“Grey imprinted concrete” is not a precise colour selection. PICS lists several distinct grey colour surface hardeners, and their names and references matter when discussing a finish. A shortlist should also account for the pattern, antiquing and sealer used with the base colour.
A useful starting shortlist
Five entries on the PICS chart are:
- Charcoal — CM314.
- Slate Grey — CM348.
- Steel Grey — CM351.
- Platinum Grey — CM336.
- Silver Grey — CM341.
These are base-colour references, not promises that every driveway using them will look like the same online photograph. Do not confuse a colour surface hardener code with a similarly named release agent or joint filler.
Compare the finish beside the house
Place suitable samples against the brick, render and boundary wall. A darker grey can create a strong frame; a lighter grey can give a different visual balance. The right choice depends on the frontage rather than a universal rule that modern houses need dark paving.
Check the selection in shade and brighter light, and ask to see the intended pattern at a useful scale. Deep texture and dark antiquing can make a grey finish read differently from a smooth colour swatch. The final sealer may also alter the perceived richness and sheen.
Record the complete combination
Write down the base name and code, the proposed antiquing effect, the pattern and the sealer. That gives everyone a clearer brief than “medium grey”. Where a contrasting border is included, select it beside the main field rather than afterwards.
Use digital artwork to narrow the choices, then confirm against a physical example. Generated finish illustrations can help explain a direction, but they are not certified colour matches or proof of a particular PICS mat.
Selection habit: Keep a photograph of the labelled sample alongside the written product details. The written code remains the reference if the photograph's colour shifts on another screen.
Discuss your project
Thinking about imprinted concrete? Discuss the pattern, colour, joints and water route together with Smart Paving before settling the design. Arrange a site visit.
Explore our imprinted concrete service. See the imprinted concrete patterns and colours guide.
Related reading
- PICS imprinted concrete colours: why the base and antiquing are different
- Ashlar or cobble-effect imprinted concrete: choosing the right scale
- Glossy or restrained imprinted concrete: choosing a sealer finish
