The Contractor’s Guide to Colored Concrete

Change the Color of Concrete and Earn More

Contractors who place and finish colored concrete typically earn more per square foot than contractors who place and finish plain gray. This guide is designed to provide you with the helpful tips you need to produce quality colored concrete and start earning more today.

• Your concrete supplier is now using a liquid pigment dosing system provided by Grace Construction Products. This fully automated system accurately doses liquid pigments directly into the ready-mix truck for consistent color, load after load. This new system produces a range of hues as it blends four pigments to provide you with any color, any time, no waiting.
• You can now work with your customer to choose a color by name from the color selector brochure and the colored concrete sample kit. You can also create a custom color with a representative from your ready-mix producer.
• Always refer to a sample created with local materials to ensure color of the final product meets the customer’s expectations.

Set Expectations at the Beginning

Concrete is made from naturally occurring materials. As with stone, concrete colored or uncolored has variation. It is important to plan for variation from the beginning. Patterns from stamping, brooming or exposed aggregate can diffuse light and minimize variations in the final product. Educate your customer about textures by visiting similar jobs in the area, preferably ones that you have already finished.

Showing project photographs also provides an excellent opportunity to discuss expectations, promote your services and additional finishing options. Remember, on large or complex jobs always create a mock-up for customer approval before beginning the project.

The Golden Rule: Consistency – Consistency – Consistency

Consistency is the rule for colored concrete. Plan the process in advance to ensure a consistent quality product. Consistency with producing, placing, and finishing of the concrete will enhance the quality and look of the final project.