When Hempstead High School in Dubuque, Iowa undertook an addition project including a gymnasium, locker rooms, auditorium, a music suite, and classrooms, they turned to precast to achieve their desired aesthetic. A custom form liner was used to achieve the desired look. Mid-States Concrete partnered with Conlon Construction and provided Hollowcore Plank and Precast Wall Panels, including multiple finishes and two custom form liners.
Mid-States Concrete offers a variety of finishes, custom form liners, graphic concrete, thin brick and more. While our standard finishes include light acid wash, light sandblast, medium sandblast, heavy sandblast, light water wash, medium water wash, and heavy water wash, our Preconstruction Team is happy to discuss all finish options available for your upcoming projects.
Precast concrete comes in an (almost) unlimited array of colors, forms, and textures. Commonly used finishing techniques used when the precast concrete will remain exposed as part of the aesthetic finish include:
As-Cast (i.e. form finish):
This requires no additional finishing. The surface is left as is, as it comes out of the form.Acid-Etched:
This process uses acid with high pressure water to etch the surface of the concrete. This usually darkens the finish and leaves a sparkle or “sugar-cube” effects.Abrasive Blasted (i.e. sandblasted):
This process uses sand to abrade away the surface. This typically frosts and lightens the surface.Exposed Aggregate (i.e. water wash):
This process uses a chemical surface retarder which is applied onto the forms prior to casting. The chemical retards the set of the cement so that it may be removed (usually by water blasting) the next day. This results in exposure of the aggregate while preserving its natural beauty and texture.Form Liner:
Since precast concrete is cast into forms, a variety of shapes and details can be accomplished in precast concrete. Form liners can also be used, especially when repetitive patterns or unique textures are needed.Thin Brick:
Thin brick can be embedded or cast into precast. Precast offers a faster, more durable, and sustainable method to build with these materials.Graphic Finish:
This technology transfers patterns as a surface retarder via membrane. After concrete is cured and extracted from the form, the retarder is washed away revealing the image.
Mid-States Concrete is a PCI-certified architectural precast concrete producer. Explore examples of our finishes today.