GFRC Lightweight Concrete
Tournesol’s glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) concrete planters offer a variety of textures and color combinations with a thin face coat and a thicker back coat. The face coat is pigmented concrete without glass fibers, and the stronger back coat is a mixture of cement with glass fibers for reinforcement, yet without any color pigment. Our finishing textures like Acid Etch, Sandblast, and Travertine are natural concrete finish variations, while our Natural Sand and Fine Grain options rely directly on applied paints and textures.
Care & Maintenance
Concrete is a porous surface that absorbs moisture and minerals, which can cause changes to the surface’s appearance. Like most concrete surfaces, our GFRC can be sealed using commercially available clear concrete sealers, Tournesol uses Brightstone Sealer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when reapplying.
Planters in exterior applications have standard drain holes in the bottom. As an option, you may request a planter without a drain hole, yet you must use a pump-out (or siphon) tube to remove water. Water standing in the bottom over a long period will harm the plant(s); it may eventually break down the interior damp-proofing material and compromise the structural integrity of (crack or break) the planter if water remains in the bottom of the planter in climates where freezing occurs.
The interior of each planter is sealed with Xypex Concentrate as a water-resistant, damp-proofing layer to prevent most efflorescence (water and dissolved minerals transmitted from the pot’s interior to the outside surface). Small surface stress cracks may eventually appear in the container but are typically restricted to the face coat of the concrete, not the stronger backing coat, and will not affect the overall strength and integrity of the planter. A touch-up kit is sent out with GFRC planters, contact Tournesol for application and repair instructions as needed, per finish.
Though GFRC planters are designed to hold up to the elements, they can still scratch, crack, or chip if care is not taken.
- Clean GFRC finishes with soap & water applied by a bristle brush to get into the textured areas.
- Rinse products well to wash away soap and grease.
- Do not scrub with abrasives.
- Do not use harsh chemicals on the planters or in proximity.
- Do not push or pull full-planted pots by the top lip.
Thermally Modified Hardwood
All thermally modified wood products are designed for long-term use in commercial exterior applications, although they can also be applied indoors. Manufactured from hardwoods, typically Oak, Tournesol thermally modified wood is harvested in the Northeast. The wood is milled and thermally processed, naturally producing a deep, rich color. This color is unique to each piece of wood and each batch in the kiln and is subject to variation.
Our thermally modified wood is dimensionally stable and subject to minimal expansion or shrinking. In addition, the altered cell structure keeps the wood from absorbing moisture, which causes typical warping, twisting, cupping, and cracking. Adequate ventilation will help prevent water from being trapped on the surface.
Care & Maintenance
Like any natural wood product, thermally modified wood can show small stress cracks, referred to as “checking.” Surface cracks are due to the surface of the wood expanding and contracting at a different rate than the core, yet do not affect durability.
Thermally modified wood and all wood elements of our planters and site furnishings are treated with Penofin® oil before delivery. Tournesol recommends sealing boards with oils and sealants meant for hardwoods to maintain the rich color and minimize checking. For the first year after receiving the products, seal every six months (depending on your climate) and then once a year. While most sealing products will darken the wood slightly, some leave an undesirable surface color. Test any sealants or oils on an inconspicuous area prior to applying to the entire project. Also, lessen splitting or end-checking with an application of wax (Anchorseal ®) to the ends of the boards. Clean the wood before any application.
Cleaning
- We recommend using a commercial deck cleaning product that is effective against biological growth and mold spores. Again, test products on the wood in an inconspicuous location before applying them to the entire project.
- The wood will develop a natural patina as it ages, especially when left unsealed. The grain of any unsealed wood may naturally become more pronounced. Despite surface changes, the wood will remain strong and decay resistant for the project’s lifespan.
- The wood is treated with a light Penofin oil, and pressure washing is not recommended as it may cause surface damage to the wood.
Wood Color Changes Over Time
Each piece of thermally modified wood has its own unique color, shaped by the specific batch and kiln cycle—no two are exactly alike. Over time, all wood species naturally change color when exposed to UV light, gradually developing a silver-gray patina. Our products arrive with a UV-protectant oil to help slow this aging process, though it won’t stop it entirely. While the surface color evolves, the wood’s durability and resistance to decay remain unchanged. If desired, sanding can restore the original tone beneath the weathered surface.
Download the Care, Maintenance & Warranty Guide (PDF)
