CEM Chroma Hard Concrete Color Hardener adds color and creates a dense, abrasion-resistant surface on freshly placed concrete. Supplied in a 60 lb pail and available in 16 standard colors, it supports troweled, broomed, textured, and stamped finishes for residential and commercial projects. It must be applied before the concrete hardens.
Suitable projects include:
- Driveways and patios.
- Entryways and sidewalks.
- Swimming pool decks.
- Cart paths, steps, and curbs.
Color Options
CEM Chroma Hard comes in 16 standard colors. Find your color’s class below, then check the Coverage & Quantity Guide for the amount needed.
|
Application Class |
Colors |
|
Class I |
Limestone, Sand Taupe, Canyon Clay, Dark Walnut, Slate, Maplewood, Athens Clay, Terra Cotta, Rio Red, Medium Grey, Charcoal |
|
Class II |
Adobe Buff, Sun Buff, Arabian Sand, Platinum Grey, French Grey |
Colors shown are approximate. The concrete mix, application rate, finishing, curing, and sealer can change the final appearance. Make a small test panel using your chosen color and planned finish before starting the full project.
Coverage & Quantity Guide
Check your selected color’s class in Color Options. Class II colors require more material per square foot than Class I colors.
|
Application Class |
Application Rate |
Approximate Coverage per 60 lb Pail |
|
Class I |
60–90 lb per 100 ft² |
67–100 ft² |
|
Class II |
90–120 lb per 100 ft² |
50–67 ft² |
Coverage per pail is calculated from these application rates.
Example: A 500 ft² project using a Class II color
Assuming 120 lb per 100 ft², the upper end of the Class II range:
- Material needed: 500 ÷ 100 × 120 = 600 lb
- Pails needed: 600 ÷ 60 = 10 pails
This calculation excludes waste. Confirm the application rate for your project and round your order up to whole pails.
Key Benefits
- Permanent surface color: Adds lasting color to the concrete surface.
- Abrasion resistance: Creates a dense, wear-resistant surface.
- UV-resistant colors: Helps resist fading from sunlight.
- Finish options: Trowel, broom, texture, or stamp the concrete.
Product Specifications
|
Specification |
Details |
|
Product Name |
CEM Chroma Hard |
|
Product Type |
Dry-Broadcast Concrete Color Hardener |
|
Physical Form |
Pigmented cementitious powder |
|
Composition |
Cement, fine quartz aggregates, pigments, conditioners, and wetting agents |
|
Package Weight |
60 lb per pail |
|
Standard Colors |
16 |
|
Substrate |
Freshly placed concrete, before it hardens |
|
Finish Options |
Troweled, broomed, textured, or stamped |
|
Intended Use |
Professional use only |
Application Overview
- Review the instructions. Read the current application instructions and Safety Data Sheet. Check the application rate for your selected color’s class.
- Broadcast onto fresh concrete. Distribute CEM Chroma Hard evenly over freshly placed concrete before it hardens.
- Float into the surface. Float the color hardener into the concrete surface.
- Finish the concrete. Trowel, broom, or texture the surface.
- Stamp if required. Use stamping mats to create the pattern. Antique Release Powder may be used as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Follow CEM’s complete application instructions. Curing, sealing, weather, and the concrete mix all affect the final color, so test your planned finish on a small panel first.
Safety & Product Documents
For professional use only. Read the Technical Data Sheet before application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply CEM Chroma Hard to existing concrete?
It is intended for freshly placed concrete before it hardens. For existing hardened concrete, choose a stain or resurfacing system suited to the surface.
How is it different from CEM Chroma integral pigment?
CEM Chroma Hard is broadcast onto fresh concrete and floated in, so the color sits at the surface. Integral pigment, such as CEMchroma™ Pigment Paks, is mixed into the material before it’s placed and colors the mix itself.
Can I use it for stamped concrete?
Yes. It can be used to color freshly placed concrete before stamping. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and any release product used.