What are the best colour hardeners to buy for imprinted concrete driveways in the UK?
The best colour hardener for an imprinted concrete driveway is one that provides consistent colour while also helping to harden and densify the concrete surface. Here at
Elite Crete, we manufacture and supply colour hardeners specifically for decorative and imprinted concrete applications.
What does colour hardener do to imprinted concrete?
Colour hardener colours, hardens and densifies the surface of freshly placed concrete, making it an important part of the pattern-imprinted concrete process.
It is not simply a case of adding colour to the concrete. The dry-shake hardener is worked into the surface to create the required finish before the concrete is imprinted.
Getting the application right is important because the colour hardener forms a major part of what you see once the driveway is finished.
Which colour hardeners does Elite Crete supply?
Elite Crete supplies ready-to-use colour hardener in 25kg bags, with a range of colours available for decorative concrete, patios, driveways and imprinted concrete.
We manufacture our own colour hardeners and can also produce bespoke colours where a project requires something outside the standard range.
That can be particularly useful when a customer wants a specific colour combination rather than the same standard finish you see on every other driveway.
How much colour hardener do you need?
The amount required depends on the application and the traffic expected on the finished surface, so coverage should always be considered when calculating quantities. Elite Crete states that a 25kg bag will generally cover around 10–12m² for applications such as driveways and patios, while heavier applications can require considerably more material.
As any experienced installer will tell you, it is better to calculate your material properly before you start. Running short halfway through a driveway is not the sort of problem you want when the concrete is waiting.
Does colour hardener make concrete more durable?
Colour hardener helps to harden and densify the concrete surface that it is applied to while also improving resistance to moisture penetration and making the finished surface easier to clean.
However, the overall performance of an imprinted concrete driveway depends on the complete system, including the concrete, preparation, installation, release agent and sealer.
The workmanship matters too. Timing is critical when working with fresh concrete, particularly during warmer weather when the surface can become ready for imprinting surprisingly quickly.
Where can you buy colour hardener for imprinted concrete?
Elite Crete colour hardener is available directly from our UK-based business, with stock available for dispatch.
Buy Elite Crete colour hardener
Here at Elite Crete we also supply the other equipment and materials needed for pattern-imprinted concrete, including imprinting mats, release agents, sealers and specialist tools.
Shop Elite Crete's full range of imprinted concrete materials
For us, getting a good driveway finish is about using the right kind of products together rather than looking for one magic product to do everything. Good materials, proper preparation and solid workmanship are what make the world of difference.
