The most efficient way of coloring concrete (or mortar/plaster/grout) is by adding pigment (powder) to the mix. It is important to always maintain the same pigment to cement ratio to obtain the most uniform color. Also important to add an integral waterproofing agent to stabilize the color.
Liquid colorants: The first tip is to use inexpensive liquid colorant to dye your concrete. A 10-ounce bottle costs as little as $5 and can tint an 80-pound bag of concrete. Simply add the colors in the mixer after the aggregate and water but before the cement.
You can apply most decorative concrete techniques to dried concrete. So, adding a little design flair to existing concrete is often a cost-effective renovation choice. Additionally, the cost of patterned or colored concrete beats that of renovating with stone or tile per square foot.
The cost of stained concrete can vary greatly. For a basic application of a single stain color with sealer and minimal surface prep, most decorative concrete contractors charge between $2 and $5 per square foot. As the complexity of the job rises, so will the price.
Fill small disposable containers with 1 cup of concrete mix. Follow concrete mix instructions but instead of water, add Rit Dye All-Purpose Liquid Dye in your favorite color.
Concrete resurfacing is often seen as the best way to remedy worn, chipped, or spalling concrete without replacement. However, while it may seem like an attractive option, it's important to understand that it is usually only a temporary fix, especially in areas with frequent temperature and moisture fluctuations.
The acid works well on concrete and on many masonry projects because it neutralizes alkalinity. The surface becomes “etched” and clean, which allows for the proper adhesion of a new coating. Despite its effectiveness, muriatic acid should be used on concrete stains only if you've tried gentler alternatives to no avail.
Epoxy bonding agents are not just for bonding old concrete to new, they can be used to help bond concrete to steel. As well as helping to bond concrete to concrete and steel, epoxy bonding agents also work brilliantly well for repairing cracks of all sizes in existing concrete layers.
Patched concrete will almost always look like “patchwork” concrete since matching color and surface texture are almost impossible to achieve. Time and weather can take a toll on concrete, and cleaners may remove spots, but they can also bleach out sections to be lighter than the rest of the concrete.
Antiquing is a process that involves adding a modeled or variation in color to stamped concrete surfaces. It provides color variations based on the application and intensity of the color you select.
Another option for coloring concrete is to apply a color hardener to the top layer of concrete after it has been poured. While a color hardener can produce more vibrant colors than adding colorant to the mix, any dings or edges in the finished slab will show, since the color is only on the surface of the concrete.
Choose a Concrete Stain If…
You're working on an exterior surface. Stains can withstand ultraviolet light better and are less likely to wash away when exposed to the elements. If you're set on using a dye, you'll need to apply a UV sealer—even if your installation is located indoors!
If properly taken care of, Concrete dye will last as long as the concrete itself. However, projects using Concrete Dye MUST be sealed every 1-2 years depending on exposure to retain the original color. If not properly cared for, the color could significantly fade requiring an additional application of dye.
The small dye particles fill the pores of the concrete and are very hard to remove, making dyes nearly as permanent as stains.
How can we reduce the color difference? Some contractors use one or more muriatic acid washes to artificially weather concrete. Others suggest first etching the surface, then washing it with a mixture of carbon black and water. A third alternate is using a diluted black or brown concrete stain to darken the color.
Allow acid stain to react with the concrete floor for at least 6 hours. Clean residue and pour water on the floor to approximate the final color. If darker color is desired, apply a second coat. Clean residue from floor with degreaser and neutralizer solution using an acid brush.
Add Pigment to Water: Before adding to the concrete, mix the pigment thoroughly with the pre-measured water using a standard paint mixing bit. Combine with Concrete: Add the colored water to the concrete mix in a wheelbarrow and use a concrete hoe to mix the two until the color is consistent throughout.
Coloring your concrete can increase the aesthetic value of your property. It does not impact the durability of your concrete and if used on interior concrete, it can always be covered by an alternative flooring option. Cons: Every concrete floor takes the acid stain differently.
Going from a light to a dark color can be achieved with tinted sealers and colored coatings. But to go from dark to light, without making the surface look like it has been painted, often requires application of a micro-thin colored overlay.