concrete information
PORTLAND CEMENT fea ASSOCIATION
Mineral Pigments
for Use in Coloring Concrete
Coloring Materials
Only commercially pure mineral pigments should be used,
4s other pigments are likely to fade or reduce the strength
of the stuczo, mortar, or concrete in a marked degree.
The amount of coloring materials added should not
exceed 10 percent by weight of the cement, as larger quan:
tities may affect the strength of the mortar or concrete to
‘an injurious degree. Deep shades can generally be produced
with less than this amount of color by judicious choice of
pigments. Different shades of color can be secured by vary-
ing the amount of coloring material used or by mixing (0-
gether two or more pigments. The full coloring value of
pigments can be obtained only with white portland cement.
White cement must be used to obtain the more delicate
shades of the lighter colors and for white finishes. When
clear white is desired, white sand and white cement should
be used. The use of white portland cement with yellow and
brown sand will produce varying shades of cream, yellow,
and buff. If the colors desired can be secured without pig.
‘ments, such practice is to be recommended,
Variations in the color of the materials are such as to
make color formulas only approximate. Best results are
obtained by experiment or trial. After selecting the primary
color desired, the exact shade may be determined by pre-
paring a number of small panels which should be made of
the same materials and proportions as are intended to be
used in the actual work, varying the ratio of pigment to
cement. Store the samples for about five days under condi-
tions similar to the actual work. Panels will have a darker
shade when damp than when dry
Mixing the Materials
Weigh out carefully the aggregate and cement. Add to this
the predetermined amount of pigment, by weight. The
whole should then be uniformly mixed dry until the entice
batch is of uniform color. Water should then be added to
bring the mixture to the proper consistency.
Another method which has been successfully used is to
‘grind the cement and pigment in the desired proportions in
4 simall ball mill. This mixture is then added to the aggre:
gate and the batch thoroughly mixed dry to a uniform
color before adding water.
‘The intensities of shades produced by mineral pigments
will be slightly increased by thorough mixing of the mortar
or concrete.
Materials Used in Coloring
‘A general guide to the selection of colors and coloring ma-
terials to obtain various effects follows:
For blues use cobalt oxide.
For browns use brown oxide of iron.
For buffs use synthetic yellow oxide of iron.
For greens use chromium oxide.
For reds use red oxide of iron,
For grays or slate effects use black iron oxide or carbon
black, preferably black iron oxide. Common lampblack
should not be used.
Tests to Determine Quality
Most architects and builders depend upon the reputation of
the manufacturer of pigments for assurance that the quality
of the material is satisfactory. There are, however, a few
simple tests that can easily be made which will often be of
assistance in determining the suitability of pigments, al
though a complete examination would involve extensive
physical and chemical tests.
‘The finer a pigment is ground, the greater is its coloring
ability and the less the amount required to produce a given
shade
‘The ability to resist the action of lime can be tested by
‘mixing a sample pat of 20 parts of cement and 1 part of the
pigment and observing it for several days, meanwhile Keep.
Ing the specimen moist. Any pronounced fading indicates
Copyright, 1961 by Portland Cement Associationthat the pigment is not limeproof
To test the durability of color under the influence of
light takes some time, unless a special artificial light is at
hand, Pronounced fading of a colored mortar on exposure
to sunlight for one month is evidence that the pigment is
unsuitable.
‘This publication is intended for the ute of profesional personnel
competent to evaluate the significance and limitations of its con
Tents end who will socept responsibility forthe application of th
‘roteral i contains. The Portland Cement Assocation disclaims
{and all responsiblity for any other application ofthe procedures oF
Principles stated herein
Caution: Avoid prolonged contact between unhardened
(wet) cement or concrete mixtures and skin surfaces. To
Prevent such contact, it is advisable to wear protective
clothing, Skin areas that have been exposed to wet cement
for concrete, either directly or through saturated clothing,
should be thoroughly washed with water
PORTLAND CEMENT [Til ASSOCIATION
An rpzton of emen mana imprinted the wef portind coment ad concrete ugh cet esearch engineering lw ad ue develops
5420 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois 60076
Printed in USA Isiatozr