Architectural concrete mixes are specifically designed and manufactured to provide the highest quality surface finishes. Sometimes referred to as visual or fair faced concrete, architectural concrete has a more visually pleasing appearance compared with conventional concrete mixes. Architectural concrete demands careful selection of materials and requires a relatively high cement content to achieve a rich concrete matrix that will in turn give an improved and consistent surface finish both in texture and colour. In achieving an architectural concrete finish, the selection of the formwork type, release agent, workmanship in placing, compacting, curing and protecting the concrete are vital elements to achieving the desired quality of finish.