April 15, 2025 · Decorative
Integral Color
Pigment mixed into concrete before pouring — uniform color throughout. If it chips, the color remains. Most durable method. Wide range of earth tones.
Dry-Shake Hardener
Applied to fresh surface, creates more vibrant colors and harder, more wear-resistant top layer. Often combined with integral color for stamped work.
Chemical (Acid) Stains
Metallic salts react with concrete to produce unique, translucent, variegated effects. Earth tones — tans, browns, greens, blue-blacks. Every slab reacts differently.
Water-Based Stains
Wider color palette including blues and reds. More uniform and predictable. Can be layered for artistic effects.
Exposed Aggregate
Surface paste washed away to reveal natural stone underneath. River rock for warm rounded tones, crushed granite for angular sparkle.
Polished Concrete
Diamond grinding to high-gloss finish. Combined with color for stunning interior floors. Increasingly popular in modern Austin-area homes.