You have unlimited creativity and color options when you decide to use coloured concrete. You can look for a spectacular change, be it a patio or a room. You have multiple manufacturers offering various options from the vibrant hues to earth tones. This option works out affordable and is compatible with both, existing and new concrete. Products of coloured concrete are considered as a work of art.
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How Does Concrete Get Colored?
Colors for concrete are pigments and not stains or dye. These are either manufactured in chemical plants around the world or mined from the ground. These are available in granular, liquid and powder forms with all being equally good. The pigment particles of iron oxide are almost ten times smaller than that of a particle of cement. With color being added to cement, the larger particle covers the smaller particle of cement.
# Considering the Ratio of Water:
The most important factor for the coloured concrete melbourne is the ratio of water to cement. Controlling the water poured into the cement can offer a consistent color. It is not only the water which is poured on the cement but also the water used on the surface during the process of finishing.
When the surface is in the process of drying it is advisable to make use of an agent for surface evaporative control. These are easily available with the manufacturers of decorative concrete. Some of these chemicals are specifically designed to help in the wetting of color hardeners besides slowing the hydration of concrete in hot and windy conditions.
# Fading of Color Concrete:
You need to be aware that with this choice of color concrete it is not the color that fades but the concrete. The pure inorganic pigment made by oxidizing metal does not fade. The concrete changes with the weather conditions and the passage of time. Uncolored concrete tends to darken and turn yellow due to the environment. The best option to avoid fading of any concrete, especially the colored one is to opt for a reputed manufacturer who gives you the option of mixes with guaranteed durability. The installer also needs to have the required experience in ‘architectural’ concrete.
# Colored Concrete with Dark Spots:
Concrete less than two weeks old can have dark spots as it is in the drying process. In case, the rest of the concrete is dried and still you find these spots means there is a problem of ‘entrapped moisture’. These can be sorted out by scrubbing the spots with a brush and then flushing it with water. This process needs to be repeated after a few days. If the concrete is more than two weeks, you can wet the spots with water, pour some vinegar and finally scrub it with a stiff brush. Entrapped moisture requires a treatment for a number of times before it offers the desired results.
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Reasons for Opting Coloured Concrete:
Opting coloured concrete for home or office has its own set of benefits:
- Coloured concrete looks as elegant and classy as the granite or marble flooring but is cheaper.
- The durability factor of this concrete has made it a preferred choice not only for homes but for commercial outlets too.
- Colorued concrete if sealed with urethane or epoxy coating can last for a long period.
- Less lighting is required when you make a choice of coloured concrete flooring as this has the tendency to reflect light.
Choose from the different manufacturers of coloured concrete listed online, and only after making sure of the reputation and experience make a choice. This can make a world of difference to the required project, be it a home or an office.