Product Detail

Cement Pigment

Name: Cement Pigment
Brand: Direct Colors
SKU: DC-PIG-100
Availability: InStock

SKU: DC-PIG-100

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Ideal to mix with cement, grout, stucco, concrete mix
We do not cut our pigments, we leave the cutting to you
Use our calculator and color charts for color ideas
5 Color Sample Pack Available

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4 Ounces , 1 Pound , 5 Pounds , 10 Pounds , 25 Pounds , 50 Pounds ,

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Cement pigment is a dry powder that is used to add color to cement-based products, such as concrete, stucco, mortar, grout, plaster, countertop mix, and concrete overlay. It is not pre-measured for specific color outcomes, giving designers and artisans the ability to create endless color possibilities for their projects. If you want a more predictable color outcome, Direct Colors offers over 100 formulated cement pigment varieties designed to easily mix with most white or gray-based ready-mix cement.

Raw cement pigment works best in Portland cement-based products and it is recommended to keep the pigment ratio below 10% (by weight, not volume). Full color saturation generally occurs between 3 to 7%, depending on the pigment. It is recommended to test the cement pigment with the Concrete Pigment Trial Kit, as raw pigments may look different before being added to gray or white concrete. You can add cement pigment to any cement-based medium and even create custom colors of your own.

There are 27 base cement pigment colors, each of which can produce several color options depending on the amount of pigment powder used in the mix. Portland cement, which is the most common type of cement, is a basic ingredient in concrete, mortar, stucco, and grout. It is usually gray or white and is sold in 94 lb. bags. Cement pigment color charts can vary depending on the base color of the cement. For example, using the same amount of pigment powder and color with gray Portland cement will produce a different set of colors than using the same pigment powder and color with white Portland cement.

For example, cement pigment color 102 can produce a range of different tones depending on the ratio of pigment powder to cementitious material used. The specific color tones that can be achieved will vary depending on the specific cementitious material and base color used.

When mixing with White Portland Cement:

WHT-102-1 Soft Gray color is obtained by mixing 1 lb of pigment powder per 94 lbs sack of white cement

WHT-102-5 Titanium color is obtained by mixing 5 lbs of pigment powder per 94 lbs sack of white cement

WHT-102-7 River Rock color is obtained by mixing 7 lbs of pigment powder per 94 lbs sack of white cement

When mixing with Gray Portland Cement:

GRY-102-0 Taupe Gray color is obtained by mixing 0.5 lbs of pigment powder per 94 lbs sack of white cement

GRY-102-5 Smokestack color is obtained by mixing 5 lbs of pigment powder per 94 lbs sack of white cement

GRY-102-7 Galaxy Black color is obtained by mixing 7 lbs of pigment powder per 94 lbs sack of white cement

Please note that pigment dosage is calculated by cementious material weight.

If you are not sure on what the color outcome would be based on the cast to be used, it is recommended to test colors using the Pigment Trial Kit.

How-To Guide

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.

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.