The days of gray-only concrete are long gone. Many different colors are available, some of which are added during the mixing process. Integral color concrete means that pigment is dispersed throughout the slab. Since the colors are locked in to the slab, there is no colored airborne dust. As it is not only the surface of the slab that is colored, even if surface abrasion occurs, it does not wear away.
Colors used are not a dye, stain or paint. They are iron oxide pigments, either mined from the ground, or manufactured. The particles used are much smaller in size than the cement particles. The gray of the cement also plays a part in the final result as the pigment added has to overpower the gray base. This is why colors used in gray cement are all darker earth tone shades.
Applications for these products are numerous, from driveways, floors and walls to counter tops and stair risers and treads. They are easily used and a number of different finishes may be created such as smooth, textured or stamped ones. The products are ideal for achieving uniform tones with no variations. They may also be used as a first layer and then enhanced with hardeners, stains and other surface-applied treatments.
The product is available in powdered, granular and liquid forms. Small packages of powdered pigment are available for use on small decorative projects. These packages are readily available, do not cost as much as the liquid form and offer greater tinting strength. A liquid product is usually used for larger areas and can be dispensed by the supplier directly into ready-mix trucks or batched into plastic pails for transport to ready-mix companies. They can be dispensed with computer-controlled metering systems at ready-mix plants for more precise dosing.
Mixing of the product into the mix at the plant is preferable as this enables it to be mixed more thoroughly than if it is added to the mix at the site. If thorough mixing does not occur, the end result is affected and streaking may occur. Another problem is when extra water is added during application as the end result may be much lighter than what is expected.
The fact that the pigment is found throughout the mixture means that even if the surface is exposed to the elements, the color does not fade or wear away. Sealing can add protection against damage from oil and grease stains. A good cleaning and sealing may even bring back the original color after years of neglect and lack of maintenance.
The cost of liquid pigment is higher than that of powders and one obviously pays more for colored concrete. However, as pigment is mixed in before application, no extra costs need to be added for application. Other means of application involve working in products after the slab is laid, thus adding to labor costs.
These products remain a staple in the world of decorative concrete. Applications and popularity continue to grow as more people familiarize themselves with how easy they are to use. They offer many benefits and the range of colors available opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
Colors used are not a dye, stain or paint. They are iron oxide pigments, either mined from the ground, or manufactured. The particles used are much smaller in size than the cement particles. The gray of the cement also plays a part in the final result as the pigment added has to overpower the gray base. This is why colors used in gray cement are all darker earth tone shades.
Applications for these products are numerous, from driveways, floors and walls to counter tops and stair risers and treads. They are easily used and a number of different finishes may be created such as smooth, textured or stamped ones. The products are ideal for achieving uniform tones with no variations. They may also be used as a first layer and then enhanced with hardeners, stains and other surface-applied treatments.
The product is available in powdered, granular and liquid forms. Small packages of powdered pigment are available for use on small decorative projects. These packages are readily available, do not cost as much as the liquid form and offer greater tinting strength. A liquid product is usually used for larger areas and can be dispensed by the supplier directly into ready-mix trucks or batched into plastic pails for transport to ready-mix companies. They can be dispensed with computer-controlled metering systems at ready-mix plants for more precise dosing.
Mixing of the product into the mix at the plant is preferable as this enables it to be mixed more thoroughly than if it is added to the mix at the site. If thorough mixing does not occur, the end result is affected and streaking may occur. Another problem is when extra water is added during application as the end result may be much lighter than what is expected.
The fact that the pigment is found throughout the mixture means that even if the surface is exposed to the elements, the color does not fade or wear away. Sealing can add protection against damage from oil and grease stains. A good cleaning and sealing may even bring back the original color after years of neglect and lack of maintenance.
The cost of liquid pigment is higher than that of powders and one obviously pays more for colored concrete. However, as pigment is mixed in before application, no extra costs need to be added for application. Other means of application involve working in products after the slab is laid, thus adding to labor costs.
These products remain a staple in the world of decorative concrete. Applications and popularity continue to grow as more people familiarize themselves with how easy they are to use. They offer many benefits and the range of colors available opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
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