INTERSTARPigments, Admixtures & Fibers

A GROWING INDUSTRYSignificant advancements in the Ready Mix concrete industry in recent years have resulted in an equally advanced product offering. The once gray, purely functional product is now available in a wide spectrum of colors and has become an integral part of the building design process.

QUALITY, INTENSITY AND UNIFORMITYIf you’re looking for the highest quality, most vibrant iron oxide pigments that are easy to use and cost effective, then Interstar has exactly what you are looking for. Interstar’s premium quality pigments are renowned for their purity, uniformity, intensity and durability. To ensure the highest level of quality, Interstar technicians carry out a series of rigorous tests on all finished products to certify their level of quality, performance, conformity and uniformity. Our pigments adhere to ASTM C979 specifications for integral concrete colorants, including superior alkaline resistance and effective defense against the elements. Interstar’s pigments are available in a wide variety of colors to match your project needs.

INTERSTARPigments, Admixtures & Fibers

READY-MIXCOLOR CHART

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS4255 Portland BoulevardSherbrooke, QuebecCanada, J1L 3A5Tel.: 819.563.9975 or 1.800.567.1857Fax.: 819.563.1317 or 1.888.563.1317

HEADQUARTERS - UNITED STATES530 Madison AvenueJunction City, Illinois62882, USATel.: 618.533.3600 or 1.866.610.5904Fax: 618.533.3636 or 1.866.649.5958

TORONTO, ONTARIOCALGARY, ALBERTASYRACUSE, NEW YORKTAMPA, FLORIDAMEXICO CITY, MEXICOMONTERREY, MEXICO

 info@interstar.cawww.interstar.ca

EASY TO USE

Interstar offers the Ready Mix concrete industry a spectrum of colors that can be used to create distinctive effects. Interstar’s Powderstar and Granastar pigments ensure a simple, efficient and easy coloring process. Powderstar pigment is available in pre-weighed disintegrating bags. This not only saves time, eliminates steps but it also reduces dust. INVENTORY AND SHIPPING

Your order will be promptly filled at one of our Distribution centers closest to you to ensure timely delivery. Orders are usually shipped the same day.

SERVICE, OUR PRIORITY AT INTERSTAR

Our technicians, chemists and engineers are at your service to assist you with your projects. If you require a special color, Interstar will work with you to develop exactly what you need. Our specialists will work with your aggregates, duplicating your productionprocess in our laboratories to ensure a successful result.

INFORMATION

If you require additional information on Interstar pigments for Ready Mix concrete, please refer to our literature for the Ready Mix concrete industry. You can also access our web site at www.interstar.ca where you will find all our literature. Do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Department at 1.800.567.1857.

CURING / SEALING:

Do not fog or cover the surface during the initial curing period (at least 24 hours). To complete the final finishing process, Interstar curing and sealing products should be applied. They are designed to provide a long-lasting protective finish.

Please be aware of the following to avoid discoloration: • Wait until the surface of the concrete is uniformly dry before applying the sealer.

• Avoid shadows (from trees, buildings, etc.) being cast over the area.

• Do not fog with water or cover surface during the initial curing process (at least 24 hours).

• Do not use plastic membrane sheets.

• Colored concrete will continue to lighten until it is fully cured. Allow the concrete to cure for 30 days before inspecting it for color match or appearance.

• Always use clean tools and new brooms if a broom finish is required.

Limitations: The optimal dosage of pigment suggested varies between 2% to 7%, based on the total weight of cementitious materials. A dosage of 10% of pigment based on the total weight of cementitious materials is the saturation point for pigment coloration. If the percentage of pigment is over 10% of the total weight of cementitious materials, there will be no benefits and it can affect considerably the results. In addition, if the percentage is lower than 1% of the total weight of cementitious materials, the coloration will be uneven and will affect the results.

This color chart only gives an approximate estimate of the color obtained and must be used as a guideline for color selection. The color chart may not represent the final colors that can be obtained. These color samples were obtained using grey Portland cement in a 4,500 psi concrete mix. In order to obtain a uniform color and a maximized effect, it is important to respect the methodology, the formula and the brand of the products used. The color of the concrete can be affected by many factors, including but not limited to:

• The amount of pigment integrated into the mix. • The type and brand of cement and the types of aggregates used. • The amount of water added. • The delay and finishing method. • The equipment and mixing.• The use of admixtures.

See Interstar’s Warranty for complete details.

COLORING METHOD

Step 1. The truck mixer drum must be completely clean with no leftover water or aggregate before mixing a batch of colored concrete.

Step 2. The slump must range from 3 1/2” to 4”. If air is entrained, it should range from 5% to 7%.

Step 3. Before adding the bags of pigment, reverse the truck mixer to bring the concrete to the back of the mixer.

Step 4. Place half the bags of color on top of the concrete.

Please Note: The steps 5 & 6 are critical for proper dispersion.

Step 5. Slowly move the concrete back to the front of the mixer, and start mixing at a slow speed until the bags are drawn into the concrete mix. Mix slowly for 2-3 minutes (6-8 revolutions).

Step 6. Increase the speed of the mixer to a medium-high rotation for 2-3 minutes (6-8 revolutions).

