Las Vegas, NV · Brickform · 2 Products · In Stock

Color Hardener
& Release

Brickform Color Hardener and Antique Release — the professional two-product color system for stamped concrete. UV-resistant pigments, superior surface density, and the antiqued two-tone effect that separates professional work from DIY results.

2
Products
30+
Colors
2
LV Locations

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Brickform Color System

Two products — one system. Color Hardener is your base color; Antique Release is your antiquing highlight. Both are required for professional stamped concrete results.

Brickform Color Hardener — bags of UV-resistant colored dry-shake hardener
BrickformStep 1 — Base Color

Color Hardener

UV-Resistant · Dense Surface · 30+ Colors

Brickform Color Hardener uses the highest quality UV-resistant pigments, sand, and fine aggregates to produce consistent, brilliant color while dramatically increasing surface density. Broadcast dry onto fresh concrete, troweled in, it becomes integral to the slab's surface layer — not a coating that can peel or fade. Perfect for stamped concrete and trowel finishes in the harsh Las Vegas climate.

UV-Resistant Pigments

Fade-resistant in desert sun

Abrasion Resistant

Denser than plain concrete

Consistent Color

Batch-matched pigment system

Integral Surface Color

Not a topical coating

  • Apply at 60–80 lbs per 100 sq ft (two passes)
  • Broadcast after initial bleed water evaporates
  • Works on stamped, broom-finished, and trowel finishes
  • Compatible with Brickform Antique Release system
Brickform Antique Release — hydrophobic powder release agent for stamped concrete antiquing
BrickformStep 2 — Highlight Color

Antique Release

Bond Breaker · Secondary Color · Antiqued Finish

Brickform Antique Release is a finely-ground hydrophobic powder that does two jobs simultaneously: it acts as a bond breaker so stamps release cleanly, and it deposits a secondary highlight color into the low points of the stamp pattern. When washed off and sealed, the result is a beautifully antiqued two-tone surface that no single-color system can match. The difference between flat and dimensional stamped concrete.

Dual Function

Bond breaker + color in one

Secondary Color

Highlights pattern depth

Hydrophobic Formula

Finely ground — clean release

Antiqued Effect

Dimensional two-tone finish

  • Broadcast onto color-hardened surface before stamping
  • Choose a contrasting shade to your base color hardener
  • Washes off after stamping — leaving highlight in recesses
  • Seal within 24–48 hrs to lock in the antiqued effect
Project Gallery

Real projects using Brickform Color Hardener and Antique Release. Click any image to expand.

Stamped concrete with Brickform color hardener and antique release — Cappuccino Color Hardener

Cappuccino Color Hardener · Autumn Brown Antique Release

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6-Step Application Guide

How to apply color hardener and antique release for professional stamped concrete results — with Las Vegas-specific timing notes.

Screed & Float

After the pour is screeded and bull-floated, wait for initial bleed water to evaporate before applying color hardener. In Las Vegas summer heat, this can happen within 10–20 minutes.

Broadcast Color Hardener

Broadcast the first pass of color hardener across the slab using a sweeping motion. Trowel it into the surface. Apply a second pass perpendicular to the first for full, even color saturation.

Float & Re-trowel

Float and trowel the surface after each color hardener pass to work the product into the surface and achieve a uniform color depth. Do not over-trowel — this can seal the surface too soon.

Apply Antique Release

Broadcast powdered Antique Release evenly across the colored surface immediately before stamping. Choose a contrasting color to create the antiquing highlight effect.

Stamp the Pattern

Stamp the concrete while it's in the proper working window. The release agent prevents the stamps from sticking and imprints the secondary color into the pattern's low points.

Wash & Seal

After initial set, wash the surface with a light rinse to remove excess release powder. Once cured (24–48 hrs minimum in LV heat), apply a sealer to lock in color and protect the surface.

Las Vegas Heat Warning

Move Fast — Especially in Summer

In Las Vegas, concrete surface temperatures can exceed 140°F in summer afternoons. Bleed water can evaporate before the pour is finished. Have all color hardener pre-measured and all crew ready before the truck arrives. Consider Concrete Surface Retarder to extend your working window.

Why Buy from DCS?

Color System
+ Stamps +
Everything Else.

  • Color Pairing Advice We'll help you select the right hardener + release combination for your stamp pattern and architectural context.
  • Open 6AM Both locations open 6AM Mon–Fri — pick up color hardener before the pour starts.
  • Full Stamping System Color hardener, release agent, stamp rentals, retarder, sealer — every product in the stamping process under one roof.
  • 30+ Years Local We've supplied Las Vegas stamped concrete contractors for over 30 years. We know how desert heat affects your application window.
Ready to Order?

Two Locations.
Open 6 Days.

South Las Vegas

4125 Wagon Trail Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89118

North Las Vegas New!

4601 E Cheyenne Ave Ste 107, Las Vegas, NV 89115

Mon–Fri 6AM–4PM · Sat 7AM–8:30AM · Sun Closed

Color Hardener FAQ

What is Brickform Color Hardener and what is it used for?

Brickform Color Hardener is a dry-shake product broadcast onto freshly poured concrete before stamping or trowel finishing. It serves two purposes: it densifies and hardens the surface layer of the concrete, and it introduces UV-resistant pigment for consistent, durable color. It is the primary coloring method for stamped concrete and is far more durable than integral color or topical stains for exterior applications in Las Vegas.

What is the difference between Color Hardener and Antique Release?

Color Hardener is the base color — it's worked into the concrete surface before stamping and creates the dominant color of the finished slab. Antique Release is a secondary product applied directly before stamping — it acts as a bond breaker that prevents stamps from sticking AND imparts a secondary highlight color into the low points of the stamp pattern. Together they create the two-tone antiqued appearance seen on most stamped concrete. You always need both.

How do I choose release agent color to pair with my color hardener?

The standard approach is to choose a release agent that is 1–2 shades darker than your color hardener base. For example: a light tan color hardener pairs with a medium brown or charcoal release for depth. A terracotta color hardener pairs with a dark brown or black release for a strong antique effect. We can help you select the right combination in store — stop in and bring your stamp pattern and any architectural color references you have.

How much Color Hardener do I need for my project?

Brickform recommends approximately 60–80 lbs per 100 square feet for full color saturation (two broadcast passes). A typical residential driveway (600–800 sq ft) requires 360–640 lbs depending on the application rate and desired depth of color. Call us with your square footage and we'll calculate the exact quantity and make sure it's in stock before your pour date.

Is Brickform Color Hardener UV-resistant for Las Vegas sun?

Yes — UV resistance is one of the primary reasons Brickform Color Hardener is specified for desert climates. The pigments are formulated to resist fading under intense UV exposure. Las Vegas receives some of the highest UV index readings in the country year-round, making UV-stable pigments essential. A quality acrylic or solvent-based sealer applied over the color hardener provides an additional UV barrier layer.

Can I use Color Hardener without stamping — just for a trowel finish?

Yes — Brickform Color Hardener works equally well for trowel-finished (broom-finished or smooth-troweled) concrete. In fact, many Las Vegas contractors use it for colored broom-finish driveways and patios where they want color depth but not a stamped pattern. For non-stamped applications, you do not use Antique Release — just the color hardener broadcast and troweled in.

Do you carry Brickform Color Hardener in Las Vegas?

Yes — we stock Brickform Color Hardener and Antique Release at both Las Vegas locations. We carry a wide selection of colors and can special-order specific shades. Call (702) 749-6318 to confirm current color availability and quantity before your pour date. We open at 6AM Monday–Friday so you can pick up before your crew starts.