Brief Explanation Of Concrete Coloring Ways

By Sharron Cantu


Some time back, pearly polished concrete floors were of admirable beauty. With the change in living styles and technological advancement, these floors has been done away with. With any imaginations and dreams, there has been unlimited color choices. When used together with concrete polishing, gem like effects is provided by the coloring. To ensure a magnificent concrete coloring, the below steps or ways should be taken into consideration.

The integral coloring. When the colorant is added to the concrete while mixing, there is production of uniform color all through. The colorant is either in powder or liquid. The particular integral is used in new installation instances. In most cases, it applies for the large monochrome areas as it requires a ready mix truck. If one want to use the integral colors, he or she has to dig deep into their pockets as they are expensive. This is because they color entire depth of the slab.

Shakes on colors. The ingredients include fine ground pigments and dry cement. The cement is broadcasted by a freshly positioned concrete. As the process of bull floating is being undertaken, the powder is set. The bonding of cement powder with pigments is enhanced by bleeding water. Polishing and grinding removes the color from the top layer which comprises of concentrated pigments.

Acid stains. These are formulas of metallic salts, acid and water. The acid will chemically react with the minerals in the concrete to create a unique and mottled color effect. This is durable like the wear zone of a concrete it is applied to. The acid stains are said to be hazardous materials and will require extra precautions common to the acidic products. Any spills on the floor by the acid will create enduring features.

Acetone dyes. They possess a unique characteristic of drying faster. They are also a reduction solvent. However, there are some risks associated with these dyes, highly flammable. Engaged places are not ideal for use by these dyes because they odor and toxicity. Polishing of the floor is accompanied by the coloring. In the presence of UV light, the solvent dyes are not stable regardless of the clear colors being imparted. Respirators and explosion proofs should be used.

The water based dyes. They have some advantages which include easy application, odorless, safety and quick drying. The mixing process is also simplified and easy which can effectively be altered to match the client taste as well as preference. Striking patterns, as well as effects, are easily created regardless of size of the room.

Color densifier. This has come as a recent innovation through which the fine pigments suspended in water are blended by an applicator having a lithium silicate densified. The pigments in the product are similar to shake-on colors because they are surface treatments hence polishing after the application removes color. For horizontal concrete, out or inside, protective treatments are recommended.

In conclusion, if you interested in the new installation, any of the products mentioned above will work for you. If you are doing refit or the restoration, you will be limited to water-based dyes, acid stains, colored hardener or acetone dyes. To maintain the environment and safety go for water based dyes.




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