Description:

Diggers oxide is a colouring agent for all types of cement mortar, concrete, mixes and plaster renders. The preferred and recommended method of colouring concrete is to incorporate the colouring oxide into the mortar/concrete mix. This through/colouring provides a more even and permanent result with less likelihood of colour loss due to wear, chipping etc. However, the amount of oxide used, (between 5 and 10% based on the cement content) is higher than with the dusting method.

Directions for use:

Colours Available:

Black, Brown, Chocolate, Fire Red, Green, Light Brown, Marigold, Marine Blue, Red, Sandstone, Terracotta, Yellow.

For Colouring Full Mixes Of Concrete:

As a guide 12kg of Diggers oxide per cubic metre of concrete will give a solid colour. Do not use more than 25 kg per cubic metre, as the mix will not accept the overdose of oxide. Not more than 10% of oxide colour should be added to the total cement content. For example, if 1 cubic meter of concrete contains 220 kg of cement, the amount of oxide to add should not exceed 22 kg. For smaller quantities eg: concrete mix containing 5 kg of cement would need not more than 0.5kg of oxide.

Mortars

When using a 3 cubic feet on site cement mixer you would normally use 10 to 12 kg of pure cement. To get a light shade effect add 300 gr of oxide (3%), Medium shade 600 gr (6%) and dark shade not more than 1 kg. (10%). If you use 50/50 cream or 50/50 grey (cement/lime) you still use the same amount of oxide as described above. Oxide colouring used in grey cement will have a different effect than when mixed with white or offwhite cement. Use grey cement for darker colours and white or off-white for brighter colours. To avoid colour differences between batches, make sure that same amount of oxide is used (in each batch). Always measure the amount of oxide by WEIGHT not by volume. Diggers Gripcrete can be added to make the colour last longer and to make the mix more flexible. Refer to DIGGERS Gripcrete brochure for more information.

Dusting method

To achieve a 5 mm colour depth mix 1 part cement and 0.1 part of Diggers oxide colouring. Add 2 part of dry sand. Mix again. Spread mix evenly over the wet concrete at a rate of 2kg per 1 m2. Trowel in the mix until a uniform colour has been achieved. While concrete is still wet, repeat all steps to ensure uniform colour and thickness.

Sealing

To enhance the colour and protect the surface against fungus decay, grease and oil marks, we recommend 1 or 2 coats of Diggers PAVEX for an extremely hard waring surface. Apply sealer to dry and cured surface. To maintain the natural look for vertical surfaces and to protect the surface against fungus decay use Diggers RAINCOAT after the surface is cured and dried.

Notes:

1- One coat dusting will not contain sufficient colour for long-term durability.

2- Minimum colour depth for the two layers should not be less than 5 mm.

3- Avoid over trowelling and try to keep the amount of trowelling constant over the whole area.

4- One part must not be trowelled in a sloppy state and another part when nearly dry.

First Aid:

Refer to Material Safety Data File

Sizes available:

Varying sizes from 150g up to 3Kg

Material Safety Data File:

View The MSD File Here (PDF Form)