Although concrete acid stains have been around for many decades, concrete dyes have emerged which also provide impressive color transformations. Furthermore, these underrated coloring agents can achieve vibrant tones simply not possible with concrete stains alone. Concrete Stains normally come in about 8 to 10 neutral colors whereas with concrete dyes almost any color is achievable.
Concrete pigment dyes can get the professional applicator or the residential D-I-Y-er into more vibrant colors. Additionally, the nice thing about working with concrete dyes is that you can mix them at the job site to obtain the desired color. Use concrete dyes in conjunction with acid stains. They can produce a variegated look and, in most cases, complement the already stained floor. These translucent dyes penetrate the concrete drying in only a few minutes in most climates.
The pigment dyes require a topical sealer for protection. Use Concrete Sealer X-3 for a natural finish, Concrete Sealer X-4 for a gloss finish or Concrete Sealer X-5 for a semi-gloss or satin finish. The dyes are a powerful solution in virtually any application. Use for rich mottling effects, color layering effect or for a more even solid color with minimal installation time.
Stone Technologies Corp Concrete Pigment Dyes
Stone Technologies Corp. offers a wide range of UV stable acetone-based and water-based dyes in 20 colors as shown below. This includes subtle earth tones, vibrant hues, and pastels for all types of interior and exterior applications. Apply as either an individual color or combined to provide a multitude of different hues, shades, mottled and faux natural stone effects. Consequently, if you are the more skilled artisan you can use them to form any custom made pattern or picture possible. You are only limited by the boundaries of your imagination.
The water-based dyes are ready to use products that are very easy to apply. They are odorless and VOC free. The acetone-based dyes are faster drying and are supplied in a concentrated form and are mixed with acetone at the job site. The dyes are available in 1 quart, 1 gallon and 5 gallon sizes, larger size containers are available upon request. The dyes are available in 1 quart, 1 gallon and 5 gallon and larger size containers are available upon request.
Coverage Rates
The coverage rate of both the acetone-based and water-based dyes is approximately 500 sf per gallon for each application. However, we recommend two applications for even color coverage. Apply the water-based dyes with a pump up sprayer approximately 24 inches from the surface at 40 to 80 degrees F. Clean up with soap and water. Apply the acetone-based dyes with an acetone resistant sprayer approximately 24 inches from the surface at 40 to 80 degrees F. Clean up with xylene or acetone. Clean up with xylene or acetone. Ensure that the dye does not puddle or accumulate.
Color Chart of the Concrete Dyes (click on this image to enlarge).
The colors listed are only a representation of the Concrete Dyes. Change in concrete slab colors will affect the appearance of the dye, therefore, actual colors may vary.
