Materials to Produce Colorful Concrete Integral Color vs. Other Methods Color-Conditioned™ Concrete has “integral color” – uniformly coloring the concrete all the way through. It doesn’t fade and shows its rich coloration from any angle, even exposed sides, indentations or chips. Premium quality, CHROMIX® Admixtures, conveniently supplied by your local Ready Mix Producer, have been developed exclusively to achieve the best results in concrete and present the most reliable and consistent method for coloring concrete. Some other methods of coloring concrete are simply surface-applied coatings, similar to paint. Over time, these can become unsightly due to fading, peeling and chipping that exposes uncolored concrete below. Frequent repairs and reapplication are needed. Color-Conditioned Concrete vs. Unrefined Pigments Unrefined pigments do not achieve the best results when added to concrete. Since raw pigments are difficult to mix thoroughly, the finished job sometimes shows undesirable streaking and unwanted color variations. CHROMIX Admixtures for Color-Conditioned Concrete are formulated to mix evenly and thoroughly in concrete and provide additional performance benefits as well as integral coloring. Color-Conditioned Concrete is concrete with: Added structural strength for both horizontal and vertical uses Improved resistance to freeze/thaw damage in winter climates Better finishability for contractors for enhanced surface appearance There is simply no equivalent for Color-Conditioned Concrete with CHROMIX Admixtures in the mix. Dry Shake Color Hardeners Use of color hardeners can introduce visual variety with contrasting or complementary color fields or add colored highlights. Striking, brilliant colors can be introduced by incorporating LITHOCHROME® Color Hardener into the surface of the freshly placed integrally colored concrete, also improving its density and abrasion resistance. Antiquing Release Colored, powdered LITHOCHROME® Antiquing Release can be used to provide a natural, weathered appearance that accents the depth of imprinting patterns and adds realistic variations. Chemical Stains Permanent, reactive LITHOCHROME® Chemstain™ is very popular for antiquing, faux finishing effects and graphics. The results are wholly unique to each surface. Formulated exclusively for use on cured concrete, it penetrates and adds a translucent, variegated, aged patina much like the shadings of natural stone. Chemstain can help blend new and old concrete harmoniously.

Learn More Concrete Lifestyles can help if you’re interested in decorative concrete patios, concrete pool decks, decorative concrete floors and concrete driveways. Each of these can be accomplished with more than just gray concrete, such as stamped concrete, stained concrete, pattern concrete, and colored concrete. Contact us and learn how a decorative concrete driveway can cost less than other alternatives.