A variety of colors can be added to concrete today to transform it from the usual dull gray. Integral color concrete is added to the mix before a slab is laid and this offers several advantages. This method is convenient and reduces labor costs as the colors do not have to be applied in a second step after laying the slab. As the color is dispersed consistently throughout the slab, abrading, chipping and scratching does not result in it disappearing.
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 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.
The liquid form of the product is normally used in larger applications. Many ready mix plants have systems to dispense this liquid into a batch as it is being mixed. It comes in a bucket or pail which can be delivered directly to the ready mix plant by the supplier. This enables a precise amount to be added and allows for thorough mixing to take place to prevent any streaking for occurring.
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 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.
Buying these products may be more costly as they are not just applied to the surface and so a greater quantity is required. However, the customer must bear in mind that labor costs will be reduced as colors are already mixed in and it is simply a matter of laying the mixture and finishing it in the same way as normal. It does not need to be floated in during finishing.
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 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.
The liquid form of the product is normally used in larger applications. Many ready mix plants have systems to dispense this liquid into a batch as it is being mixed. It comes in a bucket or pail which can be delivered directly to the ready mix plant by the supplier. This enables a precise amount to be added and allows for thorough mixing to take place to prevent any streaking for occurring.
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 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.
Buying these products may be more costly as they are not just applied to the surface and so a greater quantity is required. However, the customer must bear in mind that labor costs will be reduced as colors are already mixed in and it is simply a matter of laying the mixture and finishing it in the same way as normal. It does not need to be floated in during finishing.
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.
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