Quick Answer: Problems With Colored Concrete?

Is Coloured concrete any good?

Any colour you want it to be, thanks to coloured concrete. You can use coloured concrete for just about anything, but it’s particularly ideal for flooring such as interior floors, driveways, pathways, polished concrete floors and pavers.

Does colored concrete fade?

Cement Colors Inc state that the color can’t fade, but the concrete can. Left unprotected or weakened by a poor mix design or finishing job, the surface of concrete “dusts” and erodes slowly until fine aggregate and sand particles are exposed. This same process occurs in colored concrete.

Why is my colored concrete turning white?

Why is my concrete turning white? Efflorescence – As the concrete dries and its moisture rises upwards through the slab, it brings salts within the concrete to the surface as well. This leaves a white sticky residue called “efflorescence” when too much moisture passes through the concrete.

How do you fix colored concrete?

HOW TO FIX DISCOLORED CONCRETE

1. First, clean stamped concrete thoroughly.
2. Pour antiquing stain into a pump-up sprayer.
3. Shake antiquing stain before applying to stamped concrete.
4. Apply the stain evenly onto the concrete, the fluid will flow into the crevices and indentations of the surface.

What is better concrete dye or stain?

Dyes contain very fine color pigments, much smaller than stains. They are solutions, similar to ink, and can easily penetrate into tight concrete. Most are water-based but there also are solvent-based dyes, usually with acetone or alcohol.

How much extra is Coloured concrete?

Expect to pay $50 to $75 per square metre for spray-on concrete, $60 to $85 per square metre for plain concrete, $75 to $90 per square metre for coloured concrete and $100 to $150 per square metre for exposed aggregate or a decorative stencilled finish.

Should colored concrete be sealed?

Colored concrete will get good and hard just like normal concrete. However, all concrete benefits from being sealed against stains and water damage. So even though it’s not necessary, sealing your colored concrete will make it look good longer and will help prevent dusting of the surface.

Can you pressure wash colored concrete?

Most people do not realize the huge investment they have in stamped, colored concrete. Never use a pressure washer to clean your stamped concrete. Over time the high pressure breaks down the sealer and reduces the protection, the shine and expected life of the sealer.

Does sealing colored concrete make it darker?

Sealers, particularly solvent-based sealers, will darken concrete. If unevenly applied, it will create light areas where there is less sealer, and darker areas where there’s more. If applied by sprayer, it may appear like “stripes”. Uneven roller application may leave darkened roller marks.

How do you fix efflorescence in concrete?

To fix the problem at this point, clean the surface with a mild acid or efflorescence remover (some manufacturers make special efflorescence cleaners) followed by sealing. To avoid the problem altogether on future projects, consider using a colored curing compound or cure and seal to match the color of the concrete.

Does efflorescence go away?

In many cases, efflorescence will disappear on its own over time (usually after the first year of a paver or retaining wall installation). Efflorescence can also be removed with special cleaners like the Gator Efflorescence Cleaner. On average, you should wait about 60 days before applying an efflorescence cleaner.

How do you fix concrete efflorescence?

Removing Efflorescence

A mild solution of muriatic acid has been effectively used for years to remove efflorescence. The solution is usually made with two parts water and one part muriatic acid for a 10% solution.

Why is my concrete 2 different colors?

Calcium chloride in concrete is a primary cause of concrete discoloration. The resulting low water-cement ratio affects the hydration of the cement ferrites, which contributes to a darker color. Concrete surfaces that are troweled too early will increase the water-cement ratio at the surface and lighten the color.

Can you color concrete after its poured?

Another option for coloring concrete is to apply a color hardener to the top layer of concrete after it has been poured. While a color hardener can produce more vibrant colors than adding colorant to the mix, any dings or edges in the finished slab will show, since the color is only on the surface of the concrete.

Does concrete get lighter as it dries?

When initially struck, the concrete will be relatively dark, but as it dries out and carbonates, it will become progressively lighter and even in colour. This is why concrete should only be assessed for colour after a suitable period which may be up to 6 months.