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Colored Concrete
Concrete is a composite material used commonly in building construction.
It consists of a combination of an aggregate and a cement binder. The
most common type of cement comprises of Portland cement, mineral aggregates
and water. Concrete is the most widely used man-made material on earth.
Concrete has high compressive strength, but comparatively lower tensile
strength.
Brighten up your Concrete Home
Concrete can be colored according to individual tastes to impart a livelier
look to the house. Coloring of concrete considerably improves the appearance
of the concrete walls and also adds strength to the concrete structures.
The colors can be used in various combinations and the concrete can be
given various interesting finishing touches. It can be given a broom
finish, a swirl or fan pattern. Sandblasting also creates a dramatic
look.
There are generally two types of colored concrete. Integrally colored
concrete involves the coloring of the entire batch of concrete, either
at the site or with color bags. Integral coloring can be done in earthy
tones and pastel shades. The colorant can be added in liquid or powder
form. Dry Shake colored concrete involves the use of brighter and unusual
colors. Color hardeners are often used in this technique. This method
increases the durability and abrasion resistance of the concrete. The
entire batch of concrete is not colored; rather, the color is concentrated
on the surface. Coloring of concrete can be effectively used to visually
break up large areas of concrete. Multiple colors can be used side by
side to create excellent effects. Ready-mix bags are available for use
in homes.
Overview
Color uniformity can be achieved by consistency in concrete materials,
preparation of materials and curing. It is necessary to maintain a low
and consistent water-cement ratio. This improves color consistency. After
coloring, the surface of the concrete is sealed for moisture protection
and to add a shine to enhance the colors. Most concrete colors are lime
proof, lightfast and weather resistant and provide long lasting appeal.
Colored concrete is commonly used in residential constructions for driveways,
patios and walks. It is also used in architectural work.
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Intricate jobs become simple after using the concrete products. It is because every concrete product is ready for immediate positioning into the quarry. Effort goes on quickly because one can work from one point to another, and the forms allow one...
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Concrete stamp
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