You are probably going to want to color it before any topical sealer, with either high-quality exterior latex paint, or an acid stain- masonary pigment(they type sold at home depot works fine-granular, not liquid). The cement, being porous and sponge-like, will suck up the color, whether it be a diluted latex paint, or mixed water/masonry pigment solution; incorporating it into the 'rock'. This usually leads to a more authentic look, as opposed to the coloring being painted on top, which will most likely just end up looking like a painted rock.

As I mentioned in a thread here a couple of weeks ago, it is easiest to start off with the lightest color first, and then progressively add darker shades and tints after that. It may take a while to get the hang of it, so don't get frustrated or deterred if things don't work out they way you want them to the first time around..

Good luck, and have fun! It looks great thus far! Cheers,

Bob
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Treemonitors.com

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