Successful Colored Flatwork

Although it is possible to create beautiful and durable decorative concrete floors and paving, the plethora of companies offering products for coloring concrete makes specifying decorative flatwork complicated. This article describes six processes for creating colored concrete: color hardeners, integral color, chemical stains, penetrating tints, toppings and sealers. An introduction to the uses and specifications of these processes also is provided. One common problem often seen in architectural designs and specifications is the improper match of a specific color to the type of work requested, so it is important to ensure that designs are created that can be constructed as specified. Care should be taken in choosing contractors who can complete a quality project.