Is the colour permanent?
Yes it is. With proper installation and sealing, its appearance will last a lifetime.
Using highest quality ingredients and with proper sealing, the inorganic nature of metallic oxides can give a permanent result to coloured concrete.
Sealing stops the ingress of dirt and grime and keeps out moisture which can cause efflorescence. This is where calcium and silicon salt can be leached out and dry on the surface - usually in the form of a white, powdery coating. Normal maintenance is all that is necessary to keep the surface clean. If necessary, re-sealing is a straightforward procedure.
The iron oxide pigments we use for our colours are of the highest quality and therefore they have the highest light fastness values of iron oxide materials any available in the world - even under harsh NZ UV conditions. The colours don't really fade as other materials do. Without going into details, any fading that will occur would be barely noticeable in a human generation.
BUT, to achieve this the concrete must be sealed. Sealing protects concrete from darkening from dirt, grime and stains, and also reduces moisture transfer which can bring efflorescence on to the surface. Efflorescence is when calcium and silicate salts are brought to the surface of the concrete through the wet-drying cycle which can whighten or lighten the surface (Note: This can be easily removed with PFL Surface Preparation). For these reasons people sometimes think coloured concrete has faded, when in fact it hasn't. It has just become dirty or has white build up from efflorescence.
What this means for the owner is that some maintenance is required - the surface should be cleaned from time to time, and the sealer should be reapplied when required. For more details for owners and what is required long term, read Looking after your PeterFell Floor.
Also low dosages of colour can also give the impression of fading, but rest assured the Peter Fell System is based on a specified dose to achieve the desired colour. Note, half doses will not achieve half colour.
