The art of transforming concrete expectations into reality... despite below average off form concrete quality

RENUGLASS was appointed to supply & apply our ImperGuard Color Silicate Stain on the precast walls of the internal lift lobby at a new commercial building in Singapore. 

The precast panels had to be partially hacked and repaired with plaster during construction. It was clear that, given the panels condition, applying a concrete stain with the specified dilution of 1:3 would not give a satisfactory result. The result below was understandingly rejected by client as the plaster repair still stand out due to the low opacity:

Result after 2 coats of ImperGuard Silicate Stain dilution 1:3

RENUGLASS proposed an alternative solution that would hide the panels imperfections and repairs while retaining the concrete look design intent. 

How we did it: 

• Sand down the panels to remove extra plaster and achieve a flat surface

• Apply 3 coats of ImperGuard Color Silicate Stain light grey at maximum opacity (1:1) to achieve homogeneity across the panels

• Lightly sand the panels to maximise adhesion

• Apply 1 coat of ImperGuard Color Silicate Stain dark grey using sponging method to create an earthy concrete look

Here is the result in 3 steps:

Concrete staining by RENUGLASS

And this is the before/after:

Concrete staining by RENUGLASS

Renuglass artisan creating a natural concrete look

RENUGLASS objective is not just to deliver on a predefined scope of work (i.e: apply 2 coats of silicate stain on off form concrete) but to find the way to achieve the architect vision regardless of the external parameters like the concrete quality. We are purpose driven and always strive to deliver quality work with innovative solutions.

Bridging the gap between expectations and reality with off-form concrete

Off-form concrete is a construction material created by pumping concrete through a nozzle into a predetermined shape called formwork. It is meant to be exposed so the quality of the casting is paramount.

When you decide to go for an off-form concrete facade you expect a raw and industrial look, however you will want to limit the imperfection in terms of color variation and repairs.

For various reasons there is a chance that the results of the casting will be deceiving. That is what happened in a project we have been asked to embellish recently.

Often off-form concrete doesn't entirely live up to its expectation.. but RENUGLASS has the solution

We proposed our concrete staining method using mineral silicate stain ImperGuard Color from @GuardIndustrie. Silicate stain is a glaze (or lasure) that impregnates into the concrete. It is very different from a paint as it is non film forming, retaining the character and natural look of the concrete.

You can chose any color but also the opacity by playing with the dilution ratio, in other words, the amount of pigments per litre of product.

The objective is NOT to hide all the natural imperfection of the the concrete but to homogenise it, giving it a more uniform look while retaining the touch and feel of concrete.

Off-form concrete before and after IGC Silicate Stain

Off-form concrete before and after IGC Silicate Stain

On this project, due to a relatively high amount of repair and too dark a mortar color we had to use a low dilution of 1:2, being 1 part of pigmented base for 2 parts of silicate dilution, in order to achieve the result expected by the client.

Some areas required us to summon the artist within us for local aesthetic repairs.

Blending in off-form concrete imperfections

Using natural sea sponge

It is important to note that staining was not specified by architect originally and we came in to "save the off-form concrete" as the owner was considering plastering and painting the entire facade.

In conclusion we would like the readers to remember there is a solution to embellish off-form concrete while retaining its character, it is silicate stain, and RENUGLASS processes all the skills and experience you need for a successful outcome!

Before After RENUGLASS application of IGC mineral silicate stain on off-form concrete

Staining of GRC Facade for Hyundai Innovation Centre Singapore

Hyundai Motor Group chose Singapore to build its state of the art innovation centre and factory for electric cars. The 28,000sqm building is cladded with 10,000sqm of GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete).

Hyundai Innovation Center Singapore - GRC Facade

The customer choice was to have the GRC pigmented in the precast factory and coated with our water & oil repellent product (ProtectGuard CE from #GuardIndustry)

However, when the panels arrived on site we quickly noticed homogeneity problem within panels and in between panels.

GRC Facade Before Staining

The decision was eventually made to apply our coloured stain #ProtectGuardColor with a tailor made shade of grey at 50% opacity. This helped bring back the homogeneity of the color while retaining the concrete aspect of the GRC. ProtectGuard Color being also a water&oil repellent we both embellished and protected the facade - 2 birds 1 stone they say - ..

Before and After Staining with ProtectGuard Color

The work was completed right on time for the inauguration with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and was consider a great success.

View of Hyundai Innovation Center from road side