Few Tips on Coloring your Concrete

There different ways to spice up the concrete but coloring it is the most convenient and less expensive compare to others. Concrete can be colored in four different ways: you can stain, integral pigments, color hardeners and dyes. Each of these coloring methods produces different looks and comes with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Coloring concrete is getting popular too nowadays resulting to many household owners want to experience colorful lawn that’s why most of them tried and did coloring concrete with their choice of color.
 
 
Here are a few tips on Coloring your Concrete and getting the best results with color:
 
Think in terms of what effect you want to achieve, rather than a specific product: Each of the coloring mediums can produce dramatically different results. First you need to decide what look you’re after like as earthy tones vs. bright primary colors and uniformity vs. marbling or antiquing effects and then work with your decorative concrete contractor to determine the best product or combination of products for your design needs.
 
 
Don’t rely on color charts alone: The color charts or cards provided by the color supplier may not precisely represent what the results will be on your project. With the integral pigments, the final color will vary depending on the cement color, sand color and the amount of water that is used in the mix. With surface-applied treatments, especially reactive chemical stains, the color can vary widely depending on the condition and original color of the base concrete. Always conduct a trial application of any color treatment you plan to use.
 
 
Consistency counts: For new concrete, its important for every batch of concrete used on the project to be consistent, including cement type and brand, aggregates and water-cement radio. When different batches of concrete vary slightly on the same job, they may absorb stain or dye differently but resulting in noticeable color variations. Inconsistencies in finishing practices, timing of operations and curing and sealing methods can also result in slight color variations.
 
 
Consider custom color matching: If you can’t find the right color for your project, ask the color manufacturer or your decorative concrete contractor if it’s possible to have a custom color matching. Many color suppliers can match existing color tones or formulate custom hues to suit your design scheme. With most stains, its possible for the applicator to achieve the custom shades by mixing two or more colors by applying one color over another. Most dyes also allow flexibility in the end color because they are packaged in concentrated form and can be diluted or blended to produce custom hues.
 
 
 

We do hope that with the information above it helped you to know more about Coloring your Concrete.

At NICE BACKYARD, we do stock concrete sealers, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist you ?