Colored Concrete
Concrete is a composite material used commonly in building construction. It consists of a combination of an aggregate and a cement binder. The most common type of cement comprises of Portland cement, mineral aggregates and water. Concrete is the most widely used man-made material on earth. Concrete has high compressive strength, but comparatively lower tensile strength.
Brighten up Your Concrete Home
Concrete can be colored according to individual tastes to impart a livelier look to the house. Coloring of concrete considerably improves the appearance of the concrete walls and also adds strength to the concrete structures. The colors can be used in various combinations and the concrete can be given various interesting finishing touches. It can be given a broom finish, a swirl or fan pattern. Sandblasting also creates a dramatic look.
There are generally two types of colored concrete. Integrally colored concrete involves the coloring of the entire batch of concrete, either at the site or with color bags. Integral coloring can be done in earthy tones and pastel shades. The colorant can be added in liquid or powder form. Dry Shake colored concrete involves the use of brighter and unusual colors. Color hardeners are often used in this technique. This method increases the durability and abrasion resistance of the concrete. The entire batch of concrete is not colored; rather, the color is concentrated on the surface. Coloring of concrete can be effectively used to visually break up large areas of concrete. Multiple colors can be used side by side to create excellent effects. Ready-mix bags are available for use in homes.
Overview
Color uniformity can be achieved by consistency in concrete materials, preparation of materials and curing. It is necessary to maintain a low and consistent water-cement ratio. This improves color consistency. After coloring, the surface of the concrete is sealed for moisture protection and to add a shine to enhance the colors. Most concrete colors are lime proof, lightfast and weather resistant and provide long lasting appeal. Colored concrete is commonly used in residential constructions for driveways, patios and walks. It is also used in architectural work.