Fast-forward fifty years, where in 2004 more than 204 million pounds of synthetic iron oxide were used to color cement-based products in North America alone. By adding this colored powder to traditional gray concrete, it became possible to achieve a wide range of earth tone colors. Davis Company introduced contractors in Southern California to the idea of adding synthetic iron oxide, at the time a waste product from chemical manufacturing, to their gray concrete mix. Becoming familiar with integral color, how it works, factors that affect final color, and methods for fixing colored concrete issues are important steps toward becoming an expert in all aspects of decorative concrete. Nothing is more basic to architectural or decorative concrete then integrally colored concrete. This comes from experience and an in depth understanding of the products and process. Success in this business is built on a concrete foundation, literally and figuratively. Thanks to Yvonne Cooper & Sue Weber for images.Adding additional water during brooming creates inconsistent color streaks.īecoming proficient at the basics before moving on to more difficult tasks is important in most everything, especially when it comes to decorative concrete. ** CLICK HERE ** IF YOU WANT TO LEARN EVERYTHING ABOUT COLORED CLAY, TAKE MY FABULOUS ONLINE WORKSHOP IF YOU WANT TO COLOR YOUR CLAY WITH OXIDES I RECOMMEND ROBIN HOPPER’S BOOK “MAKING MARKS”. I sprinkle some alumina hydrate under them when firing these. Have experienced fluxing with some cobalt based stain colors when they are used in a veryĬoncentrated form so you do have to prevent them from sticking to the kiln Some peopleĬhoose to wear latex gloves but most do not notice any irritation.Ī good precaution is to make sure any open cuts on your hands are sealed by liquid bandage or gloves.Īnother area for dust inhilation concern is dry sanding … you should always be wet sanding. Not to inhale the dry powder while mixing, so use a proper breathing mask while measuring the stain.Īfter the stain is wet and creamy, they are safe to work with and fire. I keep colors stored in plastic bags for years with no ill effects.Īnother area of concern is SAFETY You do have to be careful That colors last a long time, especially if you are mixing in plain white clay. I hear comments about how expensive stains are but consider You don’t confuse it with white clay … yes. You like the color when it is wet, then it is too dark and you Sometimes, especially with grey when wet white clays you can barely see the color … but it is vibrant at Cone 5-6. Here are some color test tiles made by Sue Weber, a student in my workshop.Ĭan expect the color to darken as you fire at higher temperatures. Write the formula on the back of the disc for future reference. Roll these small samples flat and cut through plastic to avoid a mess. The colors combined with white clay and with each other in a range of percentages. Make sample discs of each color for reference. Check regularly to keep the clay moist.n Even if it dries out to a brick, you can still re-hydrate it and use it. Keep the colored clay wrapped in a damp cloth and double bagged in plastic, or in sealed plastic containers. Once you use a mixer in the studio, it never goes back in the kitchen. Some potters buy an old stand mixer and use it in the studio to mix a very thick slip. My mixer is a Hobart A120T and is 1/2 hp. You want the finished clay to be soft as cookie dough. I use a large commercial machine to mix the stain/clay solution until the color is even throughout the clay body. C reate a well in nice, soft clay and pour in the mixture. Some of my favorite Mason Stains with percentages.Ģ. Properly stored the clay will last forever and it is very easy to knead in some white clay to get the color you want. I prefer mixing a high concentration of stain because it is much easier to store 1 lb of concentrate vs. Pinks, mauves I use between 12-20% stain. There is no way of being 100% sure of color results without taking time to test.ĭark colors require less stain than light colors.īlacks, dark blues and greens I use about 5-8% stain. Good to know before you buy.ī uy small samples and test them first with your clay body. These colors are guaranteed to work but many other stains do as well.Ĭheck out what those small numbers mean as there are some stains that just will not work with clay bodies. I prefer to mix the stains into wet clay bodies but many people mix them with dry clay.Ĭompany has a very informative web site with colors recommended for clayīodies. White clays firing at or above Cone 5/6 provide vibrant color results but clays of all types … buff colors and speckled … also give terrific results. You can color any clay body whether it is wet or dry. I present much more detail for you in the video. CLICK here for a FREE video of this topic.
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