At the very beginning, architectural concrete was known as a mineral casting in the form of panels with a thickness of 2-3 centimeters in literally any size. The first decorative panels were 40x20 cm in size. The small size made the concrete tile easy to install, using simple flexible tile glue. However, the market wanted larger sizes. Producers produced increasingly larger and more expensive architectural panels until finally, panels of 200x90 mm could be purchased, which were already reinforced with steel.
Such large panel sizes were faced with serious problems such as: brittle construction, which resulted from the large monolithic surface, reinforcing the panels helped but the weight of large-size panels was impractical. For example, a 90x45 cm architectural concrete panel could weigh almost 100 kg, which created another problem - transporting the panels on the construction site and in addition to that, 3-4 people were needed to install such a medium-sized 900x450 mm panel.
After all, a forklift won't fit into the living room, let alone the stairs leading to the first floor, but that's not the end ...
The attachment itself required really good S2 class glue and it was still not enough. If such a panel became detached from the wall under the influence of gravity, it could nicely mess up, and even lead to a fatal accident ... Chemical anchors and a steel rod ended with a decorative stainless steel or even plastic cap imitating metal came to the rescue. This mechanical attachment was marketed as a decorative element beautifully contrasting with the rough structure of the concrete panel and these attachments were adopted to such an extent that even small panel sizes, although they did not require additional fastening, investors forcibly mounted these anchors due to the decorative aspect.
Anchor points on large concrete panels
All of these difficulties led to the invention of decorative masses, which made it possible to create imitations of concrete panels of any size without all of the above problems
Stucco-plaster concrete effects
Using liquid concrete mass still requires the invaluable help of a specialist. There's no hiding the fact that proper application comes from the knowledge of plasters and practice with applying the finishes. We are aware that applying decorative concrete on the wall is a very big challenge for some, especially if you have no experience in such work. That is why specialists are still in demand and are willing to perform stucco concrete-type plastering because the rates are higher than plastering with gypsum plaster. After all, these are mainly "artistic works".
Stucco concrete finish
Concrete effects paint
Yes, you heard right, paint with a concrete effect and no, it's not just a gray wall paint. It is a special paint that has been created with a unique structure and composition in such a way as to be able to imitate the effect of real industrial concrete on the wall.
It is the perfect choice for anyone who does not have much experience with construction work and at the same time does not want to overpay. Although the product itself is significantly more expensive than ordinary wall paints, it is not surprising. If you want something of good quality, you have to bear the costs.
Wall Panels with a concrete effect
Here we have a similar situation to the tiles, only made easier to the power of n. The panels are usually much smaller in size than the tiles and are much easier to stick to the wall. They also have one significant minus. It is, of course, that most of them cannot be used outside buildings because they are not adapted to heavy weather conditions.
In the case of panels, you can use a lifehack where for a relatively low cost, you will be able to achieve the effect of concrete tiles. Just buy cheap styrofoam panels and paint them with the Dulux concrete effect paint. After that, we wait for the paint to dry and then stick the ready-made "tile" to the surface.
You can even make it in the bathroom or kitchen without worrying about a high level of moisture or occasional contact with water. Just beware! If you want to glue them in these rooms, you need to pay particular attention to the glue.
You need to make sure it is water-resistant, otherwise the panels will simply start to fall off the wall.