Rainbow Colorant Mixing Calculator

Description

How much Colorant do you need?  

When mixing colorants it’s important to first decide how saturated you want your colour to be. There is a maximum load to each colorant listed on the bottle. The maximum load is the highest percentage of pigment you can add to a powder cement product (grout, thin set or concrete) to obtain the most saturated colour.

DO NOT ADD MORE THAN THE MAXIMUM LOAD or your product will not harden. If you add less colorant, you will get a lighter value.

YOU MUST MIX YOUR DRY CEMENT-BASED PRODUCTS AND COLORANT TOGETHER FIRST BEFORE ADDING WATER

I have created an excel spreadsheet that you can download for FREE. It can calculate the amount of grout required for your piece (based on width and height), and also will calculate the maximum amount of colorant you need to achieve a fully saturated colour.

NOTE: The best colour is achieved by using a white grout or cement-based adhesive. Merlin Mosaica sells white grout AND white Cement-based adhesive

• Easy to use
• Does not expire
• Designed for flat pieces
• For 3D pieces, you will need to estimate the flat equivalent surface area.
• Enter the dimensions of your work in the yellow highlighted cells
• The total amount of grout required will be displayed.
• Then you enter the colour you want to use, and enter the amount of grout you wish to mix up in the orange highlighted cells. (it can be different to the amount calculated)
• The total amount of pigment (colorant) required will display in the rows below, above the RED arrow.

What you will need

• Scale to measure in grams
• Metal measuring spoons
• Large container for mixing
• Small container for testing colour (silicone)
• Metal spatula
• Ziplock baggies
• Dropper or syringe for water

Mixing suggestions

• Shake powdered colorant and cement base in a ziplock baggie until very well mixed.
• Scoop out a small amount into a small silicone cup, add drops of water and mix to determine color. (Remember it will always dry lighter)
• If you are satisfied, then transfer the amount you need from the baggie into a mixing bowl and add water slowly until it is peanut butter consistency.

Colour mixing

When mixing colorants together to create new colour combinations, mix the colorants dry before adding to your concrete base and liquid.
I recommend you create a small sample board to ensure you get the colour you want.

Safety and clean up

Particulate (N95) mask is recommended. Avoid contact with skin and clothes. Wash with water.