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Concrete Dye
Concrete dye penetrates the surface to add color without forming a film. The finished appearance depends on the selected dye, the concrete’s absorption, and the application sequence. Areas of different surface density can absorb color differently, producing variation across the floor.
Approve the color on a representative area of the actual concrete before proceeding with the full installation. Coordinate the dye, densifier, and polishing steps as part of the polished concrete installation plan.
Plan dye application and color approval
Approve the color on a test area of the actual slab, using the proposed products and procedure, and test each type of concrete present. Follow the selected products’ instructions for the application sequence and residue removal. Differences in surface density can cause color variation, and the approved mockup establishes the project’s appearance reference.
Approve the color on the actual slab
A test area should use the proposed products and application procedure. Where the project contains different types of concrete, test each type rather than assuming one sample represents them all.
At Craftsman Concrete Floors, we install an on-site sample so the project team can review and approve the color on the actual slab before full application. The sample confirms that the concrete accepts the treatment and establishes the agreed appearance. Under the Concrete Polishing Council’s guide specification, approval of a colored mockup includes the specified color, aggregate exposure, and appearance level.
Our polished concrete mockup guide explains how to establish that approval reference.
Coordinate dye application with densifying and polishing
The selected system determines when dye is applied and which polishing steps follow it. There is no single grit sequence that applies to every dye.
For example, Ameripolish’s May 2018 SureLock Concrete Dye instructions place the first application before its 3D HS or HSL densifier. Those instructions call for another dye application after 400-grit polishing, with drying and residue removal after each application.
That is a sequence for the named products. Follow the instructions for the actual dye and densifier selected for the project. Our concrete densifier guide covers the densifier’s role in the process.
Where ACI SPEC-310.1-20 is incorporated into the project documents, its color-application provisions require, unless otherwise specified:
- The manufacturer’s application methods and techniques to produce a finish matching the approved mockup.
- A maintained wet edge and consistent saturation.
- Protection of adjacent substrates from splashes, drips, and puddles.
Project-specific contract documents govern any conflict with the ACI specification.
Remove excess dye before continuing
Residual dye can interfere with subsequent polishing. Ameripolish’s SureLock instructions warn that unremoved residue will load resin diamonds and may leave undesirable marks.
For that product, the instructions call for allowing the dye to dry, removing residue with an autoscrubber fitted with a white pad and water, and checking the surface with a dry white rag.
A light tinge on the rag is acceptable under those instructions. Strong color indicates that more excess dye needs to be removed. Use the residue-removal procedure specified for the selected product.
Set realistic expectations for color
Concrete surface density affects color absorption. The CPC’s position statement on slab-surface finish density identifies differences in density as a cause of color variation when color is added to the surface.
The approved mockup establishes the project’s appearance reference. The selected product’s limitations establish where and how it can be used.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Differences in concrete surface density can cause different rates of color absorption. Test the proposed treatment on representative areas of the actual slab, including each different type of concrete present.
The order depends on the selected dye and densifier system. Follow their application instructions rather than assuming the same sequence works for every product.
Use the selected product’s residue check. For Ameripolish SureLock, a light tinge on the dry white rag is acceptable after cleanup; strong color means more residue needs removal.
Most dyes used in polished concrete are intended for indoor use and can fade with exposure to direct sunlight and UV. Use a dye outdoors only when the manufacturer specifically approves that application. Exterior concrete is more commonly colored with water-based pigmented stains or acid stains, often finished with a compatible film-forming sealer selected for outdoor exposure.
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