I’m often asked what method of coloring pervious concrete works best; liquid color or dry powders? There seems to be a trend in the industry to suggest that one is superior over the other, mainly liquid being the better choice. I’ve heard explained that this is due to liquid being better distributed in the mix, especially in drier mixes. This makes sense to me, but I have to question why anyone would want to place a dry mix.
I’ve found that both systems work equally well, but if given the choice, I’ll use dry color and I’ll explain why….
Dosage rates for regular concrete and pervious vary greatly as the color in pervious is not competing with sand. For example, an 8 CY load of regular concrete (4 sack mix) requires five (5) 25lb bags of color (4% rate) but an 8 CY load of pervious concrete (600 lbs/yd) could be colored with just one (1) 25lb bag, for the whole load.
I’ve used heaver doses with pervious but I’ve found that the extra color is a waste of money because of the process of curing pervious concrete. It seems that no matter how much color you put in the mix, the pavement will be bleached when you remove the plastic sheeting. But here's the trick...spray on a matching color-cure after the curing sheet is removed and you'll have the best looking pervious you've ever seen. This method makes beautiful pervious concrete.............. and you’ll save money!
