Colour Through the Concrete Mix Finishes

Colour Mix

Colour through the concrete mix is a common choice of single colour concreting. It is using in some tight access areas where other types of concrete finishes are not an option.

Colour through the mix tends to fit most people’s budgets and gives that touch of colour rather than having a plain concrete finish.

The advantages of colour through the mix include:

  • A single colour over plain concrete
  • Coloured concreting in areas where other concrete finishes are not an option
  • A variety of colour choices
  • If concrete gets chipped or scratched during its lifetime it is generally not as noticeable as a colour on top finish.

Concrete Mix Proportions

The safest bet for any mix is four-two-one: four parts crushed rock; two parts sand; and one part cement. The four-two-one mix has seven parts. Conveniently, when mixing concrete, the ratio can mixed on any range of scales. But, the four-two-one mixture is not ideal for every situation. For those projects that require even extreme compressive strength — the floor of a diesel engine mechanic shop, for example, — a greater amount of rock is required: maybe a five-two-one-and-a-half mix. For projects that will not require concrete with high compressive strength, but a great degree of workability — a garden fountain, for example, — more sand and less rock is best: a two-four-one mix possibly.

Water Proportions

The biggest x-factor in concrete, water is an unpredictable variable. The amount of water required depends on the air temperature outside, the humidity, the amount of direct sunlight, and the concrete mix ratio. The most important thing to remember about water is that the more there is in concrete mix proportions, the weaker the cement’s cured tensile strength, adhesive strength. Ideally, the least amount of water possible is the best if strong adhesion is a high priority.

Active Industries Services have a wealth of experience in concrete finishes. Call us for a quote today.

concrete Colour Mix