Saturday, April 19, 2014

The Benefits Of Using Integral Color Concrete

By Essie Osborn


Today there are a wide variety of products available to change the look of dull, gray concrete. Integral color concrete is created when pigment is added to the mix before a slab is laid. It is well dispersed throughout the mixture, resulting in a locking in of the pigment. This means that fading does not occur and there is no colored dust.

These pigments usually consist of a blend of synthetic or natural iron-oxide pigments that disperse easily when mixed. They are available from many different suppliers, a number of whom have online websites. Charts are provided by suppliers of the different colors available. It must be born in mind that colors seen on these charts may not be exactly reproduced. Variations can occur due to differences in what is seen on computer screens as well as due to the cement used, aggregates and method of application.

The colors available are plentiful, with enticing names like ripe fig, honeycomb and brick red. Your selection will depend on your decorating scheme and whether you will be using it for a driveway, a wall, a floor, stairs or a counter top. Using these products for counter tops is an increasingly popular option as a marble-like, smooth finish can be achieved.

The product is available in powdered, granular and liquid forms. Small packages of powdered pigment are available for use on small decorative projects. These packages are readily available, do not cost as much as the liquid form and offer greater tinting strength. A liquid product is usually used for larger areas and can be dispensed by the supplier directly into ready-mix trucks or batched into plastic pails for transport to ready-mix companies. They can be dispensed with computer-controlled metering systems at ready-mix plants for more precise dosing.

The dosage amount is based on cement content and nothing else. When it comes to major factors that affect final colors, the most critical is water to cement ratio. Controlling the amount of water added to the concrete mix is critical to producing consistency. The addition of water lightens the final effect. Thorough mixing of pigment is also vital as improper mixing causes streaking and inconsistencies.

There are a number of advantages of having the pigment dispersed throughout the slab. Colors do not fade or wear away when exposed to ultra violet light or to the elements like those just applied to the surface of the slab. Application of a clear sealer offers added protection from grease stains and chemicals and adds a lovely sheen.

Coloring concrete obviously adds to costs of your project. However, the fact that the pigment does not have to be applied and worked in to the surface after it is laid, cuts down on labor costs. The liquid pigment costs more than the powdered type but it is less messy to handle, easier to store and faster to blend than the powder. The product chosen will obviously depend on your budget and the nature of your project.

These products are ideal for achieving uniform tones with no variations. They are easily used and small or large projects can be tackled. There are a wide range of colored pigments available in different forms. Selection is based on cost and on what is suited to a particular project.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment