The idea of coloring concrete is nothing new. It has been around as long as concrete itself. Color is achieved in a number of different ways, but the most common are integral color, color hardeners and stains.
We are experts in all of these methods. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. We can help you select the best method for your application.
Integral color is the most common method for coloring concrete. Color is achieved by adding iron oxide pigments to otherwise normal concrete.
The benefits include:
- Ultraviolet stability.
- Color is full depth (no problems with chipping, etc)
- Low labor cost for installation.
The drawbacks are:
- Color can vary from pour to pour.
- Materials are expensive for the high intensity colors.
- Difficult to match colors at a later date.
Musselman & Hall Contractors has recently taken integral colors to the next level by using white cement based concrete in lieu of the much more common gray cement. This allows us to get much more intense colors as well as very light colors.
Color Hardener is a blend of sand, iron oxide pigments, and cement that is broadcast over a recently poured concrete slab.
The benefits include:
- Higher color intensity.
- Little color variation between pours.
- Easy to color match and patch.
- Crisp stamped concrete patterns and textures.
- High abrasion resistance.
- Low material costs (especially on very thick slabs).
The drawbacks are:
- Higher labor cost for installation.
- Increased risk of exposing gray concrete if the slab is ever damaged/chipped.
Concrete stains come in three varieties:
Reactive stains.
Penetrating stains.
Topical stains.
Stain selection is determined by the application and the funds available.
As a combined category the benefits include:
- Application to existing/old concrete.
- Attractive color variation/mottling.
- Large color availability.
Drawbacks include:
- Color is only surface deep.
- Special care needs to be taken when used on exterior concrete.
Surface must be protected either by hardening/polishing with a sealer/coating in order to prevent the color from wearing off over time.
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