I want darker slabs! - Cast concrete slabs

[cez1974]

Hi all...

I'm a newbee in need of some advice.

I have just had some marshalls calder brown slabs laid, and they're not as dark as I would like (in fact, they look really faded despite only being down 2 weeks!).

I love the look when it rains as it makes a dramatic impact on the slabs, but don't want a glossy finish.

I want to buy the right product, but don't want to spend the £100 they ask in jewsons for sealant!! (and that's only enough to cover 5sqm... I have 20sqm to do!!!).

I tried thompson patio sealer on an off cut, but it made no difference at all.

Any ideas would be gratfully received!!

Thanks

Cez

[lutonlagerlout]

these peoplecan advise you correctly on sealants but to be brutally honest, why seal a concrete wet cast slab?
you should have looked at some slabs before they were laid
I spoke to mikey ming the other week and told him that a patio is like a tatoo, if its done right its there for life,so be very careful about what you choose for it
IME calder browns are quite darks slabs,as slabs go ???
LLL

[cez1974]

Hi LLL

It's not that I want to seal them, just make them darker. I did view the slabs before hand, and they were quite dark which is why I chose them (as they would be pooed on regularly by my dog!). I left my builder to it (who did a great job), but when I cam home and they were laid, I was stunned at how pale they looked. I've washed them twice thinking it might just be dust etc, and seen them in all weather conditions. They don't have efflorescence, but look like they've faded dramatically. I want to bring the dark colour out in them if at all poss?

Thanks...

[lutonlagerlout]

give extensive a ring tomorrow but be aware qulaity products are not cheap
as for dog sh&% on the patio
no comment

LLL

[seanandruby]

Feed your dog lighter coloured food :laugh:

[mickg]

could you post a photo of the patio Cez ?

like Luton says Calder brown are normally dark in colour plus the Marshall's heritage range of flags now come with a Teflon coating

how to upload a photo

if you can't manage to upload a photo either email it to me or to Luton and we will do it for you

[cez1974]

If only, Sean! :laugh:

I'll try and take a piccie later but am usually technically inept at loading these things up, so may take you up on offers of help!

Cheers