How to Color Cement

There are two primary methods used to color cement. One is a dry pigment that is swept across the surface of freshly finished concrete, and the other is uses powder or liquid pigments that are mixed into the wet concrete before it is poured. The first method is quite easy to do, but has the disadvantage of being easily chipped. For small projects, the mixed method is probably the best solution, where the swept method is great for large surfaces. For really large jobs, you can get pigment added to the batch as it is dispatched from the concrete yard.

Method 1 - Surface Coloring

This method requires that the concrete has been poured and finished, but should still be "wet."

Step 1: Sprinkle on the Powder

Cover the area to be colored with an even coat of the colored powder. Avoid clumping the powder as it can become difficult to clean.  For long distances, attach a sifter to a painter's pole.

Step 2: Broom Finish the Concrete

Broom finish the concrete. Sweep the surface evenly, so that the powder covers the surface uniformly. Apply slightly more powder to areas that are too thinly covered.

Step 3: Rinse

Rinse the concrete with a garden hose to remove excess powder.

Method 2 - Mixed Coloring

Pigments usually come in small boxes or bottles. Quikrete makes a 10 ounce cement dye that mixes with 2 60# or 80# pounds bags, saving you the trouble of calculating the tint yourself.

Step 1: Mix the Concrete

Add 2 bags of concrete mix to the wheelbarrow, plus any sand required to complete the mixture. Mix the sand and concrete well before adding any water. To use the dye, mix it with 2 quarts (1/2 gallon) of water and then mix the water into the concrete. Add water as instructed for the mixture, and be careful that the entire mixture is well turned so that the color is evenly distributed.

Step 2: For Resurfacing

If you will be applying the concrete as a coating over an existing surface, add 1/2 cup bonding agent for every bag of concrete. Take note, however, that bonding agent may cause the concrete color to be slightly lighter in shade. Apply with a trowel and allow to set.

Step 3: Additional Effects

Mix the concrete with one uniform color. Using a complementary color, add splashes to the mix, but only mix them in lightly. The concrete will dry with the second color mixed randomly, providing an interesting effect. For a multi-colored pattern, use wooden cut-outs, and dip them in dry powder colors before "stamping" the pattern on wet concrete.

Notes on Concrete Coloring

Surface coloring can be removed with some patience and Muriatic acid, but mixed colors are permanent. Before you add colors, and look at a sample of how the pigmentation performs, if possible. The unmixed color is usually darker than the mixed one will be, but manufacturers differ.