Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
(OP)
I have a project involving a bridge replacement in which the USFS is requiring us (Public Works) to design the bridge to meet specific "scenic objectives". Basically they do not want a normal grey concrete bridge, they want it to somewhat blend into the forest scenery. I have contacted a few concrete contractors in the area and have been given conflicting statements on staining vs. coloring both cast in place structures and precast structures. One says staining requires more maintenance (seal eavery couple of years), while another says using stain is more permanent and not as maintenance heavy as the other stated.
So looking at both initial costs and maintenance costs, (we of course prefer the less maintenance aspect) would coloring be the better route? And does staining really require the maintenance of sealing every couple of years? Has anyone experienced a similar situation? Any input would be greatly appreciated!
So looking at both initial costs and maintenance costs, (we of course prefer the less maintenance aspect) would coloring be the better route? And does staining really require the maintenance of sealing every couple of years? Has anyone experienced a similar situation? Any input would be greatly appreciated!





RE: Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
Are the local ready-mix suppliers capable and experienced with pigmented concrete? I assume a precaster has the experience and quality controls.
If you lump "staining" into one category, you are getting a wide range of products and processes. You may want to also research the stain suppliers instead of concrete contractors, since they usually have a wide range od applications under many conditions.
Dick
RE: Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
The bridge will have cast in place abutments (3) and precast girders (2 spans).
I have a feeling the local redimix suppliers are capable, but not as experienced (small market area).
In your opinion, would using colored mix provide a better controlled result?
Steve
RE: Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
RE: Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
RE: Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
RE: Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
In the international and domestic concrete industry, synthetic iron oxides are the most commonly used materials, especially in the range of colors usually desired and where ultra violet resistance is needed. They are readily available 1000's of yellows, reds, tans, browns and even in some blacks in addition to blended combinations. They warm the cold gray color of concrete. Normally, the sythetic (refined and processed) iron oxides are have the strongest tintin strength and are more consistant. The natural oxides and "umbers" are weaker and contain more imputities. For synthetic iron oxides, the maximum dosage is 10% of the cement content, with the average in the range of 1/2 to 3%.
For some other colors, there are other oxides (chrome as an example), but they are very strong and are for non-traditional tints.
Other types of "dyes" are better suited for other applications and uses. For practical opinions, I would think the producters of "tinted/colored" concrete and concrete products and the pigment suppliers (Bayer Chemical, Pfizer, Rockwell, and following entities) should be contacted in addition to local concrete contractor. The material suppliers and the producers have a much wider range of experience and the expertise, technical research and background in both factory produced and site cast concrete products)and it is a large part of their business.
Dick
RE: Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
RE: Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
Carl Bauer
www.bauerconsultbotswana.com
RE: Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
RE: Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
RE: Coloring vs. Staining Concrete
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