Thanks for the tips. I would use the white cement concrete for both exterior and interior (hence the question about the T-Mass insulation, which is in the middle of the wall).

I agree, it won't be perfect, although I'm thinking of using form liners to give it the right texture. All it takes is money, and convincing my architect (a Louis Kahn acolyte), who likes beton brut concrete (which highlights the texture of the forms).

Great, thanks for the tip on the book Creede, I just checked and my local library has one I am going to check out today. I was just thinking I need to make a cap for my block mailbox. I had been searching for a piece of stainless at the local scrapyard, but it was proving elusive in the right size. I think I will try my hand at making a concrete cap.

Hello Creede,

Sorry it has taken me a while to get back in this thread. We have been busy remodeling the studio.

Yes, you can whiten Quikrete with titanium dioxide pigment loaded at 11%. It is not a true white, but it still looks pretty nice. Each 80lb bag of Quikrete 5000 contains approximately 14lbs of portland. Quikrete varies based on location, so you will need to cast some samples to see how the color turns out. Below I have listed a worksheet you can use to figure the ingredients needed:
___________________________________________

Measurements of piece(s):
L ______ inches x W ______ inches x H ______ inches = ______
+ 10% = ______
Total = ______

Total ______ inches ÷ 1728 = ______ Cubic Feet
Quikrete 5000: ______ Cubic Feet ÷ 0.600 = ______ 80 lb Bags of Concrete
*Amount of Concrete Needed: ______ Whole Bags of Concrete + ______ lbs

Quikrete 5000: ______ Bags of Concrete x 14 = ______ lb.’s of Cement

Quikrete 5000: ______ Bags of Concrete x 5 = ______ Quarts of Water

Color Name:_________________
*Color Formulation: (color is calculated based on CEMENT CONTENT!)
Pigment Name: _____________________ Amount: _______% Amount: ________ lb.’s



___________________________________________


Just a few other notes: Home Depot usually carries Type I white portland, at about $17 per 94lb bag. You will have to look around to locate Type II white portland, which works better for countertop applications.

Sand and aggregates do affect the final color of the concrete, especially if you polish or grind the pieces. Try replacing some or all of the aggregate with recycled glass for a cool look. If you use glass, be sure to add Metakaolin, which is commonly used by pool fabricators. It will help to keep the concrete from deteriorating due to ASR.

For sealers we use a special sealer formulated just for concrete. It is mineral based and forms a permanent bond. Most sealers on the market were initially developed for granite or stone and tend to not work as well on concrete. The sealers we buy are extremely costly and come in 55 gallon drums. We may sell this sealer on our website in small quanities for homeowners who are doing it themselves. Otherwise, check out www.bordercorp.com They carry a lot of different sealers, many of which are VOC free. Border also carries water based concrete stains.

And last, but not least, keep an eye out for the launch of our new website. We have developed a line of training seminars aimed at DIY'ers up to seasoned contractors. We have also developed a complete line of unique products to be used in the fabrication of artistic concrete pieces. Integral sink and drain board molds, a line of integral colors, all natural countertop wax, etc. We will be renting out the sink and drainboard molds to homeowners who are building their own pieces. This will allow them to create a cutting edge piece for a fraction of the cost. Feel free to drop me an email at brandon@goredesignco.com with your email address and I will notify you of the launch of our new website.

Wow, thanks for the info again Brandon. Very useful. Can't wait for the new website, sounds like you have some exciting things going.