Options in Concrete Colors

Stamped Concrete Color

• Stamped concrete color has a natural look to it and contains more than one color. The colors you choose to implement in your stamped concrete should match or complement the color of the building or home you are laying the concrete around. Make certain the concrete colors accentuate the roof and siding colors and are not so close in color to each other that they are not contrasting.

Integral Color

• Colored concrete suppliers mix integral colors to the concrete mix at the batch plant, which produces uniform colored concrete throughout. Producing concrete in this manner is not labor intensive as you add the color before you place the concrete, and it is also beneficial if the concrete ever chips because it won't be as noticeable with the color integrated throughout the concrete slab. A variety of colors are available from a variety of suppliers to integrate into concrete.

Liquid or Powder Release Color

• You can add powder release to concrete after you place it. Wind blows the powder around, making installing it proportionately difficult. Another option includes adding a clear liquid release to the concrete after you place it and adding the powder color to the liquid release. This option doesn't provide the most vibrant colors; however, it is better than losing the powder to the wind. Both the powder and the liquid/powder combination add subtle color to your concrete.

Dye and Tint Color

• Both dyes and tints add a more vibrant color to your concrete. Dyes and tints also fade over time if they become exposed to ultraviolet light. Tints provide a different finish to the concrete. Mix the tint with an acrylic sealer, and apply it to the concrete you just placed. The sealer will seal in the color. Adding color hardener to water and applying to concrete also adds subtle color.