Over the past 10 -15 years, the use of colour in concrete has grown so rapidly that the concrete industry has become the world’s largest consumer of iron oxide pigments. Driveways, patios, walkways and pool decks are no longer viewed merely as durable, weather-resistant gray concrete slabs that get the job done. The use of colour and decorative techniques are visually appealing and it will add value to your concrete installations.
The introduction of iron oxide slurry or liquid colour, has been a result of technological advance. Liquid colours are high solids dispersion of iron oxide pigment in water with total pigment levels between 60 -70 percent.
Numerous standard colours are available in bagged powder product where noted. These colours are shown in one bag per cubic metre. By altering the amount of colour used per metre, many other shades can be obtained.
Differences in Portland cement, SCM’s, aggregates, slump class and finishing techniques create differences in the final concrete colour, and therefore it is anticipated that the colour in situ will vary from the colour swatch.
We strongly recommend pouring a test slab for approval prior to starting the job.
Colour matching is available for special applications.
Mixing
Make sure the mixer is clean and has no washout water left in the mixer. Load mixer in accordance with the limits and tolerances as specified in AS1379-2007 in order to maintain consistency between batches. Caution should be taken to maintain the water to cement ratio at a level so that the concrete does not exceed 100 mm slump. If the job requires a higher slump for placement, a water reducer or plasticiser can be used.
Curing
In locations where humidity is low and temperatures are high, a curing compound may need to be applied while the concrete is still damp and hard enough to resist scuffing if a finisher is walking on the concrete while applying a curing compound. In locations with high humidity and low temperatures, a curing compound may trap moisture between the concrete and the curing product, causing the surface to become cloudy. After the concrete is 24 hours old, it is recommended that the concrete be cleaned with a pressure washer before applying any type of curing compound or sealer.
If a decorative sealer is being used, apply multiple thin coats and allow drying to the touch between coats. Avoid applying any curing compound or sealer in a single heavy coat.
Finishing
Different finishing techniques will affect the final colour of the concrete. It is imperative to maintain a consistent technique when finishing to ensure consistency throughout the surface. Between loads, concrete should reach a similar age prior to applying a finishing technique.
Please refer to Sika® Colours guide to Decorative Concrete Practices for more information on techniques and trouble-shooting.
Precautions
Colour pigment should not exceed 10% of the weight of the cementitious product.
Application considerations Expanding the colour range
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ColorFlo® Colour CardLIQUID AND DRY PIGMENT CONCENTRATES for full depth colouring of concrete
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Terracotta
Leather
Apple Red
Sedona
Bark
Dark Redwood
Apricot
Nutmeg
Straw
Cinnamon
Garnet
Peach
Marigold
Avocado*
Terracotta
Leather
Apple Red
Sedona
Bark
Dark Redwood
Apricot
Nutmeg
Straw
Cinnamon
Garnet
Peach
Marigold
Avocado*
Clay
Rawhide
Brick Red
Cedar
Lava
Light Plum
Driftwood
Sahara
Ginger
Toffee
Merlot
Salmon
Doeskin
Sage*
Clay
Rawhide
Brick Red
Cedar
Lava
Light Plum
Driftwood
Sahara
Ginger
Toffee
Merlot
Salmon
Doeskin
Sage*
Cocoa Uluru
Plum
Cactus
Iguana
Pinotage
Morocco
Woodland
Shell Grey* Paprika
Standard Range for use with Grey cementStandard Range for use with Off White cement
Standard Range for use with Grey cementPremium Range for use with Grey cement
Black Range for use with Grey cement
Standard Range for use with Off White cement
2 BAGS per cubic metre2 BAGS per cubic metre
1 BAG per cubic metre1 BAG per cubic metre
*Bag product only
Saffron CreamSnow CapSweet Corn
Tabasco Sky Blue*
Fawn
Premium Range for use with Off White cement
Steel
Scorpion
Storm Thunder GalaxyMidnight
Bagged Colour Pigments
Sika® Dry integral colour pigments are packaged in repulpable bags. This bag is water-soluble and can be added directly into the truck or mixer. For optimal colour dispersion, add the bag to the mixer with the mixing water prior to addition of other mix constituents. For best results when using smooth or small aggregates, additional mixing may be required. Read and follow instructions on the bag.
Liquid Colour Pigments
Sika® ColorFlo® Liquid Pigments utilize pure red, yellow and black synthetic iron oxides. Sika® colours has expanded the colour range by formulating laboratory controlled high tinting strength blends, which can be obtained upon request. Each of these colours is 95% to 99% minus 325 mesh particle size. Sika® ColorFlo® iron oxides are permanent, inert, stable to atmospheric condition, sunfast and free of delterious fillers and extenders. Due to its liquid nature, consistency in colour can be achieved easily with less mixing required.
Solar Reflex Index
For more information on the Solar Reflex Index for colours shown in the Sika® ColorFlo® Brochure, please contact a Sika® representative to obtain the SRI value for your selected colour.
PREMIUM COLOUR RANGEFOR OFF WHITE CEMENT
INTRODUCING
Please Note: These colour chips represent shades of Integral colours based on 300 kg Type GP grey cement with 80 mm slump. Use this chart as a guide only. The colours may not exactly represent the final colour. Shade variations of cement and aggregate and the use of SCM’s, plus variations in the volume of water, the addition of admixtures and other additives may have an effect on the design mix and the final colour.
Due to variations in computer monitors, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of colors presented on-screen with actual products.