Today many different colors are available to turn concrete from a boring gray into something more exciting. Integral color concrete can be purchased from many different sources, coming in different quantities and forms. The application is different in that they are added to batches before laying, causing the color to extend right through the batch, instead of just being applied to a surface. This has the advantage of making it more durable as it does not disappear even if there is chipping or scratching.
These products are available in liquid, granular and powdered forms. They are usually a blend of natural or synthetic iron-oxide pigments and wetting agents. The synthetic pigments have more tinting strength than the natural ones. One of the limitations of using this method is that the hue is less intense and more subtle than that achieved when using shake-on hardeners.
Iron-oxide pigments are basically black, red and yellow. These colors are then combined in different ratios to produce the many other colors available. Charts can be found on websites of suppliers showing a wide variety of attractive, earthy colors. Customers must be aware that the exact color seen on the chart may be reproduce exactly due to factors like the types of cement used and methods of application.
The liquid form of the product usually comes in pails or buckets. Many ready mix plants have liquid dispensing systems and pails can be delivered to the plant for mixing into a batch. This allows colors to be precisely dispensed into the mix, helping to create a good, cohesive mix.
For smaller project, bags of different sizes are available containing dry pigments. Some of these bags are made to disintegrate, causing less mess as they can be added to concrete without opening. Even on smaller projects, it is essential for mixing to be thorough to avoid any streaking.
When the process of laying a slab takes place, consistency is key. Adding extra water, for example, can cause the end result to be lighter than desired. Even splashing the surface with water after it is laid can have a lightening effect.
The cost of these products is usually higher than that of others due to the fact that application is not just to the surface. However, labor costs are less for this very reason. Liquid products cost more but they do have advantages such as being less messy and easier to blend. When using certain colors, it is a mistake to use any cement other than light or white ones and this can add to costs.
These products are ideal for many projects, large and small. They look great on stair risers and treads or driveways with different architectural finishes. As long as they are thoroughly mixed in, the colors are uniform and do not fade when exposed to sunlight.
These products are available in liquid, granular and powdered forms. They are usually a blend of natural or synthetic iron-oxide pigments and wetting agents. The synthetic pigments have more tinting strength than the natural ones. One of the limitations of using this method is that the hue is less intense and more subtle than that achieved when using shake-on hardeners.
Iron-oxide pigments are basically black, red and yellow. These colors are then combined in different ratios to produce the many other colors available. Charts can be found on websites of suppliers showing a wide variety of attractive, earthy colors. Customers must be aware that the exact color seen on the chart may be reproduce exactly due to factors like the types of cement used and methods of application.
The liquid form of the product usually comes in pails or buckets. Many ready mix plants have liquid dispensing systems and pails can be delivered to the plant for mixing into a batch. This allows colors to be precisely dispensed into the mix, helping to create a good, cohesive mix.
For smaller project, bags of different sizes are available containing dry pigments. Some of these bags are made to disintegrate, causing less mess as they can be added to concrete without opening. Even on smaller projects, it is essential for mixing to be thorough to avoid any streaking.
When the process of laying a slab takes place, consistency is key. Adding extra water, for example, can cause the end result to be lighter than desired. Even splashing the surface with water after it is laid can have a lightening effect.
The cost of these products is usually higher than that of others due to the fact that application is not just to the surface. However, labor costs are less for this very reason. Liquid products cost more but they do have advantages such as being less messy and easier to blend. When using certain colors, it is a mistake to use any cement other than light or white ones and this can add to costs.
These products are ideal for many projects, large and small. They look great on stair risers and treads or driveways with different architectural finishes. As long as they are thoroughly mixed in, the colors are uniform and do not fade when exposed to sunlight.
This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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