COLORED CONCRETE OPTIONS FOR POOL DECKS

Source:www.stonediamondtool.com Date:2018/11/2 Read:467

Design Ideas for Colored Concrete Pool Decks

Coloring is one of the best ways to beautify a concrete pool deck, give it more distinction, and make the deck blend in with its surroundings. Coloring usually goes hand in hand with other decorative concrete treatments, such as stamping or stenciling, allowing you to replicate the colors of natural stone or create unique medallions or other custom art. The most popular methods for coloring exterior concrete are chemical stains, integral color and dry-shake hardeners. Each of these methods can be used alone or in combination to create unique multi-tonal effects. Many coloring methods offer myriad shades to choose from, allowing you to pick a hue that will best complement your home, landscape or other elements in the vicinity of the pool. Custom color matching is also possible with many products. Learn more about the different coloring methods for concrete pool decks, and see projects showcasing a variety of popular color options.

Coloring Techniques

Integral coloring admixtures infuse concrete with rich, long-lasting, fade-resistant color. It’s a popular option for exterior concrete because the color runs throughout the entire slab and will not fade due to sun or weather exposure. This coloring method also works well as a backdrop for contrasting accent or antiquing colors, such as pigmented release agents and stains.

Acid, or chemical-based, concrete stains are an economical and highly versatile way to color both new and existing concrete pool decks. Stains can be applied by hand after the concrete sets, giving contractors the ability to add subtle hints of color or bolder design accents. Acid stains penetrate and react chemically with the concrete, creating natural color variations that add character and unique mottling effects. However, the color selection is generally limited to subtle earth tones, such as tans, browns, terra cottas, and soft blue-greens.

Water-based stains(typically a blend of acrylic polymers and pigments) penetrate the concrete to produce permanent color, ranging from translucent to opaque depending on the product. They go beyond the subtle color effects of acid-based stains and come in a much broader spectrum of hues. Most manufacturers offer dozens of standard colors to choose from.

Dry-shake color hardeners and antiquing agents are the most popular coloring methods for stamped concrete pool decks because they produce realistic color variations similar to natural stone. Because the color is concentrated at the surface, it tends to be more intense than integral color.