Cement Pigment

Our ColorBlast™ pigment is a superior quality, dry powder colorant, specially developed for the needs of contractors and architects. It stands out in the industry for producing exceptionally rich colors with smaller quantities, as we do not cut or extend our pigments with any additives. This ensures that every application delivers vibrant, consistent hues. Ideal for adding color to a range of cement-based materials like concrete, stucco, mortar, grout, plaster, countertop mix, and concrete overlays, it allows you to elevate both commercial and residential projects with customizable color options.

Tailored Color Control for Design Excellence

This ColorBlast™ pigment allows for complete creative control, enabling professionals to achieve precise color outcomes crucial for specific design briefs. For scenarios requiring more controlled color consistency, we offer over 100 pre-formulated cement pigment shades, ensuring uniformity across large-scale projects.

Optimized for Portland Cement-Based Products

ColorBlast™ pigment is specifically designed for compatibility with Portland cement, maintaining the integrity and quality of your work. For best results, maintain pigment concentration below 10% by weight. Full color saturation is typically achieved within a 3-7% range, varying by pigment type.

Expansive Color Range for Every Project

Select from 27 base ColorBlast™ pigment colors, each capable of producing a variety of shades. The final color is influenced by the base color of your cement, providing bespoke solutions for your architectural and contracting projects.

Practical Color Examples for Professional Use

Here are some illustrative examples of the pigment versatility:

White Portland Cement Mixes:

• Soft Gray (WHT-102-1): 1 lb of pigment per 94 lbs of white Portland cement
• Armour (WHT-102-3): 3 lbs of pigment per 94 lbs of white Portland cement
• River Rock (WHT-102-7): 7 lbs of pigment per 94 lbs of white Portland cement

Gray Portland Cement Mixes:

• Weathered Tin (GRY-102-1): 1 lb of pigment per 94 lbs of gray Portland cement
• Smokestack (GRY-102-5): 5 lbs of pigment per 94 lbs of gray Portland cement
• Graphite (GRY-102-7): 7 lbs of pigment per 94 lbs of gray Portland cement

Precise Dosage for Consistent Results

Pigment dosage is determined by the weight of the cementitious material, ensuring a consistent and balanced color blend in every application.

Experimental Color Testing for Accurate Results

To ensure project-specific color accuracy, utilize our ColorBlast™ Pigment Trial Kit. This kit includes 5 choice samples of the 27 base colors, allowing for real-world testing and perfect color matching before committing to large-scale application. It's an ideal way to experiment with our expansive range and discover the perfect hue for your project, especially when considering our wider selection of over 100 pre-formulated shades.

ColorBlast™ Pigment: The Professional's Choice

Our ColorBlast™ pigment is the ideal choice for professionals in architecture and contracting seeking durability and design flexibility in their projects.

Printable Concrete Pigment How-To Guide

Step 1: Preparation

• If mixing in a bucket or a mixing drum, thoroughly clean the container to prevent contaminants before mixing your pigment and concrete.
• Double-check required pigment amounts per batch by using Direct Colors’ Pigment Calculators.
• Note: Blue pigments (201, 202, and 203) use 15-20% less water than all other pigment colors
  

Caution: May be harmful if swallowed or ingested. Contact with skin can cause mild irritation. Avoid contact with eyes.

Step 2: Application

Option 1: Ready-Mix Truck

• The cement plant should load mixer with half of the total water into the empty drum.
• Add the pigment to the water and wait for a minimum of five minutes.
  • Waiting helps break down the powder
• Add aggregate, cement, sand, and remaining water while the truck is spinning.
  • Allow mixing at full speed for a minimum of 10 minutes.
• If adding pigment to the truck at the job site, allow a minimum of 30 minutes to mix at full speed.

Option 2: Mixing Drums

• Add the pigment and your concrete mix to the drum first.
  • Mix for two minutes or until thoroughly mixed.
• While spinning, slowly add water to the drum.
  • Mix for four minutes or until even color dispersion.
• If you are making multiple batches, weigh out your water for each batch to keep your colors consistent.

Option 3: Mixing Buckets

• Add a quarter of your total water and all the pigment to your bucket.
  • Mix using a drill and birdcage mixer.
• Slowly add your concrete mix to the water while continuously running the drill.
  • Gradually add more water and concrete mix to maintain workability.
• Once water is thoroughly blended, continue to mix for 3-5 minutes longer to prevent pigment streaking.

Pro Tips:

• Do not exceed 10% pigment to the weight of Portland cement in your mix.
• One pigment can produce many shades of color depending on the different amounts added to a specific concrete batch. Lower amounts of pigment produce lighter colors, while heavier loads produce deeper, richer color.
• Use a high-shear mixing tool such as a double box or birdcage mixer for buckets.
• When mixing in buckets, be sure the mixer can reach the bottom edges, where pigment can settle and lead to streaks in your finish.
• When mixing multiple batches, maintain a precise mix formula. Changes in the amount of concrete mix, pigment, or water will affect color results.

Cleanup:

• Clean tools and supplies with ProClean Degreaser™ and warm water before concrete has cured.
• Clean tools and supplies with a concrete dissolver after concrete has cured.

Tools & Supplies:

• Drill
• Cement mixer
• ProClean Degreaser™

Disclaimer: Direct Colors does not warranty or guarantee results (outcomes). Concrete variations or improper application may cause unintended results. Test product on an inconspicuous or small area and allow to fully cure to ensure compatibility and desired result.