Concrete - hard and gray, right? Wrong. Today, concrete is no longer relegated to just one color or just one use. It can be made to look like anything from ceramic tile to hard wood and can be created in an exciting kaleidoscope of colors, shapes and textures.

Never heard of imprinting? Well, the versatility of imprinted concrete is almost unlimited. Virtually any texture in the natural or built environment can be cost effectively replicated using pattern-matched imprinting tools and embossing skins. This allows one to create a slate like patio, or a faux brick walkway using stamped, colored concrete - at a much more affordable price.

Another amazing product is Scofield’s Lithochorome Chemstain which creates uneven, variegated or translucent color effects on concrete surfaces, much like the shadings of natural stone or the aged appearance of a timeworn patina. The result is unique to each surface and cannot be duplicated by other coloring materials. Due to their chemical reaction with concrete, Chemstain colors become part of the surface. They will not fade, chip, crack or peel and wear only as the concrete wears.

Consider the Coloring

There are three basic techniques used to add color to concrete: 1) directly to the mix at batching (integral color), 2) broadcasted over the surface of freshly placed concrete and trowelled in as a hardener, or 3) by staining the surface with various colored acids.

Mixed-in Color

Integral color is added directly to the concrete mix, coloring the entire mass of concrete uniformly, so if the concrete is chipped, it won’t show. Colors are added with metal oxides offered in a variety of colors such as black, red, brown, yellow, blue and green. For a non-natural look, synthetic pigments are also available. The number of shades of each base color available is limited by the color inventory and dispensing system offered by your local ready mix producer.

Color Hardener

Broadcasting (sprinkling) color hardener onto the surface of the concrete achieves a similar appearance to the use of integral color. The benefit of this method is that a vast number of color shades are available. On the downside, if the concrete surface is chipped the uncolored material below will show through.

Both of the above colorizing methods, once poured, may be stamped. The sky is the limit on stamping patterns, with over 90 different patterns available today. They include a wood boardwalk look, slate, cobblestone, brick, flagstone, ceramic tile, and the list goes on. Pattern stamping concrete is not a new technique - it’s been used residentially for over 40 years, and most contractors use it in one form or another.

Acid Stain

Acid stains react with the cement paste in the concrete to produce a color that sinks into the surface. Like the integral colors, acid stains are produced in blacks, reds, browns, yellows, and greens. Most stains are available in ready-to-use liquids.

Acid stains contain hydrochloric acid, which produces fumes that must be ventilated away on indoor jobs. There are some products available, however, which are formulated to work without fumes.

Staining requires proper surface preparation and timing to get the best results. As well, there are a plethora of borders and stencils designed for “coloring within the lines.”

In addition to the basics listed, other techniques include exposed aggregate, sandblasting, engraving, overlays, and molding. All have their best use and application. Your contractor is your best resource for exploring the right method or combination of methods for your project. Additionally, don’t hesitate to use your local ready mix producer as an excellent information resource on the many decorative concrete methods as well as the many different construction techniques involving concrete, the most used building material in the world.

If this application is of interest to you please contact our Marketing Department at (541) 683-6400 and we would be happy to provide more information for you.

Links:

www.decorative-concrete.net/
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/products/why_designers.htm
www.contractorlocate.com/diy/concrete/ stampedconcrete.html
www.contractorlocate.com/diy/countertops/ concretecountertops.html
www.concretenetwork.com
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/decorative/stencilconcrete.htm
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/decorative/combiningelements.htm
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/decorative/glossary.htm
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/decorative/index.html
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/countertops/contacts/index.html
www.concretenetwork.com/floorshow/index.html
www.concretenetwork.com/mdawson/patinastudios.htm
www.concretenetwork.com/mdawson/distinctiveconcrete.htm
www.concretenetwork.com/jim_peterson/outrageouspaving.htm
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/poured_concrete_retaining_walls
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/decorative/colored.htm
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/decorative/stainingconcrete.htm
www.concretenetwork.com/mdawson/concreteart.htm
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/decorative/texturedfinishes.htm
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/decorative/travertinefinishes.htm
acid-stain.tripod.com/concretecreationsnet/id11.html

Scofield Color site: www.scofield.com

A great site on what stamped concrete is and how it is made: http://www.concretesafari.com/whatis.html

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