Thursday, 5 June 2014

What To Consider When Buying Integral Color Concrete

By Sally Delacruz


A variety of colors are available today that can be added to concrete. They come in different forms and can be added in a number of ways. Each method offers certain advantages and disadvantages. One of the main advantages to using integral color concrete is that the color extends throughout the slab. This means that even if it is abraded, chipped or scratched, it does not lose color. This method also offers savings in labor as the mixing occurs before the slab is thrown.

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 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 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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