Glowing Concrete

Glowing Concrete The Finishing Touch: A Bright Spot in the Decorative Concrete Landscape Photoluminescent aggregate adds a new material to the decorative concrete arsenal. The resin-based aggregate, either fine (sand) or coarse (stone) sized, contains a special nontoxic additive that the manufacturer claims allows it to glow for 10 to 12 hours after just 10 minutes of light exposure. By day, the aggregate is a neutral, pale yellow or white, but in low light they glow bright green or blue after exposure to either natural or artificial light. Suitable for both interior and exterior applications of cast-in-place, terrazzo, precast, and stucco, the aggregate is most visually effective and cost efficient when placed at the surface of concrete, so seeding is a preferred application method. A number of traditional finishes can be applied, including stamping, polishing, or exposed aggregate. Using one particle per 3 sq. in. as a guide, the manufacturer suggests that one lb of material will cover approximately: 16 sq ft (for ½-in. stone) 32 sq ft (for ¼-in. stone) 48 sq ft (for large/coarse sand) Uses for the aggregate are virtually unlimited. They range from purely decorative applications to more practically oriented applications, such as for safety or where passive lighting would be beneficial. For instance, the manufacturer suggests that used in the right amount, the glowing aggregates cast enough light for safely navigating pathways at night, including emergency egress routes, pedestrian and vehicle traffic direction, etc. They could also be useful for identifying obstacles like stairways or other objects that could become hazards to pedestrians in the dark. Potential benefits include a reduction in the number of light fixtures or complete elimination in some applications, saving energy on electricity and reducing light pollution. These finishes emit no VOCs and can add to a project's sustainability. The luminescent property is said to last about 15 years. More on glowing concrete.