Wondering If I Can Mix A Color Into Cement

carlspackler

Let's say I have a bag of cement that's a light gray color. I'd like it to be more of a light beige color. Can I add something to the mix to achieve a different color like that? Or do I need to try to find a stone laying cement precolored? I'd like to use my existing bags of cement to limit waste, that's why I'd like to just change the color.

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MarQ Remodeling (no website)

Zack

HERE IS A WHOLE LOT OF INFORMATION ON COLORING CONCRETE.


http://www.concretenetwork.com/concr...ete/index.html

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Tscarborough

You won't get it any lighter with dye, but you can make it a tan or buff color. It will be a very bright yellow powder. Here is a pic of one called "Texas Buff" (Lambert Southwest), which is the lightest color I have been able to make using gray mortar.

carlspackler

Hmmmm. I guess I'm just looking for a general color of tan or biege to add to the cement that I'm using in between the stone work. Do they sell general colors like that at a local home improvement or hardware store? or do I need to order this stuff online?

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MarQ Remodeling (no website)

Tscarborough

They will only have brown, red, and black at most big boxes. Find a stucco or masonry contractor supply house for a wider range (and better price) in stock.

Teetorbilt

You can also play with latex paint pigments, available at your local paint store.

Play with a few small batches to determine the ratio. Mix the concrete first and then add the pigment.

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carlspackler

Really? Wow, I'll give that a try as well. Thanks.

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MarQ Remodeling (no website)

stuccoman

You use mortar colors to tent stucco. Go to a material yard that sells stucco and brick products not the new big box stores and they should be able to help you!

It sounds like you will need some dark buff.

E-mail me I have a link for you but I can not post it I do not have enough post yet.

carlspackler

Isn't dark buff a reddish color? I saw 'buff' at Ace Hardware this morning and it looked red to me.

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stuccoman

No not any dark buff I have ever seen. It was more deep tan/brown.

carlspackler

Ok, I see it in this color sample here. That's still too dark. I'd like to get a really light tan color. Very light.

http://www.solomoncolors.com/concreteclrs.htm

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MarQ Remodeling (no website)

stuccoman

They have a section for stucco colors. What you are seeing is fo the concrete color or brick mortar.

carlspackler

I'm not doing stucco work, I'm doing stone work. I need the color of the mortar in between the stones to be a light tan to match existing work.

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MarQ Remodeling (no website)

stuccoman

Ok. Trial and error might be the best thing. Mixing samples. You should still be able to get what you need at the material yard. Do you have a peice of the moratr that you can take to the yard with you?

carlspackler

Yes I do. I was planning on trying the paint tip first and then if that didn't work for me, I would go to my local stone yard and bring a sample with me.

Thanks.

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MarQ Remodeling (no website)

stuccoman

They yard might have a color chart you can take to the job.