Choosing concrete colours and finishes

Colour is mixed through, not painted on

The most important thing to understand about precast colour is that pigment is mixed through the body of the concrete, not painted on the surface. That matters because a scratch or chip reveals more of the same colour underneath, rather than a grey patch. It is why a well-made coloured precast piece still looks right decades later, outdoors, through every season.

The finish carries the colour

Our standard is a smooth architectural finish: every piece is sanded and patched to remove bug holes and surface blemishes, so the colour reads evenly across the face. A clean, consistent finish is what makes a colour look intentional rather than blotchy.

How to choose and match a colour

• Start with the building: pick a colour that complements the brick, stone, or siding it will sit against, rather than trying to match it exactly.
• View samples in daylight: screen colours are only approximate, so look at a physical sample or the printed colour chart outdoors before deciding.
• Think about scale: a colour can read darker across a large facade than it does on a small chip, so consider the whole installation.
• Confirm before a big order: for a large run, request a sample of your chosen colour so there are no surprises when the pieces arrive.