Ways to Color Concrete

Powdered Integral Color

• Pigment can be added directly to the concrete truck's mixing bowl. Colored pigments are dispersed deep into the concrete before it is poured. The color is ultraviolet (UV) and weather resistant, advises Concrete Colour Systems. This method of coloring concrete can be used for many applications, including polished concrete floors, roadways, walkways, interior floors and grout.

Acid-based Stains

• Acid-based chemical stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid and metallic salts. The acid stain etches the surface, allowing the salts to penetrate and react with the hydrated lime in the concrete. This stain becomes permanent and won't fade, chip or peel but will not hide cracks, blemishes or flaws in existing damaged concrete. Acid stains produce a rich translucent luminous finish usually in earthy tones, such as browns, tans and terracotta colors.

Dyes

• Dyes are used to achieve more vibrant colors, such as red, yellow, purple, orange and turquoise. Water-and solvent-based dyes penetrate the concrete surface and are more uniform than stains. Dyes can be applied over stains to intensify color and are ideal for elaborate graphics. You can polish dyed concrete, but dyes are not UV stable and may fade if exposed to direct sunlight.

Dry-Shake Hardener

• Dry-shake color hardener is broadcast across fresh concrete to add vibrant or subtle color or texture to the surface. It is worked into the surface with a float or trowel and makes the surface long-wearing for pedestrian or vehicular traffic by increasing abrasion resistance and densifying the concrete's surface, according to Scofield website. Shake-on color hardeners come in a wide choice of colors and hues, including shades of blue and green. Dry-shake color hardeners are often used on stamped concrete and concrete overlays because of the robust tones they produce.

Sealers

• Some sealers are used to penetrate and protect and have little impact on the look of the finished concrete surface. Other kinds of sealers can dramatically change the final look and color when applied to the concrete surface. "Wet-look" sealers create a shiny surface and add luster and richness to the color.