Waxed concrete has established itself in recent years as a revolutionary coating solution, appealing to both individuals and professionals. Before you start installing it, discover the essential points that will make your project a true aesthetic and technical success.
The key takeaway: I consider waxed concrete as the ultimate chameleon coating, capable of radically transforming the atmosphere of a room without changing its structure. In my opinion, its success does not rely on the product itself, but on the obsessive preparation of the substrate. I find nothing more frustrating than seeing a beautiful coating crack because the underlying slab was not stabilized. To me, it is a strong aesthetic choice that demands great technical humility: you must accept that the craftsman’s gesture is visible and that the living material is under your feet.
What is the origin of waxed concrete?
The history of waxed concrete remains inseparable from Marius Aurenti, the French pioneer who has transformed this field for over 40 years. Over the decades, this tricolor brand has developed a unique technology that today allows thousands of craftsmen to turn concrete, once a traditional material, into a decorative solution that is both modern and refined.
Widely used by architects and interior and exterior decorators in many interior and exterior design projects, waxed concrete flooring has gradually conquered the world of decoration. Its ongoing technical evolution has made it a material of choice in contemporary layouts.
What are the technical characteristics of waxed concrete to know?
Waxed concrete stands out for its technical characteristics that give it particular properties. Let’s take a closer look at what differentiates it from other flooring and wall covering solutions.
During my first installation of waxed concrete on a countertop, I wanted to skip a crucial step: sanding between the two coating layers. The realization was immediate at the time of applying the final protection: every small excess and every poorly controlled smoothing stroke appeared with unexpected intensity. That day, I learned that waxed concrete magnifies both talents and mistakes. I had to sand everything again to regain a smooth surface. This experience taught me that patience is the main ingredient of the mix: the time spent refining the substrate is time gained on the quality of the final finish.
Composition and properties
Millimetric waxed concrete, often called so because of its fineness, generally does not exceed 2 to 3 mm in thickness. This characteristic is crucial because it allows it to be applied on existing substrates without requiring major leveling or demolition work. Moreover, it should be noted that its composition, made of a mixture of cement, quartz, resin, and natural pigments, gives it a compressive strength of 44 MPa (megapascals). This is equivalent to about 440 kg per cm².
This robustness makes it particularly suitable for high-traffic areas such as the floors of residential zones and shopping centers. Furthermore, its waterproofness, enhanced by the application of protective waxes, makes it ideal for damp rooms like bathrooms.
Versatility of applications
One of the recognized strengths of waxed concrete is its great versatility. It can be applied on a multitude of substrates such as:
- tiles;
- plaster;
- wood, etc.
This adaptability therefore opens up a wide range of possibilities for interior and exterior architectures in terms of applications. Traditionally used for flooring, you can also make it a choice covering for your walls, kitchen worktops, walk-in showers, etc.
Its continuous and joint-free appearance allows the creation of fluid and modern spaces, while facilitating maintenance. Moreover, the wide range of colors and finishes available today on the market allows customization of each project.
Before starting a continuous floor project, it is imperative to properly sand the existing concrete to ensure perfect adhesion. For those who fear the implementation constraints, you can compare this solution with the disadvantages of stamped concrete, often used outdoors. Finally, for a more traditional but equally authentic decorative touch, discover the charm of cement tiles which offer an interesting contrast with smooth concrete.
Essential checklist before laying waxed concrete
| Control point | Technical requirement | Risk if omitted |
| Condition of substrate | Dry, clean and non-crumbling | Detachment or blistering of the coating |
| Stability | Complete absence of active cracks | Appearance of halos or clear breaks |
| Porosity | Application of a suitable primer | Irregular absorption and color stains |
| Waterproofing | High-performance protective varnish | Irreversible oil or water stains |
| Temperature | Between 15°C and 25°C during application | Too rapid drying and early cracking |
Conclusion
In summary, waxed concrete offers an exceptional coating solution. Its versatility, robustness, and customization possibilities make it a preferred choice to create unique and durable spaces. To ensure flawless installation and a result that meets your expectations, call on a network of qualified craftsmen, including the one trained by Marius Aurenti, a pioneer in the field.
Everything you need to know about waxed concrete before starting your installation work
This is one of the greatest advantages of polished concrete: it can perfectly cover old tiles. However, specific preparation is essential. It is imperative to degrease the tiles: apply a bonding primer for closed surfaces and, above all, use a preparation mortar (such as fiber-reinforced leveling compound) to fill the joints. If you do not perfectly mask the joints before applying the decorative coating, they will eventually reappear through transparency; this is called the “ghost” effect.
Yes, but it tolerates no approximation. For a shower, the system must be complete: a perfectly waterproof substrate (such as a waterproofing membrane), high-quality polished concrete, and especially a two-component polyurethane protective varnish applied in several layers. It is the varnish that ensures waterproofing, not the concrete itself. Regular maintenance of silicone joints at the corners is also vital to prevent water from seeping under the coating.
Polished concrete is a rigid material applied in a thin layer (about 2 to 3 mm). It does not tolerate building movements. To limit the risk of cracking, it is advisable to install a fiberglass reinforcement mesh in the base layer, especially on heterogeneous substrates. Furthermore, it is imperative to respect the existing expansion joints in the concrete slab by transferring them into the polished concrete; otherwise, the coating will crack chaotically.
