FAQs
What is integral concrete color?
It is color (made from iron oxide pigments) that is added to the concrete when it is being made, either in a ready mix plant or onsite in a ready mix truck. The color is evenly dispersed throughout, and integrated into the concrete.The entire batch of concrete will be evenly colored inside and out.
One major advantage of integrally colored concrete is that if it chips or is damaged, it is much less noticeable because the concrete is colored all the way through.
Does integral color fade?
No. Iron oxide pigments cannot fade. Concrete, however, can change over time with exposure to the environment (weather, sun, foot or wheeled traffic, etc.). To reduce the effects of wear on concrete, it is important to use a durable mix design, an experienced concrete finisher and a high-quality concrete sealer that is suitable for the specific application (e.g., driveway, patio, garage, etc.). Colored concrete can be refreshed by power-washing and resealing the surface.
Is integral color difficult to use?
Not at all. Interstar makes it easy with our automated granular pigment dispensers and pre-packaged bags of ready mix pigment. However, we strongly recommend using a skilled and experienced concrete finisher. Finishing techniques will affect the final color, so it is important to use a qualified contractor.
Will the color I choose look exactly like the swatch on the color chart?
No. Concrete is a unique material – no two pieces are the same. The color of concrete –even plain concrete – is affected by many, many factors such as: cement powder and sand color; aggregate color and size; the amount of water used; and finishing methods. Even though Interstar Marketing painstakingly calibrates every color swatch to an actual colored concrete sample to try to make our color charts as accurate as possible, it might not be an exact match to your concrete. We highly recommend pouring a mock-up to be sure you can achieve the desired color with the raw materials and finishing techniques you will be using.
My colored concrete was poured a week ago and it is much darker than the color I chose. Is there a problem?
No, this is perfectly normal. It takes at least 30 days for all of the moisture to evaporate from freshly poured concrete. During this time, the color will continue to lighten. Some areas may even appear lighter than others due to faster evaporation. Wait at least 30 days before the final color inspection.
Should colored concrete be sealed?
Yes. Even though concrete is extremely durable, it is still susceptible to the environment. A high-quality sealer should be applied at least 30 days after the concrete has been poured. Please keep in mind that some sealers will impart a color, and most will slightly darken the color. Always test it in an inconspicuous place before applying to the entire surface. Interstar has many sealers for various applications that are durable and protective.
I received my order of integral color and it looks different than the color I chose. Is the dry pigment representative of the final color?
No. The dry color is not reflective of the final result. It must be mixed with concrete. We create our color charts using photos of actual samples of colored concrete.
Are air-entraining admixtures compatible with integral color?
Yes
Do admixtures affect colored concrete?
They can, but consistency is the key to mitigate their effects. The same admixture(s) should be used at the same dosages throughout a given job. In fact, every component of the mix design must be the same throughout a pour to help ensure consistent color. Calcium chloride accelerators should NEVER be used in colored concrete.
What happens if I pour colored concrete on separate days?
There could be color differences, which is why pouring on different days should be avoided, if possible.
Can I just add pigment to the surface of the concrete and mix it in?
No. Integral color must be added to the mix BEFORE pouring and placing the concrete. Interstar manufactures two topical colorants: Interstar Color Hardener and NStar, a non-reactive stain. Color hardener is used as a highlight color that is broadcast onto the surface of freshly placed concrete, and then floated into the concrete. NStar is a non-reactive stain that bonds to unsealed, cured concrete creating long-lasting, maintenance-free, translucent colors.