Pigments/oxides are added to your concrete to achieve a full depth colour. Coloured concrete can be used on its own or combined with coloured aggregates and surface finishing textures to create the right look.
Integral coloring admixtures are one of the most used ways for coloring freshly installed concrete. These admixtures provide a deep, long-lasting, and fade-resistant color to concrete. This coloring media is often used by stamped concrete builders to provide a background for contrasting accent or antiquing colors, such as pigmented release agents, stains, or dyes. This color layering is what allows them to achieve such a near resemblance to genuine stone's varied, multi-tonal look.
THE BENEFITS OF INTEGRAL COLOR
Integrally colored concrete is analogous to adding food coloring to cake frosting in that the whole batch is colored all the way through. Powdered, granular, and liquid versions of integral hues are available. All varieties are made up of a combination of synthetic or natural iron-oxide pigments that are designed to distribute uniformly when mixed with new concrete at the ready-mix plant or on the construction site. Integral pigments' range is generally comprised of mellow earth tones that blend nicely with most landscapes and architectural components.
Integral pigments have the benefit of extending the color throughout the whole concrete slab, thus even if surface abrasion occurs, the color will not fade. Integral coloring admixtures' pigments are also chemically stable, meaning they won't fade over time due to exposure to the elements or UV radiation.
Another significant benefit is the time and labor savings. You may simply put and finish the concrete as normal since the intrinsic color is blended into it. Unlike shake-on hardeners, there's no need to dust the color over the surface and float it in during finishing.
Important: These color charts are presented only as a guideline, and should not be used to make your final color selection. Computer screens and printers vary greatly and cannot accurately show the colors that will be obtained. The samples pictured here were developed in a controlled environment using materials that vary in different geographic locations. A mockup is highly recommended to make sure the colors you choose meet your expectations.