fs_dlg.dcl — Finish/Surface Configuration

File: fs_dlg.dcl
Version: v3.60
Category: Dialog Definitions
Size: 6.3 KB (190 lines)

Note

Surface Finish Specifications

Configure concrete surface finishes including form-faced, sandblasted, acid-etched, stained, and painted finishes for architectural appearance and durability.

Functional Purpose

Finish/Surface Configuration - Specifies concrete surface treatments and finishes for architectural appearance, weatherproofing, and durability requirements.

Key Functions:

  1. Surface finish type (smooth, textured, exposed aggregate)

  2. Treatment method (sandblast, acid etch, bush hammer)

  3. Color specification (integral, stain, paint)

  4. Sealer/coating (penetrating, film-forming)

  5. Face selection (which panel faces get finish)

  6. Quality level (architectural class A, B, C)

User Need

  • Architectural appearance (aesthetic requirements)

  • Weatherproofing (protect concrete from elements)

  • Durability (resist wear, staining, deterioration)

  • Code compliance (fire rating, slip resistance)

  • Cost optimization (finish only visible faces)

Typical Workflow

1. User has panel configured
2. User opens fs_dlg (from mp_dlg or finish menu)
3. User selects exterior face (visible side)
4. User specifies finish:
   • Type: Sandblasted light exposure
   • Color: Integral gray (medium gray concrete)
   • Sealer: Penetrating silane
5. User selects interior face
6. User specifies finish:
   • Type: Smooth form finish (as-cast)
   • Color: Natural (no color)
   • Sealer: None (interior, protected)
7. User clicks OK
8. Finish specifications saved with panel
9. Finish notes added to drawing

Control Semantics

Face Selection

Face Designation:

  • fs_face - Face selection:

    • Front face (exterior, visible)

    • Back face (interior, hidden)

    • Top edge (parapet, visible)

    • Bottom edge (foundation, hidden)

    • Left/Right edges (typically hidden)

Select Multiple:

  • fs_multi - Apply same finish to multiple faces

  • Checkbox list of all faces

Finish Type

Surface Treatment:

  • fs_type - Finish dropdown:

    • Smooth form finish (as-cast, economical)

    • Sandblasted light (light aggregate exposure)

    • Sandblasted medium (medium aggregate exposure)

    • Sandblasted heavy (deep aggregate exposure)

    • Acid-etched (chemical surface treatment)

    • Bush-hammered (mechanical texture)

    • Polished (ground and polished surface)

    • Exposed aggregate (aggregate flush with surface)

Finish Description:

Smooth Form Finish:
- As-cast from steel or plywood forms
- Minimal surface treatment
- Cost: Low
- Appearance: Smooth, may show form lines
- Use: Interior faces, economical projects

Sandblasted:
- Abrasive blasting removes surface paste
- Exposes aggregate
- Light: 1/16"-1/8" exposure
- Medium: 1/8"-1/4" exposure
- Heavy: 1/4"-3/8" exposure
- Cost: Medium
- Appearance: Textured, natural stone look
- Use: Exterior architectural concrete

Acid-Etched:
- Chemical surface etching
- Subtle texture
- Cost: Medium
- Appearance: Slightly roughened surface
- Use: Interior/exterior, moderate texture

Bush-Hammered:
- Mechanical surface pitting
- Creates uniform texture
- Cost: High
- Appearance: Rough, dimpled surface
- Use: Slip-resistant surfaces, architectural

Polished:
- Ground smooth with progressively finer grits
- May include densifier
- Cost: High
- Appearance: Smooth, reflective
- Use: Interior floors, high-end architectural

Color Specification

Color Type:

  • fs_color_type - Color method:

    • Natural (no color - gray concrete)

    • Integral color (pigment in mix)

    • Stain (applied after casting)

    • Paint (surface coating)

Color Selection:

  • fs_color - Color specification:

    • Color chart selection OR

    • Custom color (manufacturer, code)

    • Sample approval required

Integral Color:

Advantages:
? Color throughout concrete (chips don't show)
? UV resistant (doesn't fade)
? Durable (part of concrete)

Disadvantages:
? Higher cost ($30-50/CY added)
? Color variation batch-to-batch
? Limited color range

