Whether it is to cover a floor, a counter, a fireplace covering, shower walls or simply an accent wall, we love the aesthetic and refined appearance of the polished concrete finish. This all-purpose finish offers the advantage of being seamless, unlike laying ceramic tiles. The best application example is for a fireplace mantle that has dimensions that do not meet the standard porcelain tiles available on the market, so the waxed concrete coating is a very good option when looking for a finish. uniform.
But today we suggest you compare waxed concrete to an alternative solution that has proven itself among our neighbors in Europe and which deserves to be known here in Quebec: lime rendering .
Let's compare the two products offered on the Quebec market.
Polished concrete and our homes
Waxed concrete traps the support on which it is applied, which is most of the time your interior partitions, or even worse: your shower walls, which ultimately creates too much humidity and therefore mold, since the support cannot be ventilated.
Polished concrete is very resistant due to its composition, but it is not immune to cracks if the base support has created movement through instability.
Polished concrete and its composition
The main composition of concrete is cement. A single production of cement generates 7% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which ranks this material in the first category of harmfulness at the planetary level. By way of comparison, the air transport industry is responsible for 1.5% of global CO2 emissions!
Subsequently, there are harmful additives such as polymer resin or glycol ether. The latter belongs to a family of chemicals with more than 80 harmful derivatives. Because of their toxicity, they are prohibited in commonly used products, but they are still widely used in certain varnish, paint or waxed concrete coating products.
Concrete is beautiful and versatile, but unfortunately it bends all the criteria in terms of environmental degradation, in addition to being more difficult to apply than lime plaster.
Lime rendering and our houses
Lime plaster is 100% natural and ecological. It is permeable to water vapour, so it lets the substrates breathe, which prevents the appearance of mold and condensation in damp rooms. Thanks to its properties, lime keeps the walls healthy and prevents moisture from accumulating.
Lime plaster has antistatic qualities: dust settles less on its surfaces.
Lime plaster is malleable and elastic, so it adapts to movement: perfect for the floors of mini-houses that have to be transported!
Lime rendering and its composition
Lime plaster, on the other hand, is a natural product with a simplified list of ingredients. For the Stonat lime plaster product sold at Domeco, its composition is 100% natural lime, linseed oil and black soap. As black soap is also 100% natural, it contains ingredients such as olive oil, crushed black olives, water, salt and wood ash.
Subsequently, a binding liquid is added to it, otherwise it would be impossible to make it hold on the supports for good adhesion.
Forget waxed concrete, make way for lime plaster!
No solvent, no biocide, no VOC, air lime is extracted directly from quarries in its pure state and then cooked at high temperature. It takes its grip in contact with the air, which results in it absorbing CO2 from the air before completing its drying process.
Its preservation.
Unlike waxed concrete mixes, when the lime plaster product is in an airtight container with a closed lid, it remains intact after use. What makes that the product is preserved for years, contrary to a waxed concrete coating that the balance of the mixtures is not recoverable post-project.
Easy to apply.
The Stonat brand lime plaster that we sell in stores has been marketed for user-friendly use. The mixture is malleable. During its installation, if the expected result is not to your satisfaction, it is possible to lightly sand the imperfections and put another thin coat until the result is suitable. We then apply the varnish adapted to the needs, whether it is waterproof or not.
The Stonat brand lime plaster that we sell in stores has been marketed for user-friendly use. The mixture is malleable. During its installation, if the expected result is not to your satisfaction, it is possible to lightly sand the imperfections and put another thin coat until the result is suitable. We then apply the varnish adapted to the needs, whether it is waterproof or not.
Whether it is for a waxed concrete or lime plaster project, the application and the final result will be very similar to you. For beginners, it is advisable to opt for lime plaster since the application is easier and malleable. In terms of choice towards sustainable development in the field of construction and healthy materials for the house, lime plasters will be more suitable for the project. The matte, natural and raw look of the finish will bring warmth to your interior space!
For more eco-responsible products sold locally at the Montreal store at Domeco, shop here .