Coloring and stamping or patterning concrete

[mexitegel]

There are so many products for this that you get dizzy in the head.

Exactly, I gave up and that's why I finally went into the paint store and took the first best .

 

[sinuslinus]

Water glass (potassium silicate) is inorganic and reinforces the surface of the concrete.

https://ottossonfarg.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ALABASTER-VATTENGLAS.pdf

 

[DennisCA]

Does it affect the appearance though? I want a sort of semi-matte finish on the whole thing. Googling hasn't given me anything concrete to go by, products are usually combined so you don't know how just waterglass works.

"e) Protect and preserve the gray natural plaster or concrete color."

Sounds like it could work as color protection then, I think I'll send an email to otsson...

 

[hsd]

Water glass is often used for dust binding and where I have seen this, the color has darkened a bit.

 

[DennisCA]

Now I have found paint meant for concrete and outdoor use, which can be combined with Stenolja (just linseed oil) and topped with Sten & Fogskydd:
http://www.cultiveragarden.fi/sv/13-patio-paint

 

[sinuslinus]

It is too late, but you can mix pigment into the concrete when casting. I read about the color you linked to, and it sounds like it becomes a color film on top? What happens when it wears off?

Water glass causes the surface to bind dust and harden. It becomes a darker tone.

 

[sinuslinus]

Have you checked with WS design?
https://www.wsochcompany.se/ytbehandlingar-slip/ytbehandlingar-till-betong-och-sten/

 

[DennisCA]

Yes, I checked with them. They didn't have any colors you could apply on top. Then I found out that the store I linked to is only a few km from me, so I can go there in person.

I didn't mix any pigment into the concrete as I wasn't sure which color to go for; ideally, I wanted that "acid stain" with the cool patterns you get from it, but unfortunately, it's not available here. If it wears out, you can repaint or try something else.

 

[Andreas_kalmar]

Water glass does not contribute much to dust binding; most of the ones we've done, we usually varnish with a matte waterborne PU varnish or acrylic; both become satin matte and protect the surface.