The process of adding pigment or dyes to cement mixtures or hardened surfaces alters the visual appearance of hardened cement-based materials. This allows for a wide range of aesthetic options, transforming plain gray material into visually appealing surfaces. As an example, integrally adding a powdered pigment to a concrete mix before pouring changes the overall color of the resulting slab.
This alteration of appearance is important for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Enhanced color allows for improved design flexibility, matching structures to their surroundings or creating visually distinct spaces. Furthermore, specifically colored surfaces can improve safety, such as demarcating pedestrian zones with easily visible bright colors. Historically, coloring techniques were limited to naturally occurring pigments, but modern chemistry offers a wider and more durable palette.