Concrete Sealers, Adding Color to Sealers

One of the least expensive and most practical ways to add decorative effects to a concrete project is to add a color to the finishing sealer. While many contemporary projects are using integral coloring or color hardeners, tinting sealers offer an alternative that can create unique surface treatments and enhance color finishes. This approach is desirable for many projects, since the customer is already paying for a clear sealer. Adding a minimal premium for a tint is a simple way to add value to the project.

In general, there are three ways to think about adding color to a concrete installation. The first, as noted above, is to add a color pigment to the original mix. This can be very effective, but finish and color consistency can vary. The second is a stain that uses a chemical reaction, and the resulting color is what remains. A protective sealer finishes the project. The third approach is to use a sealer that has tint color in it. It is dispersed, translucent to opaque, and goes down very thin. A tinted sealer is not penetrative, it is topical.

Colored sealers or stains are available, premixed with a specific coloration. This is fine for applying an exact color to a small or large area, but is more difficult if you are trying to match an existing condition. Many contractors prefer this approach because a color or acid stain has a more penetrative quality. Overall, stains tend to be about 50% more expensive than tinted sealers for the same coverage application.

Adding a tint color to the finish sealer provides more flexibility in creating the desired effect. It is also a good way to match or enhance an existing colored surface. However, depending on the use the tinted area will experience, a topical application like a tinted sealer can be prone to more wear if not properly maintained. On the positive side, the application can be completed in about half the time of a stained finish.