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 made from iron-oxide pigments with various admixtures. The iron-oxide can be either natural or synthetic with the synthetic variety producing a stronger tint. When compared with shake-on hardeners, the colors produced are not as intense. The hue is more subtle and some people actually prefer this.
Iron-oxide pigment comes in three basic colors; yellow, red and black. However, many other hues are obtained by mixing these three colors in different ratios. Charts containing all the colors available can be found on websites of suppliers. These charts are used as a guide as the colors obtained on an actual project may vary somewhat from what appears on the chart due to various factors. One of these factors is the type of cement used.
In its liquid form, suppliers usually sell these products in pails. Most ready mix plants are equipped to add these colors to batches with dispensing systems. Pails are often delivered directly from suppliers to the plant. The precise amount required can easily be added to a batch and mixed thoroughly enough to obtain a cohesive mix.
The granular and powdered forms are packages in bags, often disintegrating ones which can be added without opening. Quantities vary and one can purchase an amount most suitable for a particular project. Once again, it is important to make sure that the product is mixed in very well to ensure even distribution.
When applying the concrete, it is important to maintain the same slump throughout the process. If too much job site water is added or the surface is splashed with water when finished, this affects the ratio of pigment to cement. The eventual colors then appear too light as the more water used, the lighter the colors.
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 suitable for any number of projects, whether small or large. If a large project like a long driveway is being done, the liquid form of the product is usually used and thorough mixing is possible at the ready mix plant. For smaller projects, pre-measured bags of dry product are suitable. One of the main advantages of using these products is that the colors appear uniformly throughout the slab and are not affected by any chipping or abrading.
These products are made from iron-oxide pigments with various admixtures. The iron-oxide can be either natural or synthetic with the synthetic variety producing a stronger tint. When compared with shake-on hardeners, the colors produced are not as intense. The hue is more subtle and some people actually prefer this.
Iron-oxide pigment comes in three basic colors; yellow, red and black. However, many other hues are obtained by mixing these three colors in different ratios. Charts containing all the colors available can be found on websites of suppliers. These charts are used as a guide as the colors obtained on an actual project may vary somewhat from what appears on the chart due to various factors. One of these factors is the type of cement used.
In its liquid form, suppliers usually sell these products in pails. Most ready mix plants are equipped to add these colors to batches with dispensing systems. Pails are often delivered directly from suppliers to the plant. The precise amount required can easily be added to a batch and mixed thoroughly enough to obtain a cohesive mix.
The granular and powdered forms are packages in bags, often disintegrating ones which can be added without opening. Quantities vary and one can purchase an amount most suitable for a particular project. Once again, it is important to make sure that the product is mixed in very well to ensure even distribution.
When applying the concrete, it is important to maintain the same slump throughout the process. If too much job site water is added or the surface is splashed with water when finished, this affects the ratio of pigment to cement. The eventual colors then appear too light as the more water used, the lighter the colors.
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 suitable for any number of projects, whether small or large. If a large project like a long driveway is being done, the liquid form of the product is usually used and thorough mixing is possible at the ready mix plant. For smaller projects, pre-measured bags of dry product are suitable. One of the main advantages of using these products is that the colors appear uniformly throughout the slab and are not affected by any chipping or abrading.
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