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restoring/polishing a concrete column

Started by UWSider85
over 13 years ago
Posts: 30
Member since: Aug 2011
Discussion about
I live in a cookie-cutter 1990's high rise. I'm doing a renovation, and we found a very cool cement column that we will expose, to give the apartment more character. The column was previously covered in sheetrock, and it needs some touching up and polishing. There are some glue stains and some holes in the cement. I'm looking for suggestions on what I can do to polish and touch up the column. How can I even out the complexion of the cement, and is there any sort of sealant or wax polish that can give the column a slightly more uniform look? Is there a way to fill the large holes (about the size of a quarter) in the column? Thanks for any suggestions.
Response by UWSider85
over 13 years ago
Posts: 30
Member since: Aug 2011

Any advice?

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Response by drdrd
over 13 years ago
Posts: 1905
Member since: Apr 2007

Plaster?

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Response by gcondo
over 13 years ago
Posts: 1111
Member since: Feb 2009

doesnt anyone want to give advice on how to polish a column?

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Response by BuiltINstudio
over 13 years ago
Posts: 70
Member since: Dec 2010

You should be able to wire brush off any marks on the concrete but filling in holes and still keeping it uniform would be near impossible, I would think. If you wanted a smooth, even complexion you would probably have to apply a thin layer of concrete to the entire column and then apply a masonry sealer with the finish you want. I actually think it could be a cool feature if you left it raw, depending on the style of your apartment. Just apply a matte sealer, don't bother trying to even it out or fill in the gaps.

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Response by mpsrenovations
over 13 years ago
Posts: 9
Member since: May 2012

An angle grinder works best, but you need an experience person do it. Stick to the wirebrush to knock out any glue.
The holes are probably from the form mold. I would only appy a matte sealer. Avoid anything with gloss.
The more distressed, left natural is better than filling in "new cement.

Best,

Vicky Caprini
vicky@mpsrenovations.com
www.mpsrenovations.com
Follow us pinterest/mpsrenovations

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