Construction & Contractors/Changing concrete color

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Expert: - 4/4/2008


Question
Hello Tad,
My contractor colored the cement patio he installed
last week using a powdered pigment.  It hasn't turned
out at all like the photos he showed me, and I'm
very unhappy.  I expected it to have a more mottled,
darker appearance, instead of the uniform peachy tint
that has resulted.  Is there any way to correct
it now?
Thank you for your help.

Answer
Janet,
the powdered pigment used must have been to sparingly spread or simply the wrong color. these pigments mix with the top layer of concrete slurry to color the concrete. this is rather permanent other than continued sun exposure will bleach out the color even more over time. If your contractor has not already sealed the concrete then you can have it  stained darker using commercial quality concrete stains and then have it sealed. Your concrete contractor should know how to do this process.
Best regards,
Tad

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Torin Dixon

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Questions concerning Natural Stone Fabrication and Installation including: Marble, Granite, Limestone, Slate, Soapstone, Bluestone, and Travertine in Slabs and Tiles. Expert in natural stone cleaning, sealing, protection and restoration. Distributor of HMK Stone Care Products; Sealers, Cleaning Products, Stone Maintenance. Expert in stone and tile flooring, sealing and maintenance issues. Stain removal from stone. Importer and Distributor of slab stone for residential and commercial applications. Stone carving Stone restoration

Experience

I have worked in the Dimensional Stone Industry since 1977.
California Contractors License 1989
Former owner of Prestige Marble & Tile (So. Calif.)
Current owner of Elegance in Stone (Missoula, MT)
Current Owner of Montana Stone Gallery,LLC Missoula, MT
Owner of Stoncareonline.org Distributor of natural stone maintenance products

Organizations
Missoula Building Industry Association
Montana Building Industry Association
Flathead Building Association
National Association of Home Builders
Member of the Marble Institute of America
Former member of the National Tile Contractors Association

Publications
Slippery Rock Gazette-Stone Industry Publication

Education/Credentials
Journeyman Marble Mason, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Union #2
California Contractors License 1989-1997
Montana Contractors Registration #42969
Importer of natural stone slabs. Owner-Director of Montana Stone Gallery a regional Importing and Distribution company located in Missoula, MT

Past/Present Clients
Thousands of commercial and residential installations of stone slabs and tile in bathrooms, kitchens, showers, flooring, fireplaces over a 34 year professional career.

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