What To Consider When Buying Integral Color Concrete
Today many different colors are available to turn concrete from a boring gray into something more exciting. Integral color concrete can be ...
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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.
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.
Dry pigments are packaged in disintegrating bags of different sizes, from 1 to 25 pounds or more. These are usually used for smaller projects and the whole bag can be added without having to open it and create a mess. Thorough mixing is extremely important or streaking can occur.
There are certain important considerations when applying concrete already containing colors. When the ratio of water to cement changes, so does the color. The more water that is added, even if it is just splashed on the finished surface before it is dry, the lighter the final appearance.
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.
Read more about Purchasing Of Integral Color Concrete.
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.
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.
Dry pigments are packaged in disintegrating bags of different sizes, from 1 to 25 pounds or more. These are usually used for smaller projects and the whole bag can be added without having to open it and create a mess. Thorough mixing is extremely important or streaking can occur.
There are certain important considerations when applying concrete already containing colors. When the ratio of water to cement changes, so does the color. The more water that is added, even if it is just splashed on the finished surface before it is dry, the lighter the final appearance.
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.
Read more about Purchasing Of Integral Color Concrete.
