Integral color is pigment mixed into concrete before it’s poured. The color runs through the full thickness of the slab instead of sitting on the surface. It’s only possible with new concrete. It gives a consistent base color that won’t wear off.
Why Integral Color Concrete Holds Up
Integral color is baked in, not painted on. Think of a carrot versus a painted stick: scrape the carrot and it’s still orange inside. Chip a stained slab and you see gray underneath; chip an integrally colored one and the color is the same inside. That’s why it’s popular for patios, driveways, and walkways, where scrapes and wear are a given.
Quality pigments are typically made from iron oxides that are UV-stable, lightfast, and weather resistant, so the color is meant to permanently color the concrete. The surface can still look dull or dirty over time, but the pigment itself doesn’t wash out the way a surface color can.
What Affects the Color of Integral Color Concrete
Integral color tends to look softer than a surface stain, since the pigment is spread through the whole mix instead of concentrated on top. It also depends on how the concrete is handled during the pour:
- Extra water lightens it. Water added after batching washes out the color, and you can’t get it back.
- Finishing changes it. Over-troweling can darken the surface and make it uneven.
- Curing matters. Wet coverings during curing can leave mottled, uneven results.
- The mix matters. Ready-mix varies between suppliers, so the same pigment can land differently from one mix to another.
Colored concrete also gets more scrutiny than plain gray. Small blemishes nobody notices in gray concrete become more visible once there’s color in the slab. If an area does come out uneven, a tinted sealer is a common way to even out the color.
Integral Color vs. Stain on an Existing Floor
Integral color only works on new concrete, because the pigment goes in at the plant or the truck. If your slab is already poured, your options are surface colors like acid stain, water-based stain, or dye. Our concrete floor staining guide covers how those compare.
Whatever color you choose, plan on sealing the finished surface to protect it from stains and weather.
Integral Color FAQ
What is integral color in concrete?
Integral color is pigment mixed into the concrete before it’s poured. The color runs all the way through the slab, so chips and wear don’t expose gray concrete. It’s only an option for new pours.
Does integral colored concrete fade?
Quality integral pigments are UV-stable and lightfast, so the color itself is built to last. The surface can look duller over time from dirt and weather, which is why a sealer helps keep it looking fresh.
How much is integral color for concrete?
Integral color adds cost on top of a plain gray pour, and the amount depends on the color and how much concrete you need. Ask your contractor to price the colored mix as its own line item.
What are the disadvantages of colored concrete?
Integral color can only be used on new concrete, and the final shade depends on the mix, water, finishing, and curing. Blemishes also stand out more in colored concrete than in gray.