Pigments for concrete: basic characteristics, scope and

Traditionally, cement-sand mortars with crushed stone have an unsightly gray color. To diversify the color performance in the solution are added pigments for concrete. As a result, the concrete structure in the finished state acquires a more attractive appearance and it will be possible to do without the subsequent surface treatment.

Before figuring out what properties a particular pigment has for concrete, we will consider the main ways of painting concrete goods.

Concrete painting methods

If earlier there were no special aesthetic requirements for the appearance of concrete products, since the lack of appearance was compensated by the exterior finish, today the situation is completely different (find out here how to pour concrete steps yourself).

Currently, the pigmentation of concrete is a mandatory attribute of the production of a wide range of finishing materials, including paving slabs, cement-sand paving stones, garden curbs, side stone, etc.

Coloring pigments for artificial stone and concrete can be used both at the time of mixing the mixture, and at the stage of setting and hardening of the solution.

Let us consider in more detail the differences between these staining options:

• The use of pigment during the mixing of the mixture is the preferred option, since the staining is carried through the entire array. As a result, if reinforced concrete is cut with diamond circles, we can see a uniformly colored plane. However, even with the abrasion of the surface layer of finish, the color of the surface does not change.

This method has one major drawback - it is the high price of the finished result. The fact is that this method involves the need for a large number of dyes, and, among other things, this method is laborious.

This method, despite the high cost, is widely used in the manufacture of paving slabs and other finishing materials, which account for substantial mechanical loads.

• Colored or white pigment for concrete can be used in the processing of ready-made concrete structures. During this method of dyeing, the pigment is applied to the surface. As a result, a paint film coating is not formed, since the compositions used in this case penetrate the surface micropores.

If diamond drilling of holes in concrete is performed, at the cut we will be able to see the depth of prokras in 0.5-2 cm. The finished coating is characterized by sufficient resistance to abrasion, but is less durable compared to the result obtained in the first case.

A significant advantage of surface painting is the relatively low cost of the result. But, the concrete painted in such a way is used inside construction objects with a medium or low degree of permeability.

Main categories

Liquid, semi-liquid and dry pigments for concrete are special categories of additives used to make a concrete product of a particular color.

The range of coloring additives on the market is wide and diverse. As a result, it is possible to choose one or another tool, not only in accordance with the composition of the product, but also on the basis of the conditions in which the painted structures are used.

Most often, dry pigments are used as coloring compositions, which are integrated into the mixture and, after complete drying of the surface, do not dissolve with water, oils and other solvents.

In addition, this type of dye is resistant to the negative effects of environmental factors. For example, painted concrete products do not fade in the sun and do not discolour on long-term contact with rainwater.

In addition to powdery means, pigments with a consistency of emulsions, pastes and even microcapsules are used. A wide range of these drugs is not accidental, since each type of pigment is the most preferred option for individual types of concrete.

Coloring compositions for concrete structures and concrete products are divided into two main categories - organic and mineral compositions. In addition, in accordance with the origin of these additives can be natural and artificial.

The most widespread today are natural dyes, the manufacture of which is carried out mechanical processing and mixing of raw materials. In the manufacture of artificial pigments, minerals (for example, umber or burnt ocher) are heat-treated.

Features of the choice of pigments

Important: Pigments are selected in accordance with the final requirements for the properties and characteristics of the painted structure, or in accordance with the features of the mixture mixing technology.

When choosing a pigment composition, it is customary to single out the following properties:

• Coloring ability - determines the intensity of the base cement mortar prokras in one or another color.
• Hiding power - the property of the coloring composition to overlap the original color of the concrete surface.
• The degree of dispersion or fineness - the most direct effect on most of the properties of the pigment (the thinner the particles in the composition, the greater the coloring ability and opacity of the agent).
• Resistance to light in particular to UV radiation - this property demonstrates how long the painted concrete will last for its intended purpose without changing the external aesthetic characteristics.
• Oil absorption - This is the property of pigment particles to retain a certain amount of oil on the surface. This indicator is of the greatest importance in the processing of concrete products at industrial facilities, whereas in public buildings such as oil absorption is rarely taken into account.

The parameters of oil absorption are calculated based on the amount of oil per 100 grams of dye.

• Alkali resistance - an indicator that determines how much the pigment tone is prone to penetration of alkali and derivatives. For your information, most of the artificial dyes are highly resistant to alkali.

Preparation of the dye at home

Решили сэкономить и изготовить пигмент для бетона своими руками? В таком случае оптимальным решением станет создание хлоркислого красителя. Этот состав хорош высокой гидрофобностью и, как следствие, долговечностью (см.также статью «Подбетонка: что это такое и как она делается правильно»).

Important: The dye is prepared as a filler, which should be kneaded into the mixture directly during the preparation of concrete.

The following ingredients are required for the manufacture of the halogenated pigment:

• pure water without impurities - 7 liters;
• dry lime paint the desired color - 0.5 kg;
• calcium chloride - 0.2 l;
• lime-pushon 1,5l;
• laundry soap at the rate of 30 grams per 1 bucket of finished paint.

Cooking instruction is as follows:

• In the water, thoroughly mix the fluff lime and lime paint.
• Then we pour calcium chloride into the solution.
• Rub the soap through a small grater and dissolve it in a small amount of warm water and add it to the total volume of the solution.
• All mix and filter through cheesecloth.

Conclusion

Неважно, что вы будете применять, железоокисные пигменты для бетона или красители собственного изготовления, только точное следование технологическим предписаниям позволит добиться оптимального результата. Если остались какие-либо вопросы, ответы на них можно получить, посмотрев видео в этой статье (читайте также статью «Деформационный шов в бетоне: необходимость применения и особенности реализации»).