Pigmenting of A1
1.0 A1 Pigments
The base colour of A1 is ivory white. If desired, we have suitable A1 pigments in 10 colours to colour A1 all the way through.
These pigments are highly concentrated and can be added up to a maximum of 2% of the A1. A lower dose is often enough to achieve the desired result.
2.0 RAL colours
A1 Pigments can be mixed with each other, so almost any RAL colour can be made. We have formulas available for most RAL colours.
3.0 If you need a consistent colour
As A1 Powder is a natural material, it is impossible to achieve a 100% identical colour for all products. Slight colour differences between A1 elements will occur.
To minimise colour differences, we advise:
- Working with 1 batch of pigment, to prevent colour differences as much as possible.
- Adding all the colour pigments to the total amount of A1 Liquid needed in advance, especially for large projects where a consistent colour is required.
4.0 I want my A1 to be whiter
White comes in many shades and is often one of the more difficult colours to achieve. A few suggestions for getting the white look you want:
- Use our A1 Extra White version. However, we do not recommend using A1 Extra White for outdoor A1 objects.
- Add a maximum of 2% white pigment to the A1.
- As a finish, mix A1 Sealer PLUS with white pigment and apply it in 1 or more thin layers over the A1 object. Finish with an unpigmented layer of A1 Sealer PLUS.
- A combination of the options above.
5.0 Heat versus colour
Dark colours absorb more heat than light colours. We also see this 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
We are regularly asked whether pigments from other suppliers can be used to colour A1. Our answer is always: “We don’t know, as there are so many different pigments available. In some cases, these pigments can affect the quality of the A1, from slowing down or blocking the curing process to reducing weather resistance.”
That’s why we advise you to a) use our tested A1 pigments or b) test these pigments yourself in advance.
The pigments also need to be water-based or powder pigments.
7.0 Is A1 UV-stable after exposure?
Our current A1 pigments are UV-stable for a considerable period. However, pigmented A1 will also change colour due to the influence of the weather. How much is difficult to say, as this depends on the intensity of the weather on the A1 object, the use of a sealer or coating system, the percentage of pigment used and the colour of the pigment.
8.0 What is the difference in white between adding white pigment and using A1 Extra White?
With A1 Extra White, the A1 Powder has been chemically bleached. Standard A1 Powder has a slightly reddish colour (which varies per batch of A1 Powder). In A1 Extra White, this reddish colour has been removed.
This also changes the properties of A1 Extra White. For outdoor applications in particular, we advise using our standard A1, possibly in combination with pigment.
9.0 How do I create a concrete look?
By using A1 with our glass fibre, you can make “concrete” objects that are thin and lightweight. You can create (almost) any concrete look you are looking for.
The concrete structure depends on your mould, so make sure you choose a mould with the concrete structure you want.
The colour of the concrete is determined by the pigments and fillers you use. The easiest way is to choose a specific (RAL) colour that matches the concrete colour you want to replicate. By adding fillers such as grey sand, stones or Fillite, as we show in the video, you give the concrete look some extra depth.
Feel free to experiment to create your own special concrete mix.
