Color
Color is applied to concrete in one of 2 ways. Concrete can be colored throughout(Integral) which is normally done at the concrete plant or it can be done by troweling the color on top of the concrete(Color Hardeners). Release Agent colors act as an antiquing color for highlights. Below are some examples of the color availability for all three.
Color Hardeners
The color hardener is usually troweled into the surface, covering the top 1/4 inch of the slab. Color hardener is a surface hardening dry shake blend of high color retention mineral pigments, Portland cement, silica aggregates, surface conditioners and quartz, for maximum wear resistance. It is recommended for use in many concrete applications where a durable hard surface is desired such as flat work and stamped concrete.
Integral Colors
Integral color is where the pigment is added to the ready-mix concrete so the color is integrally part of the poured material.
Release Agent Colors
Release agents are used in the process of stamping to prevent mats from adhering to fresh concrete and also to add a second or third antiquing color to stamped concrete. Release agents remain in the low points of the texture creating color variations and highlights in the texture.
Stains
Acid staining is a chemical reaction on a cement based material with metallic salts, resulting in the permanent coloring of the cementitious surface. Staining gives concrete a mottled or variegated look. Acids create beautiful colors on concrete, in earth-tone browns, reddish browns, greens, oranges, copper patina blue and near black.
Blush-Tone Acid Stain Applied to Gray Concrete | ||||||
Blush-Tone Acid Stain Applied to White Overlay | ||||||