Colored Concrete
How is concrete colored?
There are two primary ways to color concrete for a stamped or colored driveway. The first and preferred method by Richfield Concrete is called the "integral method." This method mixes the coloring agent throughout all of the concrete, usually mixing it in the ready mix truck.
The second way to color concrete is called the "dry shake-on" method. For this method the color is applied after the concrete is placed, but before it is stamped. The coloring agent is troweled into the surface and usually colors the top ¼ inch of the concrete slab The dry shake-on method tends to create more vibrant colors, but the trade off is, when chipped the gray color of the concrete will show through because the color hasn't penetrated throughout the concrete.
Gray cement plays an important role in the final color
The thing you have to consider with coloring concrete is the color you add has to overpower the gray base color of concrete. These two colors come together to form the final color. That is why most of the colors you see in cement are the darker earth tone shades. It is possible to create lighter colors, but that requires the use of white cement that is considerably more expensive.
Why is knowing this so important? Because if the batch colors aren't managed properly, when multiple batches are necessary, each batch could end up being a different shade. To protect yourself, first make sure you hire a reputable company, and then make sure they know that the concrete for your concrete driveway or patio comes from the same lot!
Proper curing & sealing of colored concrete is essential
Proper curing and sealing is the most important and often the most neglected aspects of creating a quality colored concrete driveway. Many of the curing techniques acceptable for regular concrete will not produce satisfactory results with colored concrete. For example, misting or water spraying can have an adverse effect on the concrete's water/cement ratio - which determines color. Also, covering the concrete with plastic sheets will result in discoloration wherever the plastic is wrinkled and water condenses underneath.
Using a high quality cure and seal is highly recommended. The cure and seal should be applied after final finishing has taken place. Proper curing and seal protection of against water penetration reduces the tendency for an effect called "efflorescence" to occur. Efflorescence is a white powdery substance that appears on concrete surfaces. A result of water evaporation, it is more noticeable on colored concrete and can cause the color to fade if they are not cleaned off. Remember all colored concrete should be sealed to protect the surface, and maintain intended color for as many years as possible.
Does colored concrete fade?
Over time, colored and stamped concrete driveway will fad if not properly maintained. If Cleaned and sealed on a regular basis, your colored concrete driveway can keep it's vibrant colors for many years to come. The frequency of the sealing and cleaning will depend on how high a traffic are there are for cars, foot traffic, water and any chemicals the concrete is exposed to. Richfield Concrete recommends that you seal your colored or stamped driveway every 2-3 years, depending on traffic.
Is colored concrete durable enough to withstand a Minnesota winter?
When installed by experienced paving company, colored and stamped concrete is more durable and will last longer than any other type of masonry installation! Whereas traditional pavers and cobblestone settle unevenly during the freeze/thaw cycle of winter, stamped concrete is reinforced with rebar, right in the middle of the concrete. This reinforcement gives the concrete the necessary strength to resist the constant heaving produced by the freezing and thawing of the ground.
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Richfield Concrete is an award-winning concrete paving company, serving Minneapolis, St Paul, the Twin Cities.