Method for texturizing the face of concrete products

Abstract

A method of and apparatus for molding and texturizing the upper surfaces of concrete products such as patio and paving stones following the steps of densifying and molding the concrete products and releasing them on pallets to a substantially horizontally traveling, longitudinally extending conveyor, then passing the concrete products continuously on the conveyor past an overhead force spraying station at a predesignated speed and directing a predetermined volumetric, overhead spray of liquid at a predetermined spray angle and pressure to progressively loosen some of the material and texturize the upper surfaces as the products move past the spraying station, and then before they have absorbed enough liquid to deleteriously affect their strength, either in the uncured or cured state, and, while they are continuing to travel along the conveyor, directing a flow of gas at the upper surfaces at a pressure to blow off the liquid and loosened material from the surfaces. Thereafter, the palleted products proceed continuously to and past a flooding spray station for entraining any remaining fines before proceeding to a second blow off station.