Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Learning About Concrete Color Pigment

By Sally Delacruz


Cement is no longer limited for patios or garage and basement floors. It no longer has to be drab and boring. Concrete color pigment provides a ton of choices, not just for floors but also for other types of surfaces. There are different types of pigments with different compositions, coloring choices, and price ranges. Each type may also have variations in the method of application, depending on the form and which group the pigments fall under.

Pigments are available in powder or liquid forms. They can be mixed into cement before it is installed or they can be applied to the surface as penetrating colors. There will be different requirements for mixing. Liquids, for example, may need to be diluted depending on whether they are already diluted or concentrated. The pigments may also have differences in how they should be applied.

Iron oxide pigments are the most commonly chosen. They are often less costly than other types. These pigments generally have a limited range of colors. Choices only tend to include earth colors such as browns and dark yellows. These pigments tend to have more requirements when it comes to mixing and usage than the other two groups.

Metal oxides are a bit more expensive than iron oxides. This is often due to their composition, which typically helps to provide more choices for coloring. For example, titanium oxide is a bright white while chromium oxide is a green. There are also blues, reds, and purples available in comparison to only the earth tones available in the first group.

Synthetic pigments are in the third group. Even though they are more expensive, many people feel the increase in price is worth it. There are more colors to choose and they tend to use less than pigments in other groups. Colors are much brighter and there is a larger selection available, including yellows, purples, and oranges.

Packaging for powdered pigments includes cans and pre-measured dissolving bags. These pigments come in granule or fine forms. Granules are recommended for cement mixing trucks and large industrial mixers. Fine pigments, in true powder form, are designed for do it yourself uses and appropriately sized manual cement mixers, such as the ones that are used by homeowners who are attempting projects on their own.

Pigments in liquid form need to be mixed thoroughly before adding them to the mix or applying them to the surface. The pigments are suspended in a liquid that keeps it from settling and allows time for measuring and mixing. They should be mixed while still in the container as well. It is important to pay attention to the usage instructions and whether or not it needs to be diluted.

Pigments for concreted surfaces can provide many benefits. They allow you to add coloring and use cement in different ways. Adding pigments can also provide some repelling properties, especially with concreted surfaces that are polished. They are often a popular choice with other decorative techniques, such as stamping.




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