Technical Knowledge
How to Choose the Particle Size & Mix Ratio of Colored Dry-Spread Hardener?

Choosing the particle size and mix ratio of a colored dry-spread hardener (wear-resistant flooring material) essentially involves balancing workability, surface abrasion resistance, and the final color appearance. Because colored flooring requires extremely high visual consistency, the selection of particles is more stringent than for natural-colored flooring.
The following is a detailed selection guide:
1. Aggregate Particle Size Selection
Particle size directly determines the impact resistance and surface smoothness of the floor.
Coarse Aggregate (1.5 – 3.5 mm): * Suitable for: Heavy industrial workshops, logistics channels with frequent forklift traffic.
Leak inspection: Carefully inspect the entire hydraulic system, including:
Features: High impact resistance, but in colored flooring, too many coarse particles can result in a slightly rough surface texture and are prone to "pinholes" during polishing.
Fine aggregate (0.1 – 1.5 mm): * Suitable for: Commercial spaces, sidewalks, cleanrooms.
Features: Extremely smooth surface, high color fidelity, easy to achieve a mirror finish.
Optimal gradation scheme: * Typically uses a continuous gradation, i.e., 30%-40% coarse aggregate + 60%-70% medium-fine aggregate. This combination ensures tight interlocking between aggregates, reducing porosity.
2. Optimal Material Ratio for Hardener
Colored dry-spread hardeners are typically pre-mixed from hardening aggregates, high-grade cement, pigment powder, and specialized additives.
Aggregate to cementitious material ratio: * Recommended ratio is generally 1:1 to 1.5:1.
If the aggregate ratio is too high (e.g., exceeding 2:1), the material's adhesion will decrease, and the colored flooring will be prone to peeling and flaking.
Pigment content: * Typically 3% – 8% of total weight.
Note: Pigments are fine powders. Excessive content (>10%) will reduce the strength of the surface and increase the risk of cracking; insufficient content will result in unsaturated color, making the underlying concrete color more visible.
3. Application Rate (Painting Intensity)
The amount of paint applied directly affects the depth and wear resistance of the colored flooring.
| Expected Load | Recommended dosage (kg/m2) | Construction Methods |
| Light Load (Pedestrian walkways, light storage) | 4.0 – 5.0 | Manual spreading or light equipment |
| Medium Load (Parking lots, production workshops) | 5.0 – 7.0 | Automatic spreading machine (spreads material in two stages) |
| Heavy Load (Heavy machinery, unloading areas) | 7.0 – 9.0 | Specialized equipment must be used to ensure compaction. |
4. Key Adaptation Recommendations: How to Avoid Color Difference
Colored concrete flooring is most susceptible to color difference, which is directly related to particle size and mixing ratio:
Batch Control: Ensure that the hardener used in the same area is from the same batch and has the same mixing ratio. Even slight differences in particle size between different batches can lead to inconsistent light reflection.
Two-Coat Application Method: * Apply 2/3 of the amount in the first coat, using the concrete moisture to wet it;
Apply 1/3 of the amount in the second coat, specifically to fill in any sparse areas of color left from the first coat.
Use Nano Hardener: After construction, it is recommended to use a nano sealing and curing agent. It fills the tiny gaps between the aggregates, "locking in" the colored particles and improving color durability by more than 50%.
Note: The parameters provided in this document are for reference only and are not mandatory. Due to differences in technical characteristics between different brands and models of laser levelers, please consult the manufacturer for a suitable solution before actual operation. This reference document assumes no responsibility for any issues arising from failure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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About the Author: Shandong Vanse Machinery Technology Co., Ltd.
Shandong Vanse Machinery Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech manufacturer specializing in concrete construction machinery, including laser screeds and related equipment. The company integrates R&D, production, and global sales, with products exported to over 60 countries and widely used in infrastructure projects worldwide.
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