CLICK HERE to view the Specification Data Sheet for this product

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Direct Colors premium iron oxide pigments are lightfast, alkali and weather resistant. Our pigments comply with ASTM C979 when used according to ASTM’s specifications. MIXING: For optimal results, we recommend using the same brand of cement, aggregates, and sand until the completion of the project, as well as the same cement to pigment ratio. Natural ingredients can and will effect the final color. Difference in slump may produce a noticeable difference in color between batches. In instances where exact color match is required, we highly recommend a test pour using the exact ingredients and ratios that will be achieved on the site. Do not use calcium chloride as a set accelerator; this has been known to cause undesired discoloration. The maximum level of pigment to cement is 10% by weight, and using less than 1% can cause a washed out appearance. Our charts and codes are based on pounds of pigment per 94 lbs. of cement material, including Portland cement, silica fume, fly ash, lime. Sand and aggregates are NOT used in this ratio.

DISCLAIMER: Because the conditions of use and application of our products are beyond the control of Direct Colors Inc., Direct Colors makes no warranty regarding workmanship and other variables that do not involve the performance of our pigments. Buyer’s sole remedy shall be the purchase price paid by the user or buyer for the quantity of the Direct Colors product involved.

How To Use Integral Color ~ Concrete Pigments

The Direct Colors Color Charts for integral color/concrete pigments are designed to give a close approximation of what our customers can expect from a final color. Since so much of concrete color is dependant on the actual concrete color, approximation is as close as one should expect. For custom blends such as counter tops, ready mixed, overlays, curbing, mortar and grouts and other concrete based products, we have found that the colors hold true within an acceptable range to most of our users, especially when adjusted to meet the specific needs of the mix and end users. We know how important each and every project is and the permanent nature of the result, so please feel free to call us with any technical questions you may have.

Truck Pours

The simplest method to convert our chart to your pour is multiply the poundage on our chart by five to discern how much pigment per yard.

Example:
You want to achieve something similar to the color San Juan on our integral color chart. Your having 15 yards of concrete poured. The chart lists San Juan as using 1 lb. of 543 pigment so you need 5 pounds of 543 pigment per yard which is 75 pounds. The concrete is coming in one 8 yard truck and one 7 yard truck, so you need 40 pounds for the 8 yard truck and 35 pounds for the seven yard truck. Being consistent with your pigment per yard ratio is critical in achieving matching pours. The water level and mix ratios in each load are critical as well. Be sure and know how much concrete is in the truck, not just how much they are pouring. If the concrete plant sends two 8 yard trucks, then the truck that is receiving 35 pounds of pigment is going to be lighter than the other pour. The pigment doesn’t know how much concrete is in the truck!

The pigment can be dumped right in the back of the truck, using the hose to clean off the fins and make sure no loose pigment remains to cause streaking. Spinning the mix for ten to fifteen minutes is generally sufficient to properly disperse the pigment. The concrete can be placed and worked as normal.

As the concrete sets, the color will appear to fade. This is the concrete dispensing powder on the surface and will be resolved by sealing this as any other decorative concrete. Once sealed, the color should be stable and considerably darker than at first appearance pre-seal.

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