Step 7. Reverse the mixer to bring the concrete to the back of the mixer and add the remainder of the color bags.

Step 8. Repeat steps 5 & 6.

Step 9. Move the concrete mix from the front to the back of the mixer 3 or 4 times to pick up any pigment and concrete that may not be incorporated into the mix.

Step 10. Mix for a total of 10 to 15 minutes at regular mixing speed.

Step 11. Always place the first concrete down the chute of each load on the bottom of the slab.

Please Note: Occasionally, bags may not completely disintegrate due to worn fins, improper mixing, etc. Please instruct your finishing crews to watch for paper when the concrete is in the discharge chute. If paper is found, additional mixing may be required. If desired, the pigment bag may be cut open, and the pigment added directly into the concrete mix.

Caution: Never add extra water to a batch of colored concrete. Any differences in slump in successive batches will result in color variations in the concrete. Never use calcium chlorides or any accelerators.

FINISHING

Step 1: Place the concrete, and then strike it off using recognized methods.

Step 2: Once the concrete has been struck off, use a vibrating screed or a magnesium float. Take care to work in one direction.

Step 3: Waiting period (do not allow the concrete to get too hard). Allow sufficient time for the concrete to set; rushing the other steps can alter the final appearance of the concrete.

Step 4: Initial floating should be halted if there is any bleed water on the surface of the concrete (bleed water can result in scaling). Floating can be continued once the bleed water has evaporated. Stamping is the next step, if it is to be carried out.

Step 5: A power trowel or magnesium hand float can be used for a smooth finish, but over-working the surface will cause discoloration.

Step 6: Various final finishes such as broom, rotary, textured patterns or exposed aggregate can be performed after floating. Please refer to Interstar’s literature for each kind of finishes.

Caution: Never wet the tools during use. The use of water will result in discoloration and may even damage the surface of the concrete.

INTERSTARPigments, Admixtures & Fibers

READY-MIX COLOR CHART

BL-3212R (1 bag)Silver Diamond

JO-7960R (2 bags)Goldenrod

BN-1705R (1 bag)Rustic

JO-4131R (1 bag)Sahara

BN-2739R (1 bag)Stone Castle

VT-3310R (2 bags)Jade

CB-2000R (1 bag)Mystic Cobalt

CB-2000R (2 bags)Mystic Cobalt

VT-3353R (1 bag)Deep Forest

NR-5177R (1 bag)Steel Blue

VT-3353R (2 bags)Deep Forest

BN-1701R (1 bag)Taupe

BN-2681R (1 bag)Willow

BN-2739R (2 bags)Stone Castle

NR-5011R (1 bag)Shadow Grey

NR-5171R (1 bag)Midnight Bay

BN-1711R (1 bag)Hazelnut

BN-2531R (1 bag)Potter's Clay

BN-1705R (2 bags)Rustic

BN-1711R (2 bags)Hazelnut

RG-3077R (1 bag)Redwood

BN-1714R (1 bag)Santa Fe Tan

BN-1703R (1 bag)Copper

RG-2827R (1 bag)Baja Red

RG-2835R (1 bag)Egyptian Red

RG-2835R (2 bags)Egyptian Red

BN-2530R (2 bags)Nutmeg

BN-2531R (2 bags)Potter's Clay

JO-4159R (1 bag)Mystic Shadow

JO-6435R (1 bag)Sedona

RG-2821R (1 bag)Sangria

JN-4411R (1 bag)Bamboo

JO-7961R (1 bag)Desert Sand

JN-4416R (1 bag)Buff

JN-4416R (2 bags)Buff

JN-4010R (1 bag)Gold

INTERSTARPigments, Admixtures & Fibers

www.interstar.ca

BN-1616R (1 bag)Plum

BN-1616R (2 bags)Plum

NR-5157R (2 bags)Monsoon

NR-5105R (2 bags)Smoke

NR-5177R (2 bags)Steel Blue

NR-5157R (1 bag)Monsoon

NR-5105R (1 bag)Smoke

VT-2244R (1 bag)Moss

VT-2244R (2 bags)Moss

VT-3310R (1 bag)Jade

BN-2680R (1 bag)Balsam Brown

BN-2680R (2 bags)Balsam Brown

BN-2510R (1 bag)Maple

BN-2520R (1 bag)Chaps

BN-2520R (2 bags)Chaps

BN-2510R (2 bags)Maple

RG-2832R (1 bag)Salmon

RG-2832R (2 bags)Salmon

RG-2827R (2 bags)Baja Red

JO-4159R (1 bag)Mystic Shadow

JO-6435R (2 bags)Sedona

JO-4134R (2 bags)Orange Blossom

JO-4134R (1 bag)Orange Blossom

RG-2851R (1 bag)Fox Red

RG-3072R (1 bag)Maroon

BN-1714R (2 bags)Santa Fe Tan

RG-3077R (2 bags)Redwood

RG-3072R (2 bags)Maroon

JN-4010R (2 bags)Gold

JN-2400R (1 bag)Champagne

JN-2400R (2 bags)Champagne

JO-7960R (1 bag)Goldenrod

BN-2530R (1 bag)Nutmeg

BN-1703R (2 bags)Copper