Is Stone Veneer Colored All the Way Through?

One of the most common questions about manufactured stone veneer is: “is stone veneer colored all the way through?” The answer is no. Only the surface is colored during the casting process to capture the look of natural stone, while the inside remains a solid base color. In this blog post, we’ll cover why stone veneer isn’t colored all the way through, what pigments are used, how Mountain View Stone’s Color Lock Technology keeps colors vibrant, and how to hide cut edges for a seamless finish.

Why stone veneer isn’t colored all the way through

Stone veneer is crafted from a cement-based mixture poured into detailed molds that replicate the texture of real stone. During production, mineral oxides and pigments are applied to the surface of the mold or directly onto the stone’s face. This process ensures realistic color variation, depth, and shading. Because the color is concentrated on the surface, the interior remains a consistent base color, usually gray or tan. This manufacturing method is industry standard and allows stone veneer to achieve its highly realistic appearance without driving up costs.

What is the surface colored with?

The surface of manufactured stone veneer is colored with iron oxide pigments. These natural, mineral-based pigments are mixed with water and bonding agents to create a slurry or stain. When applied during the molding process, the pigments penetrate slightly into the cement mixture and bond permanently to the surface. This coloring process gives manufactured stone veneer its distinctive, natural look, complete with the subtle color variations that make each stone unique.

Mountain View Stone’s Color Lock Technology

At Mountain View Stone, we take durability one step further with our Color Lock Technology. Unlike standard coloring methods, Color Lock means that the surface pigments are mechanically bonded to the stone during manufacturing. This creates an extra-strong seal between the color and the cement base. This added protection ensures that your stone veneer will continue looking beautiful long after installation, maintaining both its curb appeal and long-term value. With Color Lock Technology, you get:

1. Protection against fading: colors remain vibrant even after years of sun exposure.

2. Resistance to harsh conditions: built to withstand extreme weather, from heavy rain to freeze/thaw cycles.

3. Pressure washer protection: surface color won’t wash away or degrade when pressure washing (at appropriate settings).

What this means for making cuts

During installation, you’ll often need to cut veneer stones to fit around corners, edges, or openings such as windows and doors. When you make a cut, the inner core of the stone, without surface coloring, will be exposed. This can be a concern if the raw edge is left visible, as the contrast between the colored surface and the uncolored interior can stand out. However, professional installers use a few techniques to seamlessly blend cut edges into the overall look. If your project requires cutting manufactured stone veneer, planning your layout and taking the time to disguise cut edges, you can achieve a polished, professional finish. Here are some best practices to maintain a natural appearance:

1. Use natural breaks: position cut edges where they’ll be less visible, such as against trim, framing, or in corners.

2. Mortar joints: place cut sides against mortar joints when possible. The mortar will naturally conceal much of the exposed interior.

3. Strategic placement: install cut stones in less noticeable areas, such as near the bottom row or behind landscaping features.

FAQs about stone veneer color

1. Does stone veneer fade over time? High-quality manufactured stone veneer is made with iron oxide pigments that are UV-resistant and long-lasting. With Mountain View Stone’s Color Lock Technology, fading is minimized even further, providing excellent color retention for years to come.

2. What are iron oxide pigments? Iron oxide pigments are mineral-based colorants widely used in masonry, concrete, and manufactured stone. They’re durable, safe, and resistant to UV rays, making them ideal for outdoor applications where long-term color retention is important.

3. Can I paint or re-stain stone veneer if needed? Yes. While stone veneer doesn’t usually require painting or staining, it is possible to refresh or change the color with masonry-specific stains or paints. However, most homeowners prefer the natural, long-lasting finish that comes from the original iron oxide pigmentation.

4. What should I do if a cut edge is visible? For a clean finish, use mortar to conceal the edge or place the cut stone in a less noticeable location.

Is stone veneer colored all the way through?

While manufactured stone veneer is not colored all the way through, this is normal across the industry. The surface is finished with durable iron oxide pigments, and at Mountain View Stone, we use Color Lock Technology to ensure that those pigments stay vibrant and protected for decades. With the right installation techniques, such as strategic placement, and mortar coverage, you’ll never notice the difference. Whether you’re enhancing a fireplace, exterior wall, or entryway, stone veneer offers a beautiful, durable, and cost-effective way to bring the timeless look of real stone to your project.

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What's next?

Elevate your next project with premium manufactured stone veneer. Order a sample to experience the authentic texture and vibrant colors up close or shop now to bring your design vision to life with confidence.

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We look forward to working with you on your upcoming project.

The Mountain View Stone Team