Comprehensive color in exposed aggregate concrete and different colored aggregates

Exposed aggregate concrete, a very popular decorative concrete finish, gets its appearance and texture from the aggregates within the concrete mix, which can include materials such as crushed rock, pebbles, pebbles, and sand. The easiest way to achieve this finish is by washing and brushing the cement paste until aggregates are revealed. In a different method, the aggregates are spread over wet concrete and embedded before the concrete sets. This is followed by the same washing and scrubbing techniques to expose the aggregates.

Selection of colored stone aggregates

In the exposed aggregate finish, the final dominant color of the surface will depend on the color of the stones, while its size and shape will determine the surface texture. The stones, known as coarse aggregates, are available in an astonishing spectrum of colors such as marble, green or black quartz, feldspar, obsidian, red gravel, granite, and basalt, just to name a few.

The color variations of these natural stones depend on their geological origin. With the wide selection of colors, it is easy to choose colors that enhance any landscape. If you want a surface exposed to light, you can choose stones in subtle pastel shades like rose quartz. For earth tones, some options are gray limestone or black basalt. If richer tones are desired, there is dark blue granite or red lava rock. The frozen rock of the Pink River and the cranberry granite are other interesting options.

However, in addition to color, there are other factors to consider when selecting thick decorative aggregates such as size, grading, shape, surface texture, and durability. All of these things must be taken into account to ensure that the aggregates chosen are appropriate for their intended use. For example, smaller stones that are easy on the feet are best used for pavements that receive barefoot traffic such as in swimming pool areas, while smooth, glassy stones may not be suitable for steep trails due to their low slip resistance.

Coloring the concrete

While coarse aggregates impart their natural color to the concrete surface, the cement matrix between them can also be colored so that it is not simply gray or white. One way to color concrete is to use solid colors, which colors all of the concrete. These pigments are called integral because they mix with the concrete mix, resulting in a color that is carried throughout the concrete.

Using solid colors is more convenient than other staining options, as the color is already mixed with the concrete. This also means savings in labor costs because no additional steps are required to color the concrete; the concrete can be placed and finished as usual. Also, because color is an integral part of concrete, it will not peel off even if the surface is chipped.

When choosing an integral color, select a shade that complements or enhances the color palette of the coarse aggregates. The correct ratio of pigments is important to obtain the desired color and pigment suppliers will be able to help determine this. Taking small test samples is essential to find out the exact pigment and concentration level to use.