Common Colors:
- Gray (various shades)
- Tan/beige
- Terra cotta
- Black/charcoal

Stain:

Advantages:
? Wide color range
? Applied after casting (easier QC)
? Can touch up

Disadvantages:
? Surface only (chips show)
? May fade over time
? Requires reapplication

Types:
- Acid stain (chemical reaction)
- Water-based stain

Sealer/Coating

Protection Type:

  • fs_sealer - Sealer dropdown:

    • None (interior, protected)

    • Penetrating silane (breathable, water repellent)

    • Penetrating siloxane (deeper penetration)

    • Acrylic sealer (film-forming, enhances color)

    • Epoxy coating (high-durability, chemical resistant)

    • Polyurethane (durable, UV resistant)

Sealer Characteristics:

Penetrating Silane/Siloxane:
- Penetrates 1/4"-1/2" into concrete
- Water repellent (beads water)
- Breathable (allows moisture vapor out)
- Invisible (no sheen change)
- Typical: Exterior architectural concrete
- Reapply: Every 5-10 years

Acrylic:
- Film on surface
- Enhances color (wet look)
- Low to medium sheen
- Good UV resistance
- Typical: Interior/exterior, color enhancement
- Reapply: Every 2-5 years

Epoxy:
- Thick film
- Chemical resistant
- Glossy appearance
- Not breathable
- Typical: Industrial floors, containment
- Durable: 10+ years

Quality Level (ACI)

Finish Class:

  • fs_class - ACI architectural class:

    • Class A - Highest quality:

      • Smooth, uniform surface

      • Minimal blemishes

      • Controlled form joints

      • Premium forms (steel, fiberglass)

      • Close QC inspections

    • Class B - Standard architectural:

      • Good appearance

      • Some form lines acceptable

      • Standard concrete forms

      • Normal QC

    • Class C - Basic/utility:

      • Rough as-cast acceptable

      • Minimal appearance requirements

      • Economy forms

    • Class D - Minimum (non-architectural):

      • Function only

      • No appearance requirements

Finish Specification Examples

Example 1: Exterior Building Facade

Face: Front (exterior, visible)
Finish Type: Sandblasted medium
Color: Integral gray (Davis Colors "Weathertone")
Sealer: Penetrating silane
Quality: Class A architectural
Notes: Match existing building façade

Cost Impact: +$12/SF (sandblast + color + sealer)

Example 2: Interior Office Wall

Face: Back (interior, visible)
Finish Type: Smooth form finish
Color: Natural (light gray)
Sealer: None
Quality: Class B standard
Notes: Paint-ready surface

Cost Impact: +$0/SF (standard finish)

Example 3: Parking Structure

Face: Front (exterior)
Finish Type: Acid-etched light
Color: Natural
Sealer: Penetrating siloxane
Quality: Class C basic
Notes: Weathering protection only

Cost Impact: +$4/SF (etch + sealer)

Integration

Called By: mp_dlg ? Finish button, configuration menu Saves: Finish specifications with panel data Drawing: Finish notes added to panel drawings

Variables:

  • finish-face-front, finish-face-back - Per face specifications

  • finish-type, finish-color, finish-sealer - Treatment details

  • finish-class - Quality level

Best Practices

Face Selection:

  • ? Finish only visible faces (cost savings)

  • ? Match existing adjacent panels

  • ? Consider long-term appearance (staining, weathering)

Finish Type:

  • ? Sandblast light-medium most common (good appearance, moderate cost)

  • ? Smooth finish for paint-ready surfaces

  • ? Bush-hammer for slip resistance (ramps, walkways)

Color:

  • ? Integral color for high-end projects (durability)

  • ? Natural gray for economy (no added cost)

  • ? Stain for retrofit/touch-up capability

Sealer:

  • ? Always seal exterior faces (weathering protection)

  • ? Penetrating sealers for breathability (prevents spalling)

  • ? Reapply per manufacturer schedule

Common Mistakes:

  • ? Over-specifying finish (unnecessary cost)

  • ? No sealer on exterior (premature weathering)

  • ? Class A on non-visible faces (wasted money)

  • ? Incompatible finish and sealer (check compatibility)

Documentation Metadata

Enhancement Status: ? COMPREHENSIVE - ENHANCED [12/23 v3.60 remaining]

End of Document