When is chemical etching better than the traditional method?

When you want an exposed aggregate finish with less effort: it's sprayed on fresh concrete and removed with pressurized water, avoiding traditional manual washing.

Cement, Concrete, and Premixes: What to Choose for Your Project

Q: Does premixed dry concrete have the same strength as one mixed on site?

It's formulated to exceed 25 N/mm2 of compressive strength, similar to or higher than a well-proportioned concrete mixed on site.

Quick answer: for most construction and home renovation projects, there are three options depending on how much mixing work you want to do yourself: bagged cement (you add sand, gravel, and water in the right proportions), pre-dosed aggregate mix (you only add cement and water), or dry premixed concrete (you only add water). The more premixed it is, the less margin for error and the less time on site, in exchange for a slightly higher cost per kilo.

Bagged Cement: The Base of Any Mix

Bagged cement (25 kg) is available in three types:

Gray Cement CEM II/B-L 32.5 R: the standard for general masonry work.
Gray Cement CEM II/A-L 42.5 R: higher strength, for demanding projects such as precast concrete.
White Cement CEM II/B-LL 42.5 R: for decorative and aesthetic finishes.

Pre-Dosed Aggregates: Just Add Cement

The Sand and Gravel Mix for Concrete combines fine sand, washed sand, and gravel in the right proportions for concrete. It saves you the step of calculating and mixing the aggregates yourself: you add cement and water and get a concrete with a uniform texture that's easy to work with.

Premixed Concrete and Mortar: Just Add Water

Product	What It Is	Ideal For
Dry Concrete HA-25 PRO	Premixed concrete ready to mix with just water, +25 N/mm² strength	Sidewalks, slabs, walls, curbs, and pavements; pallet of 48 bags
Mortar Premix	Several formulations depending on use (block, brick, stone, ceramic substrate)	General masonry, coatings, and fixing pieces

A Special Finish: Exposed Aggregate Concrete

If you're after a continuous surface with an exposed aggregate finish without the effort of the traditional washing method, Chemical Etching is a low-viscosity deactivating oil sprayed onto fresh concrete. Once it has set, the surface layer is removed with pressurized water, exposing the aggregate in a simple, controlled way.

How to Choose

You have experience and want to control the mix ratio precisely: bagged cement + your own aggregates.
You want to skip calculating aggregates but still add cement: Sand and Gravel Mix.
You want maximum speed, just water, for a small to medium job: Dry Concrete HA-25 PRO.
You need a decorative exposed aggregate finish on a continuous surface: add Chemical Etching to the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cement do I use for general masonry work?

Gray Cement CEM II/B-L 32.5 R is the standard for most common domestic masonry jobs.

Does premixed dry concrete have the same strength as one mixed on site?

Dry Concrete HA-25 PRO is formulated to reach a compressive strength above 25 N/mm², similar to or higher than a well-proportioned concrete mixed on site, with the advantage of more controlled consistency.

When is it better to use chemical etching instead of the traditional method?

When you want an exposed aggregate finish with less effort and time: it's sprayed onto fresh concrete and later removed with pressurized water, avoiding traditional manual washing and brushing.