close-up image showing cleaning of polished terrazzo concrete surface in London.

Concrete Care & Maintenance Guide

A close shot of a concrete hospitality dining table cleaning -wiping with damp cloth. A limestone colour concrete surface in bright light shows a satin, clean surface without any stain marks.

Concrete Care & Maintenance for Bespoke Furniture and Surfaces

Every Gumi Works piece is hand-cast using high-performance GFRC (Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete) and sealed for durability. While engineered for residential, commercial and hospitality environments, concrete remains a tactile, natural material that benefits from considered care. This guide outlines best practice for concrete care and maintenance, helping preserve surface integrity, colour depth and long-term performance.

The First 14 Days: Concrete Sealer Curing Period

Your concrete furniture is protected with a professional-grade sealer. After installation, the sealer continues curing for approximately 14 days.

During this period:

  • Avoid prolonged standing water or liquids.

  • Do not place hot cookware directly on the surface.

  • Protect from site dust, tools or ongoing renovation works.

Proper curing ensures maximum stain resistance and surface durability.

Hot pan placed on cork trivet protecting sealed concrete surface during everyday use.

Daily Concrete Surface Care & Cleaning Rituals

Routine maintenance is simple and requires no specialist products.

For everyday concrete surface cleaning:

  • Use a damp microfibre cloth.

  • Apply a mild pH-neutral soap if needed.

  • Dry with a soft cloth to prevent water marks.

Avoid when cleaning concrete surface:

  • Abrasive pads or scouring tools.

  • Acidic or bleach-based cleaners.

  • Harsh degreasers that may degrade the sealer.

Concrete surfaces are stain-resistant but not stain-proof. Promptly wipe acidic spills such as wine, citrus, vinegar or oils to prevent etching.

Heat, Impact & Surface Protection for Concrete

Concrete is structurally robust yet should be treated with care to maintain its refined finish.

  • Always use trivets for hot pans and serving dishes.

  • Use chopping boards for food preparation.

  • Avoid dragging sharp or heavy objects across the surface.

These simple precautions preserve the sealer and prevent surface scratching.

Long-term Concrete Maintenance

To maintain the tactile depth and satin lustre of polished concrete, apply a food-safe wax (beeswax or carnauba) every few months, depending on usage.

This creates a sacrificial layer that enhances stain resistance and refreshes the surface appearance.

For high-traffic commercial environments, periodic professional resealing may be recommended.

Indoor & Outdoor Concrete Surface Care

Gumi Works concrete furniture is suitable for both interior and exterior applications.

For outdoor pieces:

  • Remove debris regularly.

  • Avoid leaving wet leaves or organic matter on the surface.

  • Consider breathable covers during extended periods of non-use.

Seasonal variation is natural and does not compromise structural integrity.

Supporting information

For further detail on fabrication methods and surface finishes, explore:

We provide a comprehensive Concrete Care & Maintenance manual with every commission to ensure your piece performs beautifully for decades.

Let’s Realise Your Next Concrete Design

Maker Collaboration — From Studio to Site

Concrete care begins with correct specification. We collaborate closely with interior designers, architects and private clients to ensure finish selection aligns with intended use, environment and maintenance expectations.

If you require technical advice on concrete performance, sealing systems or long-term maintenance planning, contact the studio to discuss your project.

Alternatively, message the studio directly for advice on finishes, lead times, or feasibility.