ᐅ Retouching a Concrete Wall Yourself – Exposed Concrete Finish DIY

Created on: 27 Mar 2023 00:43
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bowbow91
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bowbow91
27 Mar 2023 00:43
Hello everyone,

In our house, we have two walls that we would like to finish with an exposed concrete look. Both walls were actually cast in concrete (the bedroom in the “living basement” and a structurally necessary living room wall).

The wall in the living room turned out quite well, and we think we can leave it as is without much additional work. However, the wall in the bedroom is quite uneven in color; there are no significant aggregate pockets or surface defects, but the color variation bothers us because it looks quite inconsistent.

Now the question is, what is the best way to do a DIY touch-up on a concrete wall to achieve a nice appearance?

For example, we have considered retouching the wall with a suitable concrete paint. However, we have no idea which type of paint would be best for this.

Does anyone have any ideas or have done something similar themselves?
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guckuck2
27 Mar 2023 01:38
The most suitable option would probably be an appropriate (decorative) concrete plaster, something like Beton Ciré. There are also decorative coatings available at hardware stores.
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bowbow91
27 Mar 2023 13:17
guckuck2 schrieb:

The nicest option is probably a suitable (decorative) concrete filler, something like béton ciré.
There are also decorative coatings available at DIY stores.

I have also come across these types of fillers. However, it seems their main purpose is to replicate the concrete texture as closely as possible using various techniques like formwork sheets. We already have concrete walls with the right texture, but the color doesn’t look very good.

I read that you can simply paint the wall with a concrete stain that is used, for example, on paving (“Pflasterfrisch”). It comes in colors like RAL7035, which might be a good option.
Tolentino27 Mar 2023 13:37
Try posting some pictures, I can’t quite picture what you mean.
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bowbow91
27 Mar 2023 21:54
Tolentino schrieb:

Take some pictures, I can’t quite imagine what you mean.

Sure. It should be clear what I’m referring to. The wall in the living room is pretty okay; the photo shows some moisture because the roof wasn’t sealed yet (the picture with the window and the gypsum boards). Unfortunately, the bedroom didn’t turn out so well—cleaning won’t be enough there.
Unfinished concrete wall in shell construction with moisture marks and construction debris.

Interior construction site: raw wall, steel supports, and gypsum boards
Tolentino27 Mar 2023 22:03
Ok, it really doesn’t look very good, I’m just an amateur and have no experience with this. However, I could imagine that sanding it down and then sealing it might improve its appearance.

Maybe
@rick2018
or
@dertill
can provide more information...