Anyone have a recipe for a paint mix to get a concrete color? I'm not sure if the color varies by region, state, etc. I'm in Georgia. Thanks.
There were two threads in January about the color of aged concrete. Use the search function on the right side of this page and search aged concrete and concrete paint.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Yes, concrete does vary in color to a degree. I'd suggest looking at something in your area, photograph it if you can. Mix a small batch keeping track of the ratio of colors. Put some on a sample piece of what you will be painting and let it dry. Once it's dry compare it to your photo or take it with you and compare it with the real thing. Remember to let the paint dry, as it may change color as it does.
Good luck,
Richard
cowman Yes, concrete does vary in color to a degree. I'd suggest looking at something in your area, photograph it if you can. Mix a small batch keeping track of the ratio of colors. Put some on a sample piece of what you will be painting and let it dry. Once it's dry compare it to your photo or take it with you and compare it with the real thing. Remember to let the paint dry, as it may change color as it does. Good luck, Richard
In addition to variations in color of concrete in the real world, the color temperature of the lights in your layout room has a significant impact on what color you think you perceive.
As for the formula, I'd start with white and add a little of this and a little of that and some of the other thing . . . then stand back and squint. Repeat as necessary, specifically trying to avoid a too consistent color.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
Ceramcoat Mudstone is a pretty close color to concrete, but you might want to darken it a bit depedning on the effect that you want.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
The cornice on this structure was painted with a mix of 3 parts Ceramcoat Sandstone & 1 part Mudstone followed by a 10:1 wash of H2O & Raw Umber, then light airbrush misting with India ink/alcohol mix (2 tsp ink to 1 pt alc).
Regards, Peter
I've poured and finished concrete for many years. It does vary in color, from the color of the aggregate, to the cement powder it's made from, depending on where the cement was made.
If your modeling your location in Georgia, take a look at the concrete structures in your area. Foundations, retaining walls, bridges, and sidewalks, just to name a few.
Maybe start with a real light grey, and experiment by adding hints of other colors you can see. Check out old and new structures.
The concrete wall behind the loco, the wall and bridge in the backround, were made with drywall, covered in drywall mud, and painted with my concoction of white and gray, to simulate the concrete in my area of WI., and made to look like it was new construction, maybe 10 years or so, ago. The lighting is fluorescent 4' tubes.
Mike.
My You Tube
For someplace to start, equal parts of ModelMaster Flat White, Flat Gull Grey, and Sand isn't too bad.
Looks great. Thanks for the feedback.
Concrete has a tendency to age and weather. I've found that newly poured concrete is gray. Later on, it takes on more of a tan color, then, as it further ages it gets darker, dark gray, darker tan, depending on if it is subject to traffic, such as roads and sidewalks. I generally use a rattle can spray paint, usually a Rustoleum textured tan, then weather it using weathering powders, chalks and/or washes, as desired. Look around, you'll see what colors will simulate concrete. I think mixing paints is kind of a crap shoot. You aren't quite sure what you're going to end up with and different batches can be totally different regardless of how careful you are.