In the wash — with Resene ConcreteWash

Achieve semi-transparent colour changes on a wide range of concrete surfaces both indoors and out with the new Resene 'In The Wash' collection of concretewash colours.

This range can be used to bring subtle, buildable sheer colour to concrete walls (interior and exterior), interior floors, exterior walkways and decorative elements like concrete planters and furniture. The product leverages Resene Concrete Clear, Resene Concrete Wax and Resene Concrete Clear Walk-on technology to offer customers a variety of different finishes to both colour and protect set concrete. Five colours are currently available – Resene Whitewash, Resene Greigewash, Resene Blondewash, Resene Claywash and Resene Stonewash – to impart a range of different nature-inspired hues.

Resene ConcreteWash colour on exterior patio stones

Resene ConcreteWash colours can be applied to surfaces in a uniform manner using spray application, such as on these outdoor patio paving stones, to achieve an even wash of colour. But if you're after an artistic, fresco-like look, you can experiment with how you apply Resene ConcreteWash. On the front two plant pots, Resene ConcreteWash was applied with a brush in a criss-cross manner to create appealing visual texture.

Wall painted in Resene Sour Dough with Resene FX Paint Effects medium mixed with Resene Blanc applied on top, floor in Resene Walk-on Concrete Clear tinted to Resene Claywash, plant pots in (from front to back) Resene Concrete Clear satin tinted to Resene Stonewash, Resene Concrete Clear satin tinted to Resene Claywash and Resene Double Akaroa. Chair from Danske Mobler, throw from Baya, concrete plant pots from Mood. Projects by Amber Armitage, image by Bryce Carleton.

The beauty of Resene ConcreteWash colours lie in their subtleness, with buildable colour that can be used to create a variety of looks. Applying the product by spray can achieve a uniform wash of colour over walls or floors, but you can also get an artisanal, almost fresco-like effect with a bit of experimentation. For example, try applying Resene ConcreteWash colours with a brush in a criss-cross fashion to concrete planters or accessories for a variegated look.

Interiors

On interior walls, it is recommended to seal the wall first in one coat of Resene Concrete Clear gloss before applying one or two coats of your chosen Resene ConcreteWash colour tinted into Resene Concrete Clear satin. For a satin finish, apply a final coat of untinted Resene Concrete Clear satin or get a gloss finish by sealing your wall with a final coat of untinted Resene ConcreteClear gloss.

For interior concrete flooring, start with a basecoat in untinted Resene Concrete Wax before applying one to two coats of Resene Concrete Wax tinted to your chosen Resene ConcreteWash colour. If more pigmentation is desired, an additional coat of Resene ConcreteWash coloured topcoat may be applied – before applying a final clear untinted layer to seal the floor.

Exteriors

For exterior walls, apply a saturation coat of Resene Solventborne Aquapel first to give efflorescence control then follow with the same system as described for interior walls. Apply one coat of Resene Concrete Clear gloss before applying one or two coats of your chosen Resene ConcreteWash colour tinted into Resene Concrete Clear satin. For a satin finish, apply a final coat of untinted Resene Concrete Clear satin or get a gloss finish by sealing your wall with a final coat of untinted Resene ConcreteClear gloss.

You can also use Resene ConcreteWash colours on exterior walkable surfaces, such as concrete paving stones. Seal your pavers first with one coat of Resene Walk-on Concrete Clear thinned 10% with water and allow 24 hours before applying Resene Walk-on Concrete Clear tinted to your Resene ConcreteWash colour. Then, finish the surface with a final coat of Resene Walk-on Concrete Clear untinted.

The new Resene 'In The Wash' collection of concretewash colours - Resene Greigewash, Resene Whitewash, Resene Stonewash, Resene Blondewash and Resene Claywash

Depending on the original colour of the concrete you are applying Resene ConcreteWash to, note that your final results may vary.

Background painted in Resene Rice Cake with concrete hexagon plates in (clockwise from top left) Resene Concrete Clear satin tinted to Resene Greigewash, Resene Whitewash, Resene Stonewash, Resene Blondewash and Resene Claywash. White concrete plates from Blow My Wick.

Always test first

Much like a wood stain finish, the final look of your Resene ConcreteWash colour will be affected by the concrete you are finishing. Always test the Resene ConcreteWash finish on an inconspicuous area of concrete first to ensure it achieves your desired look before applying to your full project. Some projects will only need one coat of Resene ConcreteWash for a subtle colourwashed effect, others may need two for a deeper wash effect.