By Zayvian Camacho
Using cast concrete artificial rock to craft a captivating water feature is a simple yet enchanting method for transforming any backyard pool into a resort-like oasis. Today’s cast concrete rock component systems look real because they are cast from real rocks to provide the same shape, character, and texture. More pool builders are using cast concrete rock because it holds up extremely well to the freeze-thaw temperatures in Canada and the northern U.S.
To achieve a striking resemblance to natural rocks, it becomes imperative to apply staining and mortaring techniques to the cast concrete product. These methods, employed with finesse, contribute to creating a visually captivating and authentic rock water feature. Discovering various tips and tricks in staining and shading is essential to deliver the most alluring and appealing result to one’s clients.
Staining and shading
When it comes to staining and shading cast concrete rocks on water features, it is important to be sure they blend seamlessly into the pool’s surrounding decks.
Builders can use various concrete stains as a cost-effective method to create beautiful decks surrounding the pool. As part of this process, the cast concrete water features should also be stained and shaded to match the surrounding natural rocks and pavers.
Staining concrete is a real art form and, for some experienced builders, staining a cast concrete water feature can be easier than getting natural stones to co-ordinate and look good together. Cast concrete manufacturers provide kits to dye the concrete stone to mimic the surrounding natural hardscaping and deck treatments. A blend of acrylic stains specially formulated to bond to cast concrete rocks should be selected. There are stains and paints in the marketplace that are formulated to bond to porous surfaces and not to high tech waterproof products such as fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) that is manufactured for pool water features.
Natural stones absorb stains differently than artificial rock. In fact, cast concrete rock absorbs even less than shotcrete types of rock. As a result, many pool builders find staining and shading of custom work ideal to ensure the colours blend within the pool’s surroundings.
