CONCRETE TECHNOLOGICAL COLOUR ANALYSIS

„Colourise your Concrete“- Concept

Colouring concrete is not only about choosing a colour. The resulting colour depends on various parameters. Therefore, Ha-Be has initiated its „Colourise Your Concrete“-Concept. Read below what the concept is about and how customers benefit from it.

WHAT IS THE „COLOURISE YOUR CONCRETE“-CONCEPT ABOUT?

To limit and preclude the risk of any colour deviations, we consider the properties and ingredients of the concrete, i.e. the colour of the cement, grain sizes of aggregates, w/c-ratio. Our technical experts test and analyse the customer‘s very own concrete mix and the colouration of it.

1. CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOUR

Most colour matches can be created with the extensive range of standard colours we are already offering. But sometimes, customers require a special blend. Therefore, we reproduce or design unique colours. Having a sample or being advised with the closest colour tone using standard colour codes like RAL or PANTONE®, is the most accurate way to match or design a specific colour.
               

2. REPRODUCING CONCRETE COLOUR

After being advised with the colour tone, we start colour reproduction and produce coloured concrete samples.

3. ANALYSING AND EVALUATION

It is quite rare, but also the concrete’s aggregates may affect the visual appearance of the coloured concrete. However, to limit and preclude the risk of any colour deviations from the initially agreed shade, also the aggregates are being considered by our concrete technologists. 

4. TESTING THE COLOUR OF THE CEMENT

Pigments can be used with all types of cement including grey, white, off white, slag or fly ash blends. In general, white cement may give brighter and lighter shades, whereas grey cement may lead to duller, darker shades. 

5. DETERMINING DOSING QUANTITIES

Colour intensity increases up to saturation as additions of pigments increase.
Pigment addition is always expressed as percent by weight calculated on the cement. In general, pigment additions between 1-5% by weight lead to a satisfying result. Talking about liquid colours, we recommend pigment additions by weight between 2-8%.

6. ADJUSTING W/C- VALUE

Even a small fluctuation in the w/c value can lead to a major change of shade and thus to a significant colour deviation from the initially chosen colour tone. At a given addition of pigments, colour shades may appear brighter due to the increased w/c value. To limit and preclude the risk of these colour deviations, the w/c-ratio should be constant.

7. THE DISIGN MIX

By analysing and considering the concrete’s properties in advance, we limit and preclude the risk of any colour deviations when developing the final blend.

8. PRODUCING SAMPLES / PLOTTING TEST AREAS

Furthermore, the mixer itself, the mixing process, the mixing time, the processing and the placement are of crucial importance when colouring concrete. Producing samples and plotting test areas on-site are therefore part and parcel of the „Colourise Your Concrete“-Concept.
                   

9. YALLA! LET’S START

Once the samples and/or the testing areas have been accepted, colourful production and placement can eventually start.