Sunday 27 July 2014

Brief Explanation Of Concrete Coloring Ways

By Sharron Cantu


Pearly concrete has been of help for the past couple of years. It brought an admirable touch on the concrete in a professional way. Time has moved, and much has changed including technological improvements. This has led to changes in methods of concrete coloring with better choices coming up. This has helped as individuals can exploit their imaginations and dreams. Below are some of the ways in which this process has been successful.

The integral coloring. Once there is the mixing of colorant and concrete, production of uniform color is the results. The colorant exists in two forms namely powder form or liquid form. This method is applied where there is a new installation. Large monochrome areas are the targets as the procedure requires the mixing truck. Before undertaking this application, you should be well informed as it is a bit expensive. This is because it touches to the depth of the slab.

The shake on colors. They consist of some fine ground pigments together with dry cement. The cement is broadcasted onto freshly positioned concrete. During the bull floating process, the powder is worked into this concrete. Bonding of cement powder with pigments is enhanced by bleed water. Because the pigments are concentrated in the top layer, polishing and grinding removes the color. This is suitable to be used on freshly placed concrete.

Acid stains. Comprises of water formulas and metallic salts. Creation of unique and mottled color effect is evident after the acid has reacted chemically with present minerals. Just like the particular concrete the color is applied on, it lasts. There should be carefulness employed when handling these acid stains because they are hazardous. Any spills on the floor leave permanent feature.

Acetone dyes. Acetone is commonly known as a reduction solvent with benefits of fast drying, but it has an inherent risk of being highly flammable. In addition, it cannot be used in occupied places due to its odor and toxicity. Once the floor has been polished, the color is then applied. The solvent dyes impart the vivid colors but are not UV stable. When installing the solvent based dyes, it is recommended to use explosion proof and respirators.

The water based dyes. They have some advantages which include easy application, odorless, safety and quick drying. The mixing process is also simplified and easy which can effectively be altered to match the client taste as well as preference. Striking patterns, as well as effects, are easily created regardless of size of the room.

Color densifier. The recent innovation has brought this particular method. It involves blending of fine pigments which happen to be suspended in the water. The applicator used has lithium silicate densified on it. There is a similarity between it and shake on color in that they are surface treatments. By applying the polish, the color is removed. On the horizontal concrete, protective treatments are ideal.

To conclude, the above stated products handle the job well in new installations. Refit or restoration cases, require acid stains, acetone dyes or the water-based dyes to work. In the maintenance of the environment, water based dyes are recommended.




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