Homebuilding the Green Way

Hi, I'm glad I found you.
I am an Architect in Kansas. Most of my work is in the
Kansas City area, but "Out in the County".
Question is on Concrete Slab, "Art Work": Have you
ever heard of anyone using Chalk Line Marking Chalk to
Permanently Color Concrete? They have "crayon colors" - Bright Blue & Red and also neon-ish greens, oranges & yellow.

If the Chalk was sprinkled into
the surface as it was being finished (before setting up or
curring), How permanent would the color likely be? For Interior? Exterior? Sun Fading? Use for Playgrounds,
Sidewalks, Workshops?

Thanks,
 

I have an existing concrete floor that we recently removed linoleum tiles from. the remaining floor has square designs left and some weird colorations. we don't think a stain will work because of this. what kind of paint and sealer should we use. I would prefer the look of a stain but without the inconsistant checkerboard look i have now. I want to be as green and healthy as possible. any ideas appreciated. Thanks Juniper in Asheville NC junipermcclell@yahoo.com
 

Hi folks! GLad you could stop in.

Ruby in the Rough said...

Question is on Concrete Slab, "Art Work": Have you
ever heard of anyone using Chalk Line Marking Chalk to
Permanently Color Concrete?

Yes I've heard of it, but no, I haven't tried it. Almost anything you do to concrete will probably show under a clear finish, however, the powdery chalk could possibly make the finish not stick.

Anonymous juniper said...

I have an existing concrete floor that we recently removed linoleum tiles from. the remaining floor has square designs left and some weird colorations. we don't think a stain will work because of this. what kind of paint and sealer should we use

I hate painted concrete floors. The paint either peels off or gets worn off. If you need a nice finish I'd tile it with ceramic tile, other than that, I'd leave it alone. Carpet, linoleum, and vinyl tile squares belong above grade, IMHO.
 

Hello, and thanks!

A few questions:

1. when adding coffee to iron sulphate stain is it brewed coffee or dry grounds?

2. Why leave the dry Iron oxide on the floor after first staining has dried? Will it re-soak in on second staining? does redistributing it help abrade "sand" brush marks and footprints?
 

I have been reading your Iron Sulphate Concrete Stain piece with great interest. Would this work on the outside of the house? I am disabled, and mobility is reduced to a wheelchair. Prior to my moving into this house, concrete ramps, new walks, and a new driveway were constructed. Now I would like to color them, but it needs to be green. (Among other things, every light in the house is either LED, fluorescent, or CFL; my Christmas Tree is a living tree; and I have both R30 insulation and a radiant barrier installed.) Will it last? Aside from fertilizing the flowers, what other effects will it have on the landscape.