Available exclusively in North America through AltusGroup precasters, Graphic Concrete allows you to impart nearly any pattern, image or design onto precast wall surfaces. It opens up an unlimited range of design possibilities with the renowned resilience of precast concrete. Graphic Concrete has been used successfully on more than 1,500 projects worldwide.
The technology transfers custom or stock graphics as a surface retarder via a membrane placed at the bottom of the precast form. After the concrete cures, the retarder is washed away, revealing an image that results from the contrast between the fair-faced (smooth) surface and the exposed aggregate surface. Watch a video to see how it is produced:
The Graphic Concrete pattern is 100% concrete; it is as durable and maintenance-free as concrete itself. The ready-to-install precast surface needs no additional cladding or field work, so it saves time during construction.
Take a free AIA CEU (1 hour) about graphically imaged precast at AEC Daily
In addition, Graphic Concrete is environmentally friendly. The recyclable membrane does not emit any harmful gases or chemicals and reduces the use of solvent based materials during production. It has no impact on the environmental loading of the building.
