Pigmenting of A1
1.0 A1 Pigments.
The base colour of A1 is ivory white. If desired, we have A1 suitable pigments in 10 colours with which the A1 can be coloured through and through.
These pigments are highly concentrated and are added up to a maximum of 2% to the A1. Often a lower dose is sufficient to achieve the desired result.
2.0 RAL colours.
The A1 Pigments can be mixed with each other so that almost all RAL colours can be made. We have most RAL colour formulas available.
3.0 If you need a constant colour.
As A1 powder is a natural material It is impossible to achieve a 100% equal colour for all products. Slight colour differences between the different A1 elements will occur.
To minimise colour difference we advise:
- To work with 1 batch of pigment to prevent colour differences as much as possible.
- Especially if a constant colour is required for large projects, to add all the colour pigments to the total required A1 Liquid in advance.
4.0 I want my A1 to be more white.
White is available in many colours and often one of the more difficult colours to realise. A few suggestions to achieve the desired white look are:
- Use our A1 Extra White version, however we do not recommend to use A1 Extra White for outdoor A1 objects.
- Add max 2% of white pigment to the A1.
- As a finish mix A1 Sealer PLUS with white pigment and then apply in 1 or more thin layers over the A1 object. Finish with a non-pigmented A1 Sealer PLUS layer.
- A combination of the above possibilities.
5.0 Heat versus Colour.
Dark colours absorb more heat than light colours. We also see this happen with dark coloured A1 objects.
Although it does not affect the quality of the A1, these high temperatures can affect the materials and construction used in the A1 object.
6.0 Pigments from other suppliers.
Very regular we get the question if it is possible to use pigments from other suppliers to colour A1. We always have to answer “we don’t know as there are many many different pigments available and in some cases, these pigments can affect the quality of the A1, ranging from slowing down/blocking the curing process to decreasing the weather resistance”.
Hence our advice to a) use our tested A1 pigments or b) test this pigments yourselves in advance.
Of course the pigments also need to be water based or powder pigments.
7.0 Is A1 UV stable after exposure?
The present A1 pigments are UV stable for a considerable period. However also A1 with pigment will change colour due to the influence of the weather. How much is difficult to say as this depends on the intensity of the weather influence on the A1 object, the use of a sealer or coating system, the % of pigment used and the colour of the pigment.
8.0 What is the difference in white between adding white pigment and using the A1 Extra White version?
With A1 Extra White, the A1 Powder has been chemically bleached. Standard A1 Powder has a slightly reddish colour (varies per batch of A1 Powder). With A1 Powder Extra White this reddish colour has been removed.
9.0 How do I create a concrete look?
By using A1 with our glass fiber it is possible to make “concrete” objects which are thin and lightweight. You can create (almost) any concrete look you are looking for.
Imitating the structure of concrete depends on your mould so make sure you choose a mould with the concrete structure you are looking for.
The color of the concrete is determined by the pigment and fillers you use. The easiest way is to choose a specific (RAL) color which matches the concrete color you would like to replicate. By adding filler like gray sand, stones or fillite, as we show you in the video you create some extra depth to the concrete look.
Of course feel free to experiment in order to create your own special concrete mix.
