FAQ

IonSpire Materials AS makes liquid, water-based pigment: FerroSpire for through-colouring concrete, including roof tiles and paving stones, and MagSpire, micronised natural magnetite for industrial applications. The black pigment is based on Nordic natural raw materials.

Liquid, water-based. The pigment content is stated on the technical data sheet and on the label. Pails (net 24 kg); big bags and IBCs (1 tonne) by arrangement.

Yes. You can order a physical 5×10 cm sample of the product you are considering. You decide what the sample should be when you order, and we make exactly what you order. Samples are ordered in the web shop. If you have questions, contact us.

Click «Request a quote» on the product page, or e-mail sales@ionspirematerials.com.

Yes. We deliver to Europe, the Middle East and the USA.

Typically 2–6 % dry pigment by weight of cement, but the dosage depends on the desired colour, so talk to us and order samples.

The on-screen colour is indicative only. The same pigment dosage gives a darker, more muted colour in grey cement than in white cement. We therefore recommend ordering a physical sample before you decide.

Technical data sheets and safety data sheets are available in the web shop.

Yes, we can blend liquid pigment to your colour target. Request a quote, and we will clarify quantity and test casting. You approve a concrete sample before the colour goes into production.

Typically 2–6 % dry pigment by weight of cement, but the dosage depends on the desired colour, so talk to us and order samples.

Dosages refer to dry pigment. In liquid pigment the rest is mainly water, so you need more liquid pigment for the same amount of pigment. The pigment content is stated on the technical data sheet and on the label.

In three ways: with a dosing system, by pouring the liquid pigment from the pail into the concrete mixer, or by pouring it straight into the truck mixer. Adding it in the truck means the plant mixer does not need washing and can be used for other pours straight away, with no downtime and no risk of contaminating the next pour.

In liquid form the pigment is already dispersed, so the colour spreads through the wet concrete as it is mixed. Dry pigment powder is agglomerated and needs the shear forces generated when the dry materials are mixed, before cement and water are added.

Grey cement has its own dark base colour, which mutes and darkens the pigment. White cement gives lighter, cleaner colours, especially for yellow, red and light shades. Black performs well in both.

Yes, in some cases. Trade publications and pigment laboratories have documented that certain PCE superplasticisers can cause black iron oxide to agglomerate, so the colour becomes paler, and that a white deposit may appear that cannot be removed with acid. Only black iron oxide is affected, and according to the sources only in a minority of cases. A trial cast reveals it.

We are happy to test FerroSpire Black with the PCE product you use: send us the PCE product, and we will arrange a test cast.

The sources recommend trying another PCE type or cement, using liquid pigment instead of powder and avoiding excess PCE and water. Always make a trial cast with the same raw materials as in production.

No. The most common cause is efflorescence (calcium carbonate), which occurs in all concrete but is most visible on dark concrete. Efflorescence can be removed with mild acid and often fades over time. The deposit from the PCE effect contains ettringite and cannot be removed with acid.

Efflorescence is more likely when there is moisture on the other side of the concrete and the moisture can pass through it. Good drainage is therefore important.

Typical applications are architectural concrete, paving stones and blocks, concrete roof tiles, precast concrete elements, masonry products and decorative concrete elements.

Iron oxide pigments are generally used with common cement types. The colour still depends on the cement and the mix: grey cement gives a darker, more muted colour than white cement, and aggregates, water/cement ratio and admixtures also affect the result. We therefore recommend ordering a 5×10 cm concrete sample in the web shop and talking to us about your mix.

Order a sample in the web shop → · Talk to us →

Yes. Special colours are supplied in pails (net 24 kg); big bags and IBCs (1 tonne) by arrangement. The quantity is agreed in the quotation. Suitability, especially for outdoor use, is clarified with us and by a test cast before ordering.

MagSpire is IonSpire’s brand for natural magnetite for industry. The product is MagSpire IS-3903: micronised natural magnetite (Fe₃O₄), liquid and water-based, for industrial purposes where you need magnetite. Magnetic paints and coatings are one example.

MagSpire is specified together with you. Fineness and properties are specified together with you according to your application. Testing in your own application is recommended.

Examples of magnetite use are drilling fluids, fertilisers, toner, catalysts, ferrites and magnetic paints and coatings, as well as dense medium separation, water treatment, friction materials and welding electrodes. See the overview with sources on the MagSpire page. A trial in your own application is recommended.

MagSpire IS-3903 is specified per customer and sold on request. Request a quote at sales@ionspirematerials.com or via the contact form.

A physical 5×10 cm concrete sample of the selected pigment. You decide what the sample should be when you order, and we make exactly what you order. Samples are ordered in the web shop. If you have questions, contact us.

You do. You decide what you want when you order the sample, and we make exactly what you order.

No. Aggregates, cement, admixtures and curing at your plant all affect the colour. The sample helps you choose, but a trial cast with your own raw materials is always required.

IonSpire Materials AS (Norwegian org. no. 935 095 093) makes liquid, water-based pigment for concrete (FerroSpire) and liquid natural magnetite for industry (MagSpire). The address is Gjellebekkstubben 10, 3420 Lierskogen, Norway.

Our black pigment is based on Nordic natural raw materials. It is supplied as a ready-dispersed liquid.

IonSpire Materials is a member of the Concrete Innovation Cluster (Betongklyngen).

E-mail sales@ionspirematerials.com or call +47 926 05 459. State the product, packaging, quantity, delivery location and preferred date.

You create a user account in the web shop and order there. The terms for user accounts and orders are set out in the web shop’s terms.

Our visiting address is Gjellebekkstubben 10, 3420 Lierskogen, Norway. Please arrange visits in advance.