Architectural and construction design, as a way of implementing the ideas conceived, has recently become the norm, accessible to any man in the street. At the same time, the goal is achieved with the help of new building technologies. To such a popular construction solution of modern technologies, it is possible to classify colored concrete, which in combination with the structuring of the surface gives an unsurpassed result.
This type of decoration is used today in all types of concrete products, from paving slabs to concrete sculptures. It should also be noted that this trend is rapidly developing, which significantly affects the durability of dyes and its positive impact on the quality of concrete.
It should also be noted that the dyes for concrete in the general mass are manufactured industrially, but folk dyeing methods create their own technologies based on the chemistry of substances used in construction.
Dyes for concrete mixtures are usually added during mixing, and can also be used as a paint material on the surface of the finished product. Such dyes by their nature can be natural( mineral: chromium oxide, manganese, etc.), as well as synthetic ones. For example, iron oxide gives a red color, and titanium dioxide is white.
Using a dye in a concrete mix
Adding a dye to a concrete mix gives a more reliable and durable result because of the depth of penetration. Also, even if over time the top layer of concrete is rubbed and worn, its color structure does not change.
Adding a dye to the concrete mixture
At the same time, experts note that the cost of such concrete significantly increases the cost of colorants.
This is the method most often used for the manufacture of decorative paving slabs, as well as elements of the arrangement of open areas of home ownership.
Also this method is very effective when using a concrete mix for pouring large surfaces( grounds, runs, tracks, etc.).After all, with time their decorative layer does not change, they do not need to tint or restore the decorative layer.
The color depth is achieved using the calculated ratio of the amount of concrete mixture to the amount of dye. The change in concentration makes it possible to obtain several shades of the same color.
Penetrating staining of concrete surfaces
This method of painting concrete products is no different from the usual procedure for painting products. However, it should be noted that the structure of concrete during hardening retains properties for absorbing moisture. And this feature is used for additional protection of the concrete surface, for its coloring.
Sample of painted concrete
In fact, for the painting of concrete, deep penetrating substrates are used, which penetrate to the depth of concrete up to 5 millimeters. In this case, the concentrated staining of the penetrating base after application changes the color of the top layer of concrete for many years.
This painting method is very similar to the coloring of wooden products with impregnations, however, for concrete structures, water-based impregnations are not entirely suitable due to a low level of penetration and possible washing out over time.
For this reason, it is important to carefully select penetrating substrates that can be specially developed for this purpose, as well as varnishes, impregnations for concrete and bases for the preparation of color mixtures.
The main indicator of the basis is the depth of penetration of impregnation into the surface layer of concrete, as well as the level of its washing out and discoloration under the influence of the environment in the form of rain, snow, ice, wind and sun.
For this reason, experts recommend using this method of painting concrete products in places with a low operating load.
Preparation of a concrete mix with a dye
To ensure a uniform and deep coloring of the product is achieved by adding a dye to the concrete mix. In this case, it should be added at the stage of its preparation.
Also experts recommend uniformly distributing the colorant on the substrate, which can significantly shorten the final term for the preparation of a colored concrete mix. The more carefully this procedure is performed, the faster the final result. The readiness indicator of a mixture is the presence of a uniform color, regardless of where the solution is taken to assess the level of staining. Observance of proportions will ensure the preparation of a concrete mixture with the same level of coloring from kneading to kneading. In this case, the irrational use of the dye can not only change the final color of the concrete mix, but also substantially increase the cost of its preparation, because such dyes have a fairly high cost.
As the practice shows, the quality of the concrete mix depends on the proportions of the constituent components of the final mixture:
- - 1 measure of cement;
- - 2.5 measures of sand;
- - 4 measures of gravel( shallow);
- - 1.4 measures of water;
- is a measure of the dye( by volume of the mixture).
The maximum color effect when using coloring substances in a concrete mixture is achieved if white sand and / or cement is used for its preparation. This reduces the amount of the colorant used to obtain the desired shade. Also, to accelerate the preparation of the mixture, and to obtain an even distribution of the coloring matter, the dye should be diluted in water before adding to the concrete mixture and added to it in a state of a liquid solution.
Painting the surface of concrete products
To save personal funds and make beautiful colored concrete using a method of painting it with your own hands using a dye-based dye.
Paint for concrete floors
This substrate provides resistance to penetration of moisture, and also maintains the necessary porosity when exposed to air.
Also such a base has several times the longer exploitation period.
Of course, you can use ready-made paints, but you can do it yourself.
Creation of chlorine dye is carried out in accordance with the proportions:
- - 0.25 liters of calcium chloride;
- - 0,5 kg of color dry paint( calcareous);
- - 7 liters of water;
- - 1,1-1,2 lime of the pussy;
- - 20-30 grams of household soap for 10 liters of paint.
We are bred in 5 liters of water lime-pushonku. Stir in a small volume of water dry paint, gradually adding water, bringing its total volume to 1 liter. The resulting mixture is added with calcium chloride. In another dish in warm water, make a soapy solution. After that, the prepared solutions are mixed and passed through a filter of gauze, so that the final composition does not have grains or lumps.
The process of coloring concrete
For the work on the coloring of concrete it is necessary to clean it beforehand of dirt and dust, and also degrease.
Painting of concrete is carried out using a sprayer, roller or paint brush in one or two layers, allowing each layer to dry for at least 6 hours. During this time in the upper layer of concrete passes the necessary chemical reaction of the action of the layers.
At the end of the drying process, the painted surface is washed with cold water and dried with a sponge. The complete drying of the surface shows a real shade of color, which can be made more saturated by repeating the procedure for coloring the surface.
The essence of the process of staining is the passage of chemical reactions of the paint components in conjunction with the concrete components. For this reason, you should adhere to the rules of personal safety and use protective equipment( gloves, overalls and glasses).
This painting method not only solves design problems, but also is an additional way of protecting concrete from moisture penetration.