Color Hardener
DUSTONE COLOR HARDENER is a inter grind of color pigments, cement, graded, hard non-reactive aggregates and surface conditioning agents is a inter grind of color pigments, cement, graded, hard non-reactive aggregates and surface conditioning agents. Only pure lightfast, lime proof and weather resistant pigments are used.
DUSTONE COLOR HARDENER is a ready to use dry shake colorant and hardener for concrete. Applied to fresh concrete it will produce a colorful wear resistant concrete surface. DUSTONE COLOR HARDENER is specifically formulated for use in textured, stamped concrete. Its superior concrete stamping and coloring characteristics make it ideal for use on many different commercial and residential colored concrete finishes.
Coverage Rates: Generally 60 lbs. per 100 - 125sq. ft. is adequate dark colors and medium use. Light colors and heavy duty use may require additional amounts, but never more 120 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.

Description and Uses: Formulated to be easily incorporated into the surface of freshly placed concrete, Dustone Color Hardener produces hard, durable, abrasion resistant hardscapes or interior floors. Time-tested for years, it offers streak-free, uniform color in a wide color selection. Due to its dense surface, Dustone color-hardened concrete is longer wearing, easier to maintain, and more resistant to the effects of freeze/thaw cycles. With proven product uniformity, Dustone Color Hardener provides color consistency, phase-to-phase and project-to-project. To match or blend with Dustone color-hardened hardscapes or floors, adjacent surfaces of freshly placed, vertical concrete, such as curbs and risers, may be plastered with a mix of Dustone Color Hardener and water. Dustone Color Hardener adds vibrant or subtle color to hardscapes while providing an attractive  and durable surface for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Sections of concrete in contrasting or complimentary colors are often placed to form intriguing designs. Texture definition and geometric patterning may be added to color-hardened hardscapes or floors by scoring or saw cutting, thereby combining the appearance of individually laid units with the structural integrity and strength of concrete. Dustone Color Hardener is regularly used with imprinted or Stamped concrete to produce the look of handset brick, tile, or aged stone. [See Stamp Tools] Used with a variety of imprinting tools, its rich finishing paste allows the production of sharp, clear, wear-resistant patterns. Color hardened Concrete when used with a Colored Release Agent or antiqued surfaces exhibit an attractive timeworn, mottled patina. These effects are achieved by use of Dustone Color Hardener, Dustone Colored Release and Diamond Seal Clear Sealer. Warehouse, industrial, commercial, and many other flat interior concrete floors, colored or uncolored, are normally hardened to protect the surface and reduce damage from wear. Dustone Color Hardener produces hard working, attractive concrete floors with dense, abrasion resistant, easy to maintain surfaces in a wide range of colors. Dustone Color Hardener is often used as a base for chemically stained concrete to produce hard, dense surfaces, rich color, and a wider color range. It is not for coloring vertical, architectural concrete, such as cast in place walls and precast or tilt up panels, or when an integral color is preferred for flat working.
Limitations: Application must be at the coverage rates given in "coverage."
Coverage. If insufficient material is applied, the abrasion resistance of the cured surface will be reduced, and the concrete substrate may be revealed during texturing . Dustone Color Hardener is not suitable for use over self-leveling, cementitious toppings. Though i  t may be mixed with water and plastered on the vertical faces of freshly placed concrete incidental to color-hardened flatwork, it is not intended for extensive use on vertical concrete surfaces . All fine and coarse aggregates in the concrete substrate must be non reactive. Fluosilicate type chemical hardeners should not be used unless the color of the hardener is Concrete Gray (uncolored), since they leave a non uniform, whitish residue.
Composition and Materials: Dustone Color Hardener is a streak-free, powdered, cementitious material containing special, hard aggregates and produced by a proprietary manufacturing and inter grinding process. Formulated as a high-opacity color- hardening material for the top surface of freshly placed concrete substrates, it is lime proof, and has maximum resistance to the effects of sunlight (UV) . For optimum surface hardening the aggregates are selected for hardness and purity , carefully graded through a wide particle size range to produce dense, wear resistant surfaces.
Applicable Standards: The coloring materials in Color Hardener conform to ASTM C 979 for color stability. Professional concreting standards and practices, including those published by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the Portland Cement Association (PCA), should be followed.
Colors: Dustone Color Hardener is available from stock in Twenty Five (25) standard  colors. Dustones standard colors are time proven favorites, that still fit the latest design palette. Colors shown on Dustones Color Chart Color Hardener approximate the colors obtained when the color hardened surface is cured. Use of other curing methods will alter the color of the surface, as will certain texturing methods such as sandblasting.
Textures and Slip Resistance: Only uniformly slip resistant concrete surfaces, such as broomed, swirl, lightly sandblasted, or most imprinted concrete should be considered for installation of a Color Hardener. When a flat interior floor is required, extra precautions should be taken to insure that the surface is uniformly troweled so that it will not be slippery. A slip resistant flat troweled finish is suggested.
Sizes: Dustone Color Hardener is available in easy opening 60-pound (27 kg) bags.
Coverage: Coverage requirements vary according to intended use and color. Dustone Color Hardener should never be applied at a coverage rate of less than 60 pounds (1 bag) per 100-125 square feet (27 kg/b m2), and for commercial applications or when a lightly sand-blasted finish is required a minimum of 90 pounds (1.5 bags) per 100-125 square feet (41 kg/b m2) is recommended. Regardless of use, light colors and whites require minimum coverage rates of 60-100 pounds (1-1.5 bags) per 100-125 square feet. Because of the difference in their relative densities, the above coverage rates result in 75% greater thicknesses than if a metallic hardener were used at the same coverage rate. Dustone Color Hardener may be plastered onto freshly placed vertical surfaces at the rate of approximately 80 pounds per 100 square feet (36 kg/b m2).
Shelf Life: Under normal conditions, and when kept dry, the shelf life of Dustone Color Hardener is at least six months from the date of purchase. Inventory should be rotated.
Jobsite Samples: Producing architectural concrete requires skill and practice. Timing, application and texturing techniques, imprinting patterns, experience in use of the material, antiquing, curing, finish coating, and other factors will affect the final appearance and performance of color-hardened hardscapes and floors. Representative jobsite samples should be produced and approved prior to installation . Samples should be made for each color and texture and be of adequate size to be representative. The samples should be produced by the same workers who will install the color-hardened flatwork using the contemplated job materials, construction tools, and techniques. All samples should be finished, textured or imprinted, cured, and if applicable antiqued, finish-coated or sealed, as specified.
Cautions: WARNING! IRRITATING TO EYES AND SKIN. DO NOT BREATHE DUST. MAY CAUSE DELAYED LUNG INJURY (SILICOSIS). CONTAINS CEMENT AND SILICA (QUARTZ). Use with adequate ventilation. Wet cement may cause alkali burns. Dust mask , safety goggles, and gloves are recommended. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. *Before using or handling, read the Material Safety Data Sheet and Warranty
First Aid: Eyes-DO NOT RUB EYES. Immediately flush thoroughly with water. Skin: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove soiled clothing. lnhalation: Move to fresh air. If symptoms persist or develop, or if ingested, get medical attention. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. Wash thoroughly immediately after handling.
Mr. Concrete - Rental / Sales Division
17611 NE 70th Street Redmond, WA 98052
Office: 425.883.3889 Fax: 425.861.0461
Stamp and color charts courtesy of Matcrete MATCRETE® INTERNET SALES For PRECISION STAMPED CONCRETE TOOLS For More Information Toll Free (877) 662-8273 USA/CA International 714-979-2727 24 Hr. Fax 714-979-5478 24 Hr.
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