Many of us are so accustomed to contemplating gray concrete and the same paving slabs that we don’t imagine that it could be somehow different. In fact, they can be diversified with the help of special pigments. Modern industry produces dyes, which you will learn about from today's article.
What requirements should a concrete pigment meet?
Given that this material is systematically exposed to chemical and physical influences, the dye used for it should not change its original shade under the influence of precipitation and sunlight. It is important that it does not dissolve in water and has a high degree of alkali resistance.
You should also pay attention to its ability to convey its shade to the surface on which it is applied. Dispersion plays an important role in this matter. It is this indicator that characterizes the ability to overlap another color. In addition, the pigment for concrete must have a high level of oil absorption.
Diversity of assortment
Modern manufacturers offer a fairly wide selection of such products. Depending on what is included in the composition of pigments, they can be divided into several groups. The first category includes acid dyes, which are most popular among domestic consumers. They are a powdery composition with a transparent structure. Such products do not adversely affect human he alth and do not pollute the environment.
Acrylic dyes are considered no less popular. They are ideal for concrete floors and walls. Such a pigment is good because it can be used not only for external, but also for internal work.
Those who want to radically transform their own yard can be advised to pay attention to dry dyes. Their main advantage is that by the shade of the powder you can accurately determine what the final result will be. The only downside to using dry mixes is that they need to be applied to brand new concrete.
Tile dye
The color of paving slabs can be changed using special pigments. To date, manufacturers offer a fairly wide range of such products. On sale you can often see water-based rubber pigments. They are not sensitive to sudden temperature changes and are characterized by increased elasticity and wear resistance. They are good forthat the composition of the coloring matter does not include solvents.
Often, alkyd pigments for concrete are used for tiles. They are resistant to chemicals and protect the surface from destruction. The only significant drawback of such products can be considered the presence of a specific pungent odor that persists for a long time.
Also suitable for paving slabs are polyurethane colorants, which are characterized by high impact strength. But there is one subtlety here. When used for outdoor applications, a change in shade may occur. All other properties are fully preserved.
Basic methods for coloring tiles
If it becomes necessary to change the shade of an already laid coating, it is advisable to use the so-called surface technology. This technique allows you to increase the color gamut and reduce slip. In the process of such staining, alkyd and polyurethane pigments are used. Since the main requirement for outdoor coatings is that the material does not lose its original appearance for as long as possible, this dye contains mainly natural ingredients.
Besides, there is another technology. This is the so-called through coloring, during which fine powdered pigments are used. Such dyes also consist of natural components. But among them there are also artifici altypes of color additives. For their production, mineral raw materials are used, which are subjected to heat treatment.
