Bostik Cementone Colour for Cement Russet Brown 1kg

What Is Bostik Cementone Colour for Cement Russet Brown 1kg? 

Bostik Colour for Cement in Russet Brown 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 deep russet brown and warm autumnal hues to lighter, more muted earthy browns. 

When used according to the manufacturer's directions, it imparts lasting, rich colour without adversely affecting the structural performance or strength of the final cured material, making it an excellent choice for a diverse range of interior and exterior applications where a traditional, warm, or natural brown finish 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 Russet Brown or Earthy Brown Shade

The final colour intensity, from a deep, warm russet to a lighter, softer brown, 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 Russet Brown): A typical starting point to achieve a good depth of russet brown colour is 1 part Russet Brown pigment to 20 parts cement by weight. For example, this equates to 1.25kg of Russet Brown pigment for every 25kg bag of cement.
  • Deeper/Richer Browns: To achieve a more saturated or intense russet brown, you can increase the dosage up to a maximum recommended ratio of 1 part Russet Brown pigment to 10 parts cement by weight (e.g., 2.5kg of Russet Brown pigment per 25kg of cement).   
  • Lighter Shades (Muted Browns, Tan Hues): For softer, paler brown or tan-like shades, reduce the amount of Russet Brown 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 significantly affect the final russet brown shade. White Portland Cement will typically yield brighter, cleaner, and potentially more vibrant russet or lighter brown tones. Grey cement will result in deeper, more muted, and traditionally earthier browns.
  • Sand Colour: The natural colour of the sand is very influential. Using a light-coloured, buff, or even slightly reddish sand can enhance and complement the russet brown pigment. Grey or dark sands will significantly alter and dull the final colour, potentially shifting it towards a less vibrant brown.
  • 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 Russet Brown 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, and aggregates throughout the entire job.
  • It is strongly recommended to use Russet Brown 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 aiming for a specific earthy tone.

Applications for Russet Brown Pigmented Mixes

• Concrete: Creating decorative pathways, driveways, patios, garden edging, or pre-cast elements with a traditional brown stone or warm autumnal appearance.
• Mortars: Producing coloured pointing mortar to complement or match various brick types (especially brown, red, or multi-coloured bricks) and natural stonework, enhancing traditional or rustic styles.
• Renders: Achieving durable and attractive russet brown or earthy coloured finishes on internal or external walls, offering a warm and classic appearance.   
• Screeds: Manufacturing coloured floor screeds with a natural, warm tone for various applications.   

Benefits

• Rich, Natural Russet Brown Colour: Formulated with high-quality iron oxide pigments for warm, earthy russet brown tones that are resistant to fading from exposure to UV light and weathering.   
• 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 russet brown or earthy toned cementitious finish is desired.   
• Customisable Shades: The dosage can be precisely adjusted to achieve a spectrum of brown hues, from subtle tans to deep, rich russet browns.

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 - Russet Brown 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 Russet Brown 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.