Integral color
Pigment batched into the concrete itself so the color runs through the full thickness rather than sitting on the surface. Chips and wear do not expose gray.
What does integral color mean?
Integral color is dosed at the plant or added to the truck, and consistency depends on accurate dosing, consistent cement source, and a consistent water-cement ratio between loads. Because the pigment dilutes into the whole mix, achieving deep tones is expensive and pastel shades are the economical range. Any water added on site lightens that load relative to its neighbors, producing visible blotching.
In practice
Adding water to one truck on a colored pour will show up permanently as a lighter section of patio.