Is My Colored Concrete Really Colored?

Integral Color Vs. Surface Color

Concrete colored using color hardner
Above, you will notice that this just looks like a chunk of broken concrete. If you look a little closer, you will see the surface of this concrete is colored different from the underlying concrete. In this case, a color hardner was applied to the concrete. 

Well, if your concrete looks colored, it more than likely is. So, why this post? We wanted to discuss the difference in color when designing your new stamped concrete patio, walkway or driveway. There are many options to consider when thinking about or considering a new colored, stamped concrete install.

We cover many options on our site about stamped and decorative concrete. But... we are still working on it. That's exactly why we decided to cover this particular subject. It seems that many times when our estimators are out in the field, they even have a tough time determining whether they are looking at integral colored concrete or concrete that has been colored with a hardener. Additionally, we have had many customers wonder what the difference is. So, here is our explanation of the difference between integrally colored concrete and concrete that has been colored otherwise. 

Above, the integral color chart from Brickform / Solomon Colors integral line of colors.



Integrally Colored Concrete

Integrally colored concrete is the same color throughout. So, regardless whether the concrete is chipped, cut or scarred some other way, the concrete will always remain the same color. This is accomplished by coloring the concrete in the barrel truck when the concrete is poured. Major manufacturers of integral color both Butterfield Colors as well as Brickform/Solomon.

Above, a bucket of Color Hardener as provided by BrickForm.



Colored Concrete Using Color Hardener


In addition to coloring the concrete using integrally colored concrete, there is Color Hardener. With this product, we could use traditional colored concrete or integrally colored concrete. Once the concrete is placed in the forms, the crew would use color hardener in order to color the surface a different color than the underlying concrete. This color hardener can be seen in the image above. 

"Notice how the color of the concrete is red and that the concrete underneath is traditional "gray" in color?"

Many of our customers explain to us that they have not been given the option as to whether to use color hardener or integral color for the concrete installation. Denver Concrete Inc concrete experts are trained to give you as many comprehensive practical solutions as possible for your project. In most instances a color hardener serves well for a border or accent piece. 


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