance of the panel in-place, and are open to suggestions. We have not yet applied an anti-grafitti coating. Any information on possible surface treatments, including information on long-term maintenance impacts, would be appreciated.
Jeff





RE: MSE Wall Cosmetic Remedy
RE: MSE Wall Cosmetic Remedy
RE: MSE Wall Cosmetic Remedy
RE: MSE Wall Cosmetic Remedy
RE: MSE Wall Cosmetic Remedy
RE: MSE Wall Cosmetic Remedy
1. What is the real reason for the concrete color variation? Is it just dirty forms and producer negligence or is the concrete actually a different color due to bad batching/mixing? Surface form contamination will wear off unless the producers was extremely negligent.
2. Is the color different due to site conditions - panel storage methods, exposure, etc?
If you attempt to "bag rub" the wall, make sure you use the same pigment type and allow the rubbed area to age before committing to rubbing the remainder. Any "colored" concrete will be tinted with a pigment (usually a synthetic iron oxide) because of the permanent nature. As the concrete cures, the apparent color will lighten because of the natural cement chemistry process. That is the reason all cement-based color samples (concrete, concrete block, mortar, grout, etc) are well cured before being made available to the specifier.
Avoid anything (stains, coatings, etc.) that refers to dyes, since they are not as permanent as the pigments in the concrete.
When providing samples to the owner, always submit 3 samples exposed to the natural lighting conditions and do not make the decision inside where there is atrifical lighting. The surfaces must also be the same finish and texture since this has an effect of the apparent darkness/strength.
Dick
RE: MSE Wall Cosmetic Remedy
Additional info:
I am informed that some chemical treatment was attempted on the surface (below the final ground line) with not-so-great results.
The precaster decided to sandblast the panel. The sandblasting definitely improved the overall appearance. However, the panel was deemed unsatisfactory by the agency, which brings me to my original post.
I will discuss the rub option with our project manager and precaster.
Jeff
RE: MSE Wall Cosmetic Remedy
RE: MSE Wall Cosmetic Remedy
Jeff