So what would everyone out there recommend for an interior column cladding material for a round cast-in-place column that will provide a high level of finish and require the least increase in thickness to the column.
Paint is not the answer and neither is plaster. The ideal material would be a pre-manufactured finish that could be direct applied to the concrete column.
Thanks!
Shiny or dull?
Metal column covers come in various finishes and should be able to be fastened/clipped around the cylinder (assuming it’s really circular).
Stainless steel. however to have the least addition to the diameter you’ll have to have some variety of semi or fully exposed fastener that goes straight into the concrete, As you will not want to be adding framing. well …you might be able to hide the fastener…
best of luck
If you can tolerate a little added girth you can go with GRG or GFRC (depending on whether it’s interior or exterior).
Actually we’ve been working with the idea of using a higher end form liner and just leaving the concrete untouched. Grout rubbing and coatings seem to leave the concrete looking like a corrected mistake as does grinding (@ the seams when the form liners are removed). The problem, of course, is that you have to live with a certain amount of bugholes and voids.
When you say direct-applied, the only other thing that comes to mind is something like a pigmented Miracote type coating (www.miracote.com) with sand added, shot through a hopper gun and hit with a trowel (amount of troweling is up to you). You will need to vett your applicators; see other projects they have done and require a mock-up.
Ken has the best solution, but it will add about 6" (3" all the way around)to the diameter. GFRG or GFRC works well. Any other direct applied material looks bad and also shows any imperfection of the concrete.
Thinset tiny glass tiles?
I’m not sure why direct-applied plaster has been ruled out. With the right plaster (a hard, dense one) and a good craftsperson, that should yield a very nice finish with very little thickness.
Oh I like the plaster - good point John. now all you need is a skilled applicator - do any still exist?
I think they’re all plastered…
Not yet but tonight is the local chapter meeting - so give me a few hours
Seriously, is the design intent for something shiny like metal or shiny and segmented like the glass tiles or something softer-looking like the gypsum?
on a serious note as well…you could paint plaster with any number of high end metalic looking paints - often urethanes. Scuffmaster is a brand my interiors folks like much to the cursing of the paint reps all of whom have similar products but ont the fancy name.
Alan…don’t tell Ken he knows what he’s talking about…it’ll go to his head!! (and I hate to admit it, but that is one of the solutions that came to mind when I read the question too…oh the horror of it!!)
Marc…the question about skill applicators still existing could be asked for a plethora of trades including drywall tapers, painters etc.
Lynn…great idea…we should all get together for a getting plastered party, altho some of us here did have a few drinks a couple of weeks ago…you missed a good summit in my humble opinion…maybe next year 
Thanks for all the input. We are considering metal column covers and GRG but are looking for something a little outside the box. Thinking out loud, is there a material like plastic laminate that could be direct applied to the column that would be prefinished and have enough rigidity to bridge imperfections in the surface of the column.
Plaster is an out because of the lack of local skilled workmen.
For outside the box, how about some tightly woven stainless steel mesh? Or take a look at some work from Moz Designs. Think Las Vegas. You could disguise them as palm trees? Or giant flamingo legs?
Paul…I am trying burst that head of Ken’s. It was already big after the Summit. Put him on a stage and let him talk specs…
The problem with plaster is that it is a worked trade. Getting a good smooth finish that will not crack is a problem, skilled or not. GFRG has the advantage of the ability of a consistent finish and the joints can be be taped and bedded to hide them. It would require paint. If joints are acceptable, then a metal column cover would be more durable and can be prefinished.
What’s the diameter? You might be able to form plastic laminate.
Or LuminOre
Or Gage Architectural Products
Or Cascade Coil Drapery (page 14 in the recent Architect)
Paul, don’t rub it in…I wish I could have made it. I’m still hoping for a future gathering.