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Off Form

Description
As the name suggests this finish is the concrete surface
as lifted from the mould and consequently the quality of
the mould, to a large degree, determines the quality of the
finish.
Method
The concrete is simply poured against the mould surface
which may be flat, ribbed, wood grain, textured, etc.
General Remarks
Off form finishes are generally the least expensive,
particularly where no colour control is required
(warehouses, panels with applied finishes and civil
structures). However, quality off form finishes require
considerable attention to mould detailing and sealing as
well as concrete consistency; particularly in terms of
slump and colouring oxides and additives. Architects
should also be aware that any minor repairs required due
to handling, transport or installation damage are likely to
be noticeable. This finish is quite often chosen due to
budget constraints. It should be understood there may be
some colour inconsistency.

Telephone: +61 8 8359 0666

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Exposed Aggregate

Description
Provides an exposed aggregate surface with reduced
matrix visibility.

Method
Retarders (available in varying strengths) are applied to
the mould face forming the surface requiring aggregate
exposure. Extreme care must be taken to ensure an even
coating of retarder is applied. The following day the
surfaces are brushed & high pressure water blasted to
remove the cement matrix & expose the aggregate. Care
is needed to match the retarder strength to the aggregate
size in the concrete mix.

General Remarks
This finish is usually used when the aggregate is required
as the dominant feature or as a contrasting feature in
conjunction with other finishes. Care should be taken in
choosing its location as the finish is quite abrasive on
contact. Repairs are usually unnoticeable.

Telephone: +61 8 8359 0666

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Sand Blasted

Description
A textured finish displaying some aggregate exposure on
the surface.
Method
The precast element is wet sand blasted to remove the
surface film and exhibit the sand and aggregate colours.
Quality of moulds is important.
General Remarks
This is considered an excellent option for a low cost
decorative finish, particularly with the addition of off form
bands and patterns. It is also popular for providing a
contrasting texture on polished or acid washed panels.
Ribbed and profiled panels also readily accept a sand
blasted finish. Durability is not affected by this process.
This type of finish is very good for colour consistency.
Repairs are generally un-noticeable.

Telephone: +61 8 8359 0666

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Acid Etched

Description
This is an attractive finish, similar to sandstone and is
used extensively where a finer finish is required or to
simulate sandstone. High quality moulds are required as
any minor imperfections on the face of the mould will be
reflected on the face of the panel.
Method
The precast elements are saturated with water and then
treated with diluted hydrochloric acid to remove the
smooth surface and expose the sand or sand-oxide
matrix.
General Remarks
Bianco Precast clean all treated surfaces with high
pressure water to remove any residual chloride ions.
Architects should also be aware that any minor repairs
required due to handling, transport or installation damage
are likely to be noticeable. It should be understood there
may be some colour inconsistency.

Telephone: +61 8 8359 0666

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Polished

Description
Polished finishes replicate granite with the structural
capabilities of concrete.

Method
The mix is batched using coarse and fine granite
aggregate having the same structural capabilites &
properties as normal concrete. After a suitable curing
period, panels are processed where approximately
5mm of the surface is removed commencing with coarse
diamonds & finishing with fine polishing stones. Panels
are cast oversize to compensate for the material
removed and maintain reinforcement cover.

General Remarks
Polished finishes are appealing due to the low
maintenance and longevity of their high
quality appearance. Traditionally they were frequently
used only on prestige public buildings, corporate head
offices, banks, insurance buildings, etc. Due to the long
term benefits, polished finishes are now appearing more
in general buildings like shopping centres, apartments,
homes, etc.

In choosing colours for polished panel projects, the best

results are generally achieved by closely matching the
matrix & main granite aggregates. Polished finishes are
generally consistent in colour, repairs unnoticable &
durability is of the highest order.

Telephone: +61 8 8359 0666

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Form Liners

Description
Profiled patterned off form finishes of an almost limitless
range.

Method
The Required profile / pattern is manufactured from
polyurethane using CAD / CAM technology. The pattern
(form liner) is then installed in a mould purpose built by
the precaster & concrete poured in the conventional
manner.

General Remarks
The final product generally disguises the imperfections &
any colour inconsistencies frequently experienced with
flat off form finishes. Form liners can be expensive &
considerable re-use is required to amortise the cost.
Noise & traffic barrier projects are excellent examples of
where high repetition has proven to be a cost effective
solution. In building projects attention to programming is
necessary due to the lead time required for procurement.

Telephone: +61 8 8359 0666

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Brick Snaps

Desciption
Clay bricks are cast on the face of the panel.

Method
Specialist brick manufacturers supply 230mm x 76mm x
15mm thick bricks in a range of colours. The wax coated
bricks are held in position by interlocking plastic frames
while the concrete is poured. The plastic frame also forms
the finished joint. Various conventional brick bonds can
be achieved by cutting. Following the lifting of the panel,
the plastic frames are peeled from the surface. The bricks
are then pressure cleaned removing the wax coating
along with any concrete slurry.

General Remarks
The finished product is exceptional due to precise joints
and the flat surface achieved from precast casting beds.
Care in designing panel dimensions to suit the
brick size is beneficial in order to eliminate additional
costs resulting from cutting & fitting.

Telephone: +61 8 8359 0666

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