Kim I have used the liquid concrete colorant that is sold at the large retail hardware stores. Also stores that sell concrete supplies will have a bigger selection of colors in powder form. I assume you are thinking about pouring the paint into the tufa? I have painted leaves with the craft paint and many here have discussed using/ applying diluted house paint. Posted this before - The leaf on the right I used a teracota liquid color - the one on the right I used a powedered color from the Concrete supply store-
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No, not paint, but the concentrated colorant itself. (the stuff that the stores add to the paint base in order to give you the colors you want). And yes I am looking at pouring it into the concrete as a colorant rather than painting it onto the top of the concrete.

Kim, I've never used paint pigment but I'm pretty sure that there's a thread on this forum about it. Try searching for "pigment", "colorant", "dye".
You will have to experiment because this can act like a dye, if you add too much it will affect the cure. Billie

That was what I was worried about. Or the possibility that the paint pigment has an ingredient that would affect the curing.

OH Wow! That is beautiful. I will definitely keep that in mind.

The first projects though are actually concrete stepping stones done in a cobblestone mold. Those I would prefer to be somewhat uniform, and then mother nature can color them as she pleases. I have 3 walkways that have to be redone. Then a small patio area in the back, and a large patio area in the side yard. Yes, I know, big project, but I figure one step at a time and it will get done. Not expecting it done immediately.

And at the same time I will probably "play" with other stuff for the yard.

Kim

i use the acrylic craft paints from the craft store, they are very inexpensive and go a long ways. but you don't just paint it on, you have to work with it a bit, dilute it and use sponges and such to make it blend, i find it takes longer to paint the leaf than the process of making it.
i never tried the stain, but i like the way it looks, i will have to try it.

Here is a link that might be useful: leaves

Hi Kim,

You can use paint pigment in the mix for integral coloring. I've done it and it works great. A little goes a long way and doesn't affect the cure. Paint pigment is what can give you those really intense pinks and yellows. I've colored grout for glass mosaic with it, too.

If you'd like to see examples of work using paint pigment, check out Lynn DiNino's website gallery.

For people who are interested in trying this, ask for paint tint at the hardware store. It's the stuff they use to mix into paint to give it color.

And just to repeat this, do not use paint. It has crud in it that will keep your cement from ever setting. Paint pigment is the oil-based colorant that goes in it.

Have fun!

Deb

Thanks, Deb!