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8 Fun and Easy DIY Projects Using Concrete Pigment for Coloring Cement, Overlays, Stucco, and Grout

by Justin Richardson

Looking to add some personality and color to your concrete projects? Concrete pigment, also known as cement pigment or mortar color, is a versatile product that can be used to integrally color fresh concrete, stucco, grout, and concrete overlays. With a wide range of colors available from Direct Colors, you can easily find the perfect shade to match your creative vision. Let’s explore eight fun and DIY-friendly projects using concrete pigment!

1. Revamp Your Countertops and Fireplaces on a Budget

Give your concrete countertops or fireplace a makeover without breaking the bank. Use an integrally colored concrete overlay to directly cover old laminate, Formica, or tile. Direct Colors offers a range of concrete pigments that can be added to the overlay mixture, providing a durable and consistent finish for your surfaces at an affordable price.

Laminate Kitchen Countertop
Before
Skimcoat White Overlay Countertop
After pearl white concrete overlay by Liz Morrow Studios
Tiled fireplace
Tiled and tired fireplace
After smooth pearl white concrete overlay
After smooth pearl white concrete overlay

2. Create a Budget-Friendly Woodgrain-Effect Cement Floor

by Nicole Teut @ethoscustomjewelry

Transform your space with a unique and cost-effective woodgrain-effect cement floor. Mix white Portland cement with your chosen pigment from Direct Colors, and apply it to your floor using a chip brush. After curing, use a trowel to smooth the surface and create a woodgrain effect. This DIY project not only adds character to your space but also demonstrates the versatility of concrete pigment.

Before: Unfinished retail space concrete floor with unsightly stains, blotches, and glue residue
Before: Unfinished concrete floor with unsightly stains, blotches, and glue residue
Clean and patched retail space concrete floor, ready for the woodgrain-effect cement overlay application
Clean and patched concrete floor, ready for the woodgrain-effect cement overlay application
Retail space concrete floor with cream beige pigmented overlay applied using a chip brush
Concrete floor with cream beige pigmented overlay applied using a chip brush
Artistic woodgrain effect achieved by skillfully troweling and burnishing the textured top coat.
Artistic woodgrain effect achieved by skillfully troweling and burnishing the textured top coat.

To create a woodgrain effect on your floor using white Portland cement and pigment, follow these simple steps:

  1. Mix two parts of white Portland cement with the pigment of your choice to create a thick liquid, similar to pancake batter.
  2. Apply the mixture to your floor using a chip brush, spreading it evenly.
  3. Repeat the process to apply a second layer of the mixture on top of the first one.
  4. Allow the overlay to dry and harden for at least 24 hours.
  5. Use a trowel to gently smooth the surface and create a woodgrain pattern by pressing down and dragging the trowel across the ridges.

When working in sections, remember to slightly overlap each new section with the previous one for a seamless look. Ensure your floor is clean and smooth before starting.

Artistic woodgrain effect using integrally colored cement overlay
Artistic woodgrain effect using integrally colored cement overlay
Image showcasing a beautiful white concrete stained floor in a retail shop, complemented by elegant store showcase furniture
An economical and stylish transformation: Our customer's retail shop with the finished white concrete floor. Note the unique woodgrain effect created with precision application techniques

3. Add a Pop of Color to Your Concrete Countertops

Upgrade your kitchen or bathroom with colorful concrete countertops. Choose from a wide range of pigment colors offered by Direct Colors to create a rich and even color for your surfaces. You can also use pigment in conjunction with concrete acid stain for added depth and dimension.

Beachfront colored concrete overlay over formica kitchen countertop
Beachfront buff colored concrete overlay over formica kitchen countertop
Stunning Cola and Malayan Buff Everstain acid stained finish enhances Beachfront Buff pigmented concrete overlay kitchen countertop.
Stunning Cola and Malayan Buff Everstain acid stained finish enhances Beachfront Buff pigmented concrete overlay kitchen countertop.

4. Color Your Grout with Pigment Powder for a Custom Look

Give your tile work a unique touch by using colorful grout. Direct Colors offers pigment powders that can be easily mixed with grout, allowing you to create subtle or bold accents. Experiment with different amounts to find the perfect hue for your project.

White Grout Colored with Cafe Pigment
Integrally colored grout with cafe pigment

5. Give Your Stucco a Vibrant Makeover

Breathe new life into your stucco with vibrant color pigment. This durable and easy-to-maintain option is a cost-effective alternative to traditional exterior paint, allowing you to add personality to your home with bold and unique hues.

Masonry wall
Before
202 blue Senergy pigmented stucco
White-based Senergy stucco transformed with Peacock Blue Pigment (#202), expertly sealed with a matte Penetrating sealer for a beautiful finish.

6. Enhance Your Plaster with Integral Color Pigment

Upgrade your plaster with integral color pigment. Direct Colors offers a wide range of pigment colors that can help you add a touch of color to your plaster, elevating its appearance and adding personality to your home.

Stucco coat colored with maize pigment
Stucco coat colored with maize pigment
Malayan buff pigment mixed with white plaster wall design
Malayan buff pigment mixed with white plaster wall design

7. Customize Your Mortar for a Unique Brick Look

Elevate your brickwork by adding custom color to your mortar. Direct Colors offers hundreds of mortar colors, making it easy to refresh the appearance of your home’s old bricks or fireplace mantel, or even create a “brick look” on stone walls using a concrete overlay.

Mortar Color Concrete Pigment
Merlot (126-1lb.) concrete pigment in brick mortar

Learn how to make a faux brick wall.

8. Add Long-Lasting Color to Your Outdoor Concrete Projects

Use UV-stable, long-lasting pigments to add enduring color to outdoor concrete projects like stepping stones, planters, or concrete art. Customize your pavers and match the natural theme of your home with our wide range of pigment colors, creating vibrant and durable finishes.

concrete tables for a Furniture Design Exhibit
Concrete tables by The Moody Cactus
Landscaping Concrete Decor
Art Installation by Edgar Hernandez

In conclusion, concrete pigment offers endless possibilities for DIY enthusiasts looking to add color and personality to various projects, including cement, overlays, stucco, and grout. With a wide range of color options and easy-to-use pre-measured mixes, Direct Colors makes it simple to create a vibrant and durable finish. Whether you’re looking to refresh your countertops, fireplace, or outdoor pavers, or add some flair to your brickwork or plaster, concrete pigment is a cost.