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Creating Beautiful Colored Concrete: The Definitive Guide

Everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and maintaining colored concrete

Coloring concrete is a fantastic way to add visual interest to both residential and commercial spaces. Because of the wide range of colors available, you can color a concrete surface to fit the style of any space—whether you want a subtle and serene, vibrant and fun, or something in between.

IS COLORING CONCRETE A GOOD IDEA?

Yes. Colored concrete is just as durable and strong as traditional concrete, and it also adds aesthetic value. When you use high-quality products, the color will remain for many years, as the pigments are UV-resistant and won't fade easily, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or refinishing.

When done right, colored concrete can coordinate seamlessly with surrounding landscapes or architecture, providing a cohesive, custom look that adds value to any property.

HOW TO COLOR CONCRETE

There are several ways to color concrete, and the method you choose depends on what look you’re going for. Each can be used to achieve a range of colors, textures, and finishes, allowing for custom designs.

What are the different methods for coloring concrete?

• Integral Colors: Using this method, pigments are added into the concrete mix before you pour it. Integrally colored concrete ensures consistent color throughout the entire slab. Solomon Colors offers granular, liquid, and dry coloring options that come in a range of colors.
• Stains & Dyes: Both are applied to the surface of the concrete to create colors that range from natural to vibrant. Brickform’s line of concrete stains and dyes offers coloring systems suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
• Color hardeners: By working a dry powder into the surface during the concrete finishing process, you can create a durable and abrasion-resistant layer of color, making it a great option for high-traffic areas. Brickform’s Color Hardener produces consistent and brilliant color.

What are the most popular colors for colored concrete?

The right color for your surface really depends on the look you’re going for and the style of the surrounding space. At Solomon Colors we have a wide range of colors to choose from.

Some color categories tend to be most popular, as they tend to work in a variety of spaces:

• Neutral shades such as creams, tans, and terra cottas: tend to be among some of the most popular. These shades create a more natural look and tend to blend well in a landscape.
• Shades of gray are popular for spaces where you’re opting for a more modern look and feel.

Here are just a few examples of what's possible when coloring concrete:

Can colors be combined?

Yes, colors can be combined to create a custom appearance. Combining colors can help create effects. When creating the look of natural stone, for example, combining colors is a great way to achieve a more realistic look. See Brickform’s guide to choosing colors for stamped concrete for more on this topic.

Can you use color with other decorative finishes?

Yes, colored concrete can be used in combination with other decorative finishes such as stamping, exposed aggregate, broom finish, and more. Contractors have used our colors with other techniques to create the look of natural stone, tile, or even wood. Our versatile color options allow for endless design possibilities to enhance the visual appeal of outdoor patios, driveways, porches, interior floors, and more.

Factors that affect color results

While color samples provide a good indication of your concrete's final appearance, they don't account for all variables that can influence the outcome. Consider these factors when planning your integrally colored concrete project:

• White cement results in lighter shades, while gray cement yields darker tones.
• Sand and aggregate color influence the shade of the final color.
• Water content can lighten or darken the color: more color tends to lighten the color while less water results in a darker color.
• Certain admixtures can affect the final color.
• Different finishes, for example: troweled concrete versus broom-finished concrete, may appear different even with the same mix design and pigment loading.
• Poorly calibrated color equipment can lead to discrepancies.
• In summary, anything that’s added to your concrete mix influences color. When possible, it’s a good idea to create a test slab to make sure you’re happy with the result.

Pro Tip: Make sure the ready-mix producer and contractor are using the same color cards to prevent miscommunications in color choices.

MAINTAINING A COLORED CONCRETE SURFACE

Though colored decorative concrete is durable, it does need to be properly cared for, just like standard concrete, to extend its appearance.

Does colored concrete need to be sealed?

Yes. If you want to extend the life of your colored decorative concrete surface, you need to seal it. Sealers protect a concrete surface against staining, water damage, and abrasion. On top of all that, it can even enhance the appearance of your surface. Brickform’s high-performing sealers also protect the finish from UV damage, yellowing, scuffing, and wear-and-tear.

In addition to sealing the surface, regular maintenance is key to preserving the color quality and surface condition. Here are other steps you should take to maintain a colored concrete surface:

• Clean routinely. Sweep or wash debris off the surface to prevent staining. When necessary, was the surface with a mild cleaner and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that aren’t intended for colored decorative surfaces.
• Avoid damage. Take preventative measures to avoid dings, scratches, and chipping from heavy tools or equipment hitting the surface.
• Remove stains promptly. If oil, grease, or other contaminants spill on the surface, clean them as soon as you can to prevent staining and discoloration.
• Reseal when needed. In addition to sealing your surface when it’s first completed or colored, it’s also crucial to reseal it when needed. Areas with lots of traffic will need to be resealed more frequently.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure if the sealer is still functioning properly, pour some water on the concrete. If you notice the water beads up, the sealer is still working. If the water soaks into the surface, that’s a sign that it’s time to apply sealer again.

Q & A – MORE ABOUT COLORED CONCRETE

How long does colored concrete last?

Colored concrete can last for decades or more. Its longevity is comparable to traditional gray concrete, as it retains the same durability and structural integrity. Factors such as the quality of the installation, the type of pigments or dyes used, environmental exposure, and maintenance practices can influence its lifespan. Regular cleaning, sealing, and protecting the surface from heavy impacts or harsh chemicals will help preserve the color and extend the life of the decorative concrete.

Does colored concrete fade over time?

When concrete is colored using high-quality products, and maintained well, the color shouldn’t fade. In fact, when using Solomon Colors’ integral coloring system, the color of your concrete will not fade or wash out over time due to the UV-stable iron oxide pigments. (However, keep in mind that some darker pigments, such as carbon black, may fade over time in certain conditions.)

Can existing concrete be colored?

Yes, if you have an existing concrete surface, you can add color using stains or dyes. Using integral color or color hardeners is only for new concrete pours.

How do I choose the right color for my concrete project?

We recommend browsing pictures online and color charts to get inspiration and help narrow down what you do and don’t like.

Here are some things you might want to consider when choosing a color:

• Surroundings. If you’re working on an outdoor concrete project, consider earth tones that might blend in well with the landscape. If you’re working on an indoor project, keep in mind the aesthetic of the space such as the colors of the walls, the design of the furniture, and décor.
• Style. In addition to the surroundings, think about the style of the space. For example, if you’re working with a modern and chic aesthetic, grays or muted colors might be a good choice.
• Sun exposure/climate. If your decorative concrete is going to be in an area that gets a lot of exposure to sun, you’ll probably want to opt for a lighter color that doesn’t retain heat and is less likely to fade.
• Potential debris. Are you working with a surface that’s going to see a lot of debris? You might want to opt for exposed aggregate with multiple colors that will hide surface debris.
• Patterns. If you plan to come up with a specific pattern, you might want more than one color to enhance the appearance. What parts of the pattern do you want to stand out? If you are choosing multiple colors, make sure they complement one another.

Related reading:
Color Matching