Pigments for CONCRETE

Using Pigments to Tint Concrete

NOTE:  Always do a small test batch before tinting a full batch.  This will confirm the pigment color, pigment quantity needed, and that the method used achieves your desired effect.  Once you’ve established your formula, use the same products, quantities, and method for the same project.  This will reduce the risk of inconsistency. Variations in the mix design and curing conditions may affect the final color.

First, some background!  All concrete products contain cement, otherwise known as cementitious materials. The cement acts as a binder between pigment, sand, aggregates, and the added water, gluing everything together.  It’s the cement, and the paste that’s created when water is added, that incorporates and binds the pigment particles in the product and prevents them from being washed away.

The color of the cement affects the final color of the product.  Gray cement works best with darker colors while white cement (and white aggregates) produces brighter shades.  You can hand mix your own concrete using raw materials, or you can purchase premixed concrete products.   For large projects and consistency of color and shade across large surfaces, it’s highly recommended that you use raw materials.  Premixed concrete products are best for small projects.  Also, for long-term, better strength results, the concrete should be kept wet for several days to complete the hydration process.

The amount of pigment required depends on the pigment tinting strength, the desired color, and shade (pale or dark), as well as the method used.  The amount of pigment added to a concrete mix is determined by weight as a percentage of the weight of the cementitious materials.  We recommend using a maximum of 10% pigment.  Using more than 10% pigment will affect the strength of the concrete.  Usually, 5-6% of pigment is enough to achieve desired color saturation.

Our SP Super Pigments line of products works well for bright colors, as they are up to 10x more concentrated than regular ochres and oxides.  Ochres and Oxides will yield paler tones and require more pigment.  You’ll find more information on the Super Pigments here:  https://terrachrom.com/collections/sp.

Typical ratios when coloring concrete in large batches are:

• 10kg of oxide pigment/m³ (10oz/ft³), and
• 12-20kg of earths-ochres/m³ (12-20 oz/ft³)

 General instructions for tinting concrete products are:

• For hand-mixed concrete using raw materials:
• first, add the powder pigment directly to the sand and aggregates, and mix well
• then add this to the cement along with water, and mix well
• For premixed concrete (comes in dry form):
• first, mix 1 part pigment with 1 part water
  • then add this to the premixed concrete and follow the package mixing instructions

 Other tinting methods include sprinkling pigments on a wet concrete surface, which can then be burnished with a finishing trowel (or brushed) to create unique effects.  Or, adding pigments to a concrete sealer or protective coat. These methods require less pigment than coloring the concrete.  Depending on the color you are looking to create, we suggest adding:

• 50 - 100 ml of pigment powder per litre of sealant (approx. 4L per gallon).

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact us.