CEM Chroma Integral Concrete Color Pigment

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CEM Chroma Integral Concrete Color Pigment adds color throughout concrete and other cement-based materials using iron oxide pigments. Available in 35 standard colors, the pigment comes in pre-measured repulpable bags that are added unopened during mixing. The bags break apart as the pigment disperses through the mix. This product is mixed into the material, not broadcast onto the surface.

Suitable materials and applications include:

• Ready-mix and precast concrete.
• Concrete pavers and masonry units.
• Shotcrete and mortar.
• Stucco, plaster, and cast stone.
• Roof tiles and retaining-wall units.

Color Options

Choose from 35 standard colors. Each labeled swatch has a corresponding dosage in the Dosage & Quantity Guide.

The chart shows approximate colors on sealed concrete using its stated reference mix. Your concrete mix, water content, finishing, curing, and sealer can change the shade. Approve a test slab using the materials, pigment dosage, and finish planned for your project.

Dosage & Quantity Guide

Dosage depends on the selected color and concrete volume. Rates below are pounds of pigment per cubic yard (CY) of concrete.

Reference Mix & Limits

The chart is based on a 5-sack mix identified as 3,000 psi, gray Type I cement, and a 4-inch slump. Confirm the dosage with the manufacturer if your mix differs.

Pigment must not exceed 10% of the cement weight. This limit refers to cement weight, not total concrete weight.

Calculate the Quantity

Concrete volume in CY × dosage in lb/CY = pigment weight needed

For example, 3 CY × 5 lb/CY for Smoke = 15 lb of pigment.

Check the actual pigment weight in your selected pack before calculating how many packs to order. Do not assume one pack treats one cubic yard.

Key Benefits

• Through-mix color: Distributes color throughout the concrete or cement-based material.
• Light-fast pigments: Iron oxide pigments resist fading from light exposure.
• Pre-measured packs: Help measure the pigment needed for your selected color and concrete volume.
• No opening or pouring: Add repulpable bags unopened; they break apart during mixing.

Product Specifications

Mixing & Finishing Overview

Batch-Plant Mixing

1. Clean the mixer. Thoroughly clean the truck mixer before batching.
2. Start the batch. Add two-thirds of the batch water and one-half of the aggregates.
3. Add unopened color bags. Mix at full charging speed for 3 minutes, or until the bags break apart and the pigment disperses evenly.
4. Add the remaining ingredients. Complete mixing according to the manufacturer’s required time and revolutions.

Job-Site Mixing

1. Check the quantity. Match the pigment quantity to the concrete volume, selected color, and specified dosage.
2. Add bags unopened. Place the repulpable color bags into the mixer drum.
3. Mix as directed. Follow the manufacturer’s mixing requirements. Maintain a 4–6-inch slump and minimize added water.

Precautions

• Keep the mix design, water-to-cement ratio, slump, and raw materials consistent between loads.
• Do not sprinkle pigment onto the concrete surface.
• Do not add water to the surface or wet finishing tools.
• Do not use calcium chloride or chloride-based accelerators.
• If the surface becomes wet, stop floating. Allow bleed water to evaporate before troweling.
• Do not use wet coverings, plastic sheeting, waterproof paper, or liquid membrane curing compounds. Follow the manufacturer’s approved curing procedure.

This overview does not replace the manufacturer’s complete mixing, finishing, and curing instructions.

Safety & Product Documents

For professional use only. Read the technical sheet before application. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use CEM Chroma Integral on existing concrete?

CEM Chroma Integral is mixed into concrete or suitable cement-based materials before placement. It is not applied to existing hardened concrete as a stain or surface coating.

How is it different from CEM Chroma Hard?

CEM Chroma Integral colors the material throughout the mix. CEM Chroma Hard is a color hardener broadcast onto fresh concrete and floated into the surface.

Can I use it in mortar or stucco?

Yes. Both are listed uses. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage and mixing instructions for mortar or stucco; the concrete color chart’s rates are not automatically suitable for those mixes.