Getting
Started
Step
1 - Prepare the Surface
Prior
to starting your project you will want to make
sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of contaminants.
Clean up any grease, spills or other contaminants
and rinse the area well.
Because
SkimStone must be applied to bare concrete, you
will need to verify that the surface is free
of any coatings or sealers. Test the porosity
of the concrete by pouring approximately one
tablespoon of water onto the floor. If the concrete
changes color immediately and absorbs the water,
it is porous enough to accept SkimStone.
Give
the surface a final once over by sweeping or
vacuuming to remove any remaining dust or debris.
Tape off the edges of the floor or trim and get
started.
NOTE: When
using SkimStone Bonding Primer over a sealed
or non-porous surface, refer to the Bonding Primer
Data sheet for Bonding Primer application instructions.
Step
2 - Determine the SkimStone Material Needed
After
you have decided which colors you will use on
your project simply:
- Measure
your square footage.
- Rate
your substrate.
- Enter
your square footage, substrate rating, color
to be used and desired color strength into
the online
calculator.
- Print
the online calculator results.
Step
3 - Mixing SkimStone
Wearing
a dust mask, gloves, and safety glasses is recommended
when working with SkimStone.
- Measure
and pour the correct amount of Type I Solution
needed for the first coat into a mixing bucket.
- Add
the required amount of the ColorPak to the
Type I Solution.
- Mix
thoroughly.
- Measure
and add the appropriate amount of White Powder,
in small increments, into the tinted Type I
Solution. Stir immediately. Continue stirring
until the mixture is free of lumps. When working
with large quantities, a drill and drill mixer
attachment are recommended.
Step
4 - Apply SkimStone
The
first coat is mixed the thickest, but is still
applied very thin. The SkimStone mixture should
fill any existing pores in the concrete surface
without leaving behind any significant amount
of build on the surface. In fact, after the first
coat is applied, the concrete should show through
in places. Applying SkimStone in three thin coats
allows the product to be translucent in places
and leaves behind a beautiful textured appearance.
- Start
in one corner of a room and working your way
across and toward an exit, pour a small amount
(1/2 - 1 cup) of the mixture onto the surface.
- Using
a straight-edged metal trowel spread a very
thin coat over the surface.
- Rounded
or "figure 8" motions work best.
- Keep
the trowel at a 45° angle to control the
thickness of the application.
In
large areas, it can be difficult to keep a wet
edge. By keeping a random edge as you work across
the room you will be able to incorporate your
dry edges and lap lines into the overall "look" of
the finished floor.
- Let
the surface completely dry.
- Remove
any rough or raised areas with a trowel edge
or fine sandpaper.
- Mix
the product needed for each coat.
- Starting
in a different corner of the room apply the
second and third coats thinner than the first
coat.
- After
the final coat, allow at least 8 hours for
the surface to dry before applying SkimStone
Protective Sealer.
Step
5 - Sealing the Surface
SkimStone
Protective Sealer will provide a tough spill-resistant
finish and accentuates the rich colors of SkimStone.
Apply four to five coats of Protective Sealer
on interior floors. The color develops with the
first two coats. Additional coats add gloss and
protection. No more than two coats of sealer
are recommended for exterior application. For
commercial floors, SkimStone Select Finish is
recommended as a final topcoat over 3 coats of
SkimStone Protective Sealer.
- Start
in a corner of the room and work your way to
a doorway.
- Pour ½-
1 cup of Protective Sealer from the bottle
onto the surface.
- Spread
thinly using a new Padco® paint-pad applicator.
- Allow
surface to completely dry before applying the
next coat.
Allow
24 hours before permitting light foot traffic.
Furniture can be moved in after 3 days. Rugs
can be added once the maximum hardness of the
Protective Sealer has been achieved in 7 - 10
days.
Step
6 - Clean Up
- Clean
tools with water while the material is still
wet on the tool.
- Allow
any unused, mixed material to dry completely
and then dispose of it in the trash.
For
complete application instructions download the SkimStone
Instruction Booklet.
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