TRUFORM CONCRETE SPECIALISTS | SANTA ANA

never be afraid of a splash of color.

Colored Concrete
Contractors in Santa Ana, CA

If you're interested in colored concrete, we've got a little known fact that you're bound to love: the entire concept of colored concrete was actually born right here in Southern California.


Over 70 years ago, the F.D. David Company introduced contractors to the idea of adding synthetic iron oxide to their gray concrete mix. By adding this colored powder--which at the time was a waste product from chemical manufacturing--to the mix, they discovered that it was possible to create a wide range of earth tone colors. These days, hundreds of millions of pounds of synthetic iron oxide are produced as colored and decorative concrete continues to rise in popularity year after year.


These days, there are many more methods for adding color to concrete. Although this process sounds very simple, it is actually full of complexities, so it takes an experienced concrete contractor who is well-versed in the art of colored concrete to produce an outstanding product for their customers. If done wrong, it can be prone to color inconsistencies, and even fading over time.


If you want the best colored contract services in Orange County, contact us today at (714) 586-8566.

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Colored Concrete Dyes, Stains and Pigments

concrete contractors have paved a concrete driveway in front of a residence

People tend to think that dyes and stains are the same because the words are often used interchangeably. However, there are some distinct differences worth noting when trying to figure out which is the right choice for your project. We'll break them down for you really quick.


Dyes - If you're trying to keep colored concrete application simple, then dyes are typically the way to go. These are the powders that we discussed earlier. The raw dye powder is dispersed into a water or solvent, then applied to the concrete.


Pigments - Pigments are dry particles of color, unlike dyes and stains. Because of this, they have to be used when mixing the concrete rather than being applied to the surface of it, because they have trouble penetrating hardened concrete surfaces.

Stains - For tinting or changing the color of existing concrete, a contractor will likely opt for a stain. Film-forming stains lay on top of a concrete surface kind of like paint lays on top of a wall. And similarly to paint, they can peel or chip away. The more foot traffic or harsh weather conditions they're forced to endure, the more likely this outcome. Penetrating stains are more permanent than film-forming stains because they get deeper into the porous concrete surface (hence why the word "penetrate" is in there.) These stains are available in a wide range of tints and shades, including bold-colored hues that have become a crowd favorite over the years.


So which is best for you?


The main differences between dyes and stains is color predictability. With dyes, you know exactly which color you're going to get. With a stain, since it's a chemical that reacts with the concrete itself, the color can be less predictable. That being said, acid dyes and stains allow us to create designs, logos, and more intricate coloring than pigments will.


If you have an existing concrete floor, the only way to color it will be with acid stains or dyes, since pigments have to be mixed in when the concrete is poured. Ultimately, as our customer, your expectations and the outcome that you are looking for will determine which material that we use, and each one has their own pros and cons. That's why it will be extremely important for us to have an in-depth consultation to discuss the aesthetic that you're looking for for your property, and ultimately determine which direction to go.

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FAQs About Colored Concrete Services in Santa Ana

  • WIll colored concrete fade?

    This is kind of a "yes and no" answer. The color itself will not fade, but the concrete actually can, which will give the appearance that the color is fading. The way that the pigment of colored concrete is produced makes it just about impossible to fade, which is great news. But concrete, on the other hand, will change due to passing time and weather exposure. Uncolored concrete will trn yellow over time, or darken as it accumulates dust, dirt and grime from the elements. If the initial concrete job was done poorly in the first place, the surface of the concrete will "dust" and erode slowly, changing its appearance. This can happen to colored concrete as well if the job is not done by professional concrete contractors who will mix and install the aggregate properly, with durability in mind, and continue to protect it over time with a proper sealer.

  • Does colored concrete need to be sealed?

    Simply put, if you want to keep it looking good, then yes.

  • Will sealing colored concrete make it darker?

    Sealers will tend to darken concrete. If the sealer is applied evenly, the effect of this will be less so. But if applied unevenly, you'll find that the areas with less sealer will be lighter, and the ones where there is more sealer will be darker. If the sealer is applied with a sprayer, it you might notice a stripe effect. The TruForm Concrete Specialists apply sealer evenly to avoid this appearance. If you are concerned about this, let us know. We may make adjustments to the color to compensate for the darkening that will occur upon sealing.

  • What happens if you don't seal colored concrete?

    Put simply, if left unsealed, the colors will fade. Water marks will also show, and stains will be able to penetrate the surface, leaving ugly oil spots where you don't want them. 

What the TruForm Concrete Specialists Santa Ana Offer Our Clients

Fair Pricing

We promise our customers fair and honest pricing on their residential concrete projects, and any other services we provide. You can trust the TruForm Concrete Specialists Santa Ana, and we're prepared to prove it.

Respect for Your Home

You won't have to worry about us leaving your property a mess at the end of the day. We have the utmost respect for our clients and their homes. Our goal is to make it make it [almost] seem like we were never there.

Punctual & Reliable Service

Many contractors don't exactly get the reputation for being where they said they would be at the time they said they'd be there. Well, the buck stops here. You'll never need to worry about us leaving you high and dry.

Let's add a little color to your life.

The TruForm Concrete Specialists Santa Ana have decades of experience in the business, and our goal is always to provide the best colored concrete services in Santa Ana, CA and the Orange County area.

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Interested in our colored concrete services?

We know how many different concrete contractors there are to choose from in our local area, and we're honored that you are considering us. We'd be happy to discuss your project with you at your earliest convenience.

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