UHPC finishes, colours and textures
UHPC's very fine particles capture mould detail precisely, giving designers a wide palette of surfaces — from glassy smooth to deeply sculpted.
Common finishes
- As-cast smooth: a crisp, satin concrete surface
- Acid-etched: lightly exposes fine aggregate for a soft, stone-like texture
- Sandblasted: a more open, matte texture with improved slip resistance
- Honed or polished: ground surfaces with varying sheen
- Board-marked, fluted, ribbed and geometric reliefs
- Custom 3D textures from bespoke moulds
| Finish | Look | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| As-cast smooth | Satin, crisp | Interior walls, furniture |
| Acid-etched | Soft, stone-like | Facades, walls |
| Sandblasted | Matte, textured | Floors, exterior, wet areas |
| Honed / polished | Smooth, varying sheen | Interior floors, countertops |
| Relief / 3D | Sculpted | Feature walls, facades |
Colours
Colour comes from the cement (grey or white) plus mineral pigments mixed through the body. Typical palettes run from white and ivory through warm and cool greys to charcoal and black, with earth tones and custom colours available from many makers.
Natural variation
Concrete is a natural, cast material: slight variation in tone, small air voids and subtle clouding are normal and part of its character. Agree acceptable ranges using physical samples, and for larger projects a mock-up panel.
Working with light
Finish and colour look very different under daylight, warm interior lighting and grazing light. View samples in the actual space or under the project's lighting before deciding, and look at them from the distance they will be seen in the finished building.
Custom development
For larger projects, manufacturers can develop custom colours and textures. This usually involves several rounds of samples and can add weeks to the programme, so start early. Keep approved reference samples on site throughout the project.
Sealers and appearance
Sealers can deepen colour slightly or add sheen. Penetrating sealers keep the most natural look; topical sealers can create a satin or gloss finish. Always approve samples with the intended sealer applied so the final appearance is what you expect.
Frequently asked questions
- Can UHPC be made in bright colours?
- Colour range depends on pigments and cement. Muted and earthy tones are most common; ask manufacturers about stronger colours.
- Is the colour through the whole tile?
- Usually yes — pigments are mixed through the body, so chips show the same colour.
Related
- Interior feature walls →Lightweight UHPC concrete wall tiles for lobbies, feature walls and interiors. Authentic concrete texture without the weight of traditional precast.
- Furniture & countertops →Thin, strong UHPC concrete countertops, vanity tops, benches and bespoke furniture to complement UHPC wall and floor tiles.
- Cleaning & maintenance →How to clean, seal and maintain UHPC concrete tiles and panels indoors and outdoors, including stain prevention and what to avoid.
- Interior designers →For interior designers: UHPC wall and floor tiles, 3D reliefs, custom colours and matching countertops and furniture — with samples from leading makers.
- How to specify UHPC →A practical checklist for specifying UHPC concrete tiles and cladding panels: performance requirements, documentation, samples, mock-ups and procurement.