What is photo concrete?
Photo concrete is exposed concrete in which an image, photograph, or pattern is visibly worked into the surface, typically used for facade panels and decorative concrete elements. The image is produced by differences in texture, colour, or relief and is permanently fixed in the concrete.
Two techniques
Photo concrete is made using broadly two methods:
- Surface retarder on a photo matrix – a film or matrix printed with the image as a pattern of setting retarder is laid in the formwork. Where the retarder acts, the cement paste at the surface does not harden. After striking the formwork, the surface is washed out so that the granular aggregate is locally exposed. The contrast between smooth and washed-out zones forms the image.
- Relief concrete via a structured mould – the concrete is cast against a mould or formwork liner with a depth profile. After demoulding, the image stands as a relief in the surface, with light and shadow revealing the pattern.
Properties and applications
Photo concrete combines the strength and durability of concrete with a decorative, pictorial finish. It is mainly used in:
- facade panels and precast concrete elements;
- noise barriers along roads;
- paving, walls, and public artworks.
Because the image sits within the material itself, it is weather-resistant and long-lasting.
Related terms
- Exposed concrete
- Relief concrete
- Formwork
- Exposed-aggregate concrete
- Precast concrete
- Facade panel
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.