Is adding a dye the only way to make it darker.
lbbss

wrote in message
oups.com...
Is adding a dye the only way to make it darker.
lbbss


Is the concrete existing, or are you pouring new ?

Dye/lampblack (in the wet mix) is best, but I have seen some decent results
with regular wood stains, although not permanent, the concrete is usually
porous enough that it soaks in a bit.

Of course some places sell premix in bags with colors added, like mortar
mixes, but these are premium priced

wrote in message
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Is adding a dye the only way to make it darker.

Do you mean before it is poured and cured or after?

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

I mean pouring new cement.

wrote in message
oups.com...
Is adding a dye the only way to make it darker.
lbbss

I wonder what would happen if you used dark sand in the mix? I've heard of
black volcanic sand beaches but the nearest one I know of is in the Canary
Islands.

Paul

writes:
Is adding a dye the only way to make it darker.

Bear in mind that darker concrete will probably be noticeably hotter in
sunlight, depending on just how dark you make it. In cold climates this
might be an attractive option, in hot climates it might make the path
too hot for barefeet in summer. But I agree that newly laid white concrete
can be blindingly bright at midday, and a darker tint would be welcome.
--
John Savage (my news address is not valid for email)

"John Savage" wrote in message
om...
writes:
Is adding a dye the only way to make it darker.

Bear in mind that darker concrete will probably be noticeably hotter in
sunlight, depending on just how dark you make it. In cold climates this
might be an attractive option, in hot climates it might make the path
too hot for barefeet in summer. But I agree that newly laid white concrete
can be blindingly bright at midday, and a darker tint would be welcome.
--
John Savage (my news address is not valid for email)


Adding Dye will color it throughout but there are a variety of transparent
and opaque stains that will color it anything you like. YOu can mix a DYE
in or some are sprinkled on top after pouring. ASk your concrete dealer or
contractor what he can do.

I've seen stains used to make a cobble stone look and other faux finishes.
They masked off lines where they wanted it to look like grout lines then
stained the concrete with brown and green and it looked pretty good in a
picture.