Methods of Colouring Concrete - Klassen Concrete Blog - concept design factory…….and all things cool

There are 4 major methods of colouring concrete.

1. Integral Pigments
Adding colour pigment to the redimix truck and pouring the colour full depth. Colours range in earth tones,reds and blacks.

2. Acid Stains
Coloured liquid acid that reacts with free lime in concrete. Surface density, porosity, and type of finish will determine the amount of acidic penetration and final colour. Can produce a very mottled look …see pics

3. Troweled on Colour
a. Coloured Hardner (exerior concrete): Similar to integral colour, but troweled into the surface only. Capable of more vibrant colours than integral concrete.
b. Interior concrete: When adding colour pigment to micro-toppings and blending them together, very natural mottling can be created. Troweling on coloured micro-toppings can produce any colour under the sun.

4. Dyes
a. Solvent based: Coloured dyes that penetrate the surface of concrete. Produce vibrant colours that can be translucent by cutting the intensity of the dyes with acetone.
b. Water based: Similar to solvent based dyes but less intense colour.

5. Release Agent (stamped concrete)
Although not a penetrating colour, powdered release agents will produce a secondary colour in stamped concrete surfaces. 25% of the powder will remain in the lowest areas of the texture or grout lines. Many colours can be added to the same project to create natural veining and realistic.