Bostik Cementone Colour for Cement Buff 1kg

What Is Bostik Cementone Colour for Cement - Buff? 

Bostik Colour for Cement in Buff is a high-quality, concentrated powder pigment specifically formulated to colour cement-based mixes, including concrete, mortars, renders, and screeds. 

This admix utilises lightfast iron oxide pigments, which disperse easily and evenly throughout dry mixes. This aids in achieving consistent, durable shades ranging from warm buff and rich sandy hues to lighter creamy or pale yellowish-brown tones. 

When used according to the manufacturer's directions, it imparts lasting, natural-looking colour without adversely affecting the structural performance or strength of the final cured material, suiting it to a wide variety of interior and exterior applications where a subtle, earthy aesthetic is desired.

How It Works

The pigment is added directly to the dry cement and other dry components (sand, aggregate) within a mix. 

Thorough dry mixing before the addition of gauging water ensures the fine pigment particles are evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent, through-coloured material once cured, rather than just a surface coating.

Achieving Your Desired Buff, Sandy, or Creamy Shade

The final shade and intensity, from a distinct buff to a delicate creamy hue, is determined by the dosage of the pigment relative to the cement content by weight, alongside other very important factors:

• Mix Ratios (Pigment to Cement, by weight):
  • Normal Use (Standard Buff): A typical starting point to achieve a good depth of buff colour is 1 part Buff pigment to 20 parts cement by weight. For example, this equates to 1.25kg of Buff pigment for every 25kg bag of cement.
  • Richer/Deeper Buffs: To achieve a more saturated buff, you can increase the dosage up to a maximum recommended ratio of 1 part Buff pigment to 10 parts cement by weight (e.g., 2.5kg of Buff pigment per 25kg of cement).   
  • Lighter Shades (Sandy, Creamy Hues): For softer, paler buff, sandy, or off-white creamy shades, reduce the amount of Buff pigment used relative to the cement content.
• Factors Influencing Final Colour:
  • Cement Type & Colour: The base colour of the cement used (standard grey Portland cement versus White Portland Cement) will have a very significant impact on the final buff shade. White Portland Cement is highly recommended for achieving brighter, cleaner, and truer buff or creamy tones. Grey cement will result in more muted, potentially duller, or "dirtier" buff shades with a greyish undertone.
  • Sand Colour: The natural colour of the sand is especially critical when aiming for specific buff shades. Using a light-coloured or yellow sand will enhance and complement the buff pigment. Grey or dark sands will significantly alter and dull the final colour.
  • Aggregate Colour: The colour of any larger aggregates will also subtly influence the perceived final colour, particularly in mixes with a higher aggregate content or where an exposed aggregate finish is planned.
  • Water Content: The amount of gauging water used can impact the final shade and its consistency. It is crucial to use the exact same water-to-cement ratio for all batches to maintain colour uniformity.
• Ensuring Colour Consistency:
  • Always measure all ingredients, including the Buff pigment, by weight, not by volume, to ensure accuracy from batch to batch.
  • For projects requiring multiple batches, use the same types, grades, and sources of cement, sand (especially critical for buff), and aggregates throughout the entire job.
  • It is strongly recommended to use Buff pigment from the same batch number for any single, continuous application. If using pigment from multiple batches is unavoidable, it's good practice to pre-mix the different batches of pigment powder together before use.
  • Crucially, always prepare a small trial mix using your actual site materials (cement, sand, aggregate, and water ratio) and allow it to fully dry and cure (which can take several days or weeks for the true colour to develop). This is essential for accurately assessing the final colour and ensuring it meets your requirements, especially if matching existing coloured work or natural stone.

Applications for Buff Pigmented Mixes

• Concrete: Creating decorative pathways, driveways, patios, garden edging, or pre-cast elements that emulate natural buff-coloured stone (e.g., Cotswold or sandstone effects).
• Mortars: Producing coloured pointing mortar to complement or match buff, yellow, or cream-coloured bricks and natural stone, or for restoration projects requiring a traditional buff mortar.
• Renders: Achieving durable and attractive buff or sandy coloured finishes on internal or external walls, offering a warm and classic appearance.
• Screeds: Manufacturing coloured floor screeds with a natural stone look for various applications.   

Benefits

• Natural, Earthy Buff Colour: Formulated with high-quality iron oxide pigments for warm, subtle buff tones that are resistant to fading from exposure to UV light and weathering, mimicking natural stone shades.   
• Uniform & Easy Dispersion: The fine powder consistency allows it to mix thoroughly and evenly into the dry components, ensuring a consistent colour distribution throughout the finished material.  
• No Performance Compromise: When used within the recommended dosage rates, it does not adversely affect the setting time, compressive strength, or overall durability of the concrete, mortar, render, or screed.   
• Versatile Application Range: Suitable for a wide array of interior and exterior projects where a durable and aesthetically pleasing buff, sandy, or creamy coloured cementitious finish is desired.   
• Customisable Shades: The dosage can be precisely adjusted to achieve a spectrum of buff hues, allowing for tailored results.

Application Guidelines

• Safety First: Before commencing any work, always consult the relevant Health & Safety Data Sheet for Bostik Colours for Cement, available from Bostik.
• Dry Mixing is Essential: Add the Bostik Colours for Cement - Buff powder directly to the dry cement.
• Thorough Dispersion: Mix the pigment and cement thoroughly. Once evenly combined, add the dry sand and any aggregates, and continue to mix until the Buff pigment is uniformly dispersed throughout all the dry components. Achieving an even colour distribution at this dry stage is critical.
• Adding Water: Gradually add the correct amount of gauging water and mix to achieve the desired workability and consistency.
• Enhancing Colour Retention & Appearance (Optional but Recommended):
  • For mortars and renders, to help reduce the likelihood of efflorescence (unsightly white salt deposits that can appear on coloured surfaces) and lime bloom, thereby improving long-term colour vibrancy, consider adding Bostik Mortar Plasticiser to the mix at its recommended dosage.
  • For external rendering, to further minimise efflorescence and enhance weather resistance, adding Bostik Integral Waterproofer at its recommended dosage can also be beneficial.