Hi,I am a General Contractor in the Denver area.
Often I get plans and specs that designate colored concrete.
I have found that there are a lot of factors that come into play in the placement of colored concrete.
Are there any pros out there that could give me some insight on what is the best way to achieve the best color for the concrete that is poured.
Thanks
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I'm no pro ,but I have used a color hardener for stamping . You just spread it on the wet concrete work it in with the bull float . It is from the Symons system. you can also use integral color that is placed in the mixer. or acid after the concrete has set.
Keep the water quantity uniform.
I built a bridge a couple of years ago, the beams, slab, rails and sidewalks were all brown. (you'ld think they could of used something nicer the extra $)
Anyway, we found that trying to keep the water content the same and not adding any water while finishing are very important. The color has no adhesion, it relies on the cement. The color granuals are smaller than the cement and sand, and tend to wash off easily if to much water is present.
As I'm sure you know its alot more expensive.
Good Luck
You might find some good reading here ...
http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/colored_concrete/index.html
Formerly BEMW at The High Desert Group LLC
Thanks for the info.
Hoser
Hoser, Let the redi mix company provide it in the mud. At our redi mix yard they have a brochure, lots of colors, But Hoser , I would make it very clear, to HO, batch to batch, color in brochure vs in their new liv. rm fl. probaly will be(slightly) different color. I would want to know about type of control joints specified, do they want hand tooled 3/8", 3'x3' squares, or an open expanse, either way, it is gonna have cracks, and nobody knows where the cracks will go. If you can talk them in to saw cutting slab, the easier it will be on the concrete finisher's. Either way, I would strongly suggest seeking out a good concrete man, and thank him for taking this job(s), Be Safe out there, Jim J