Ecocrete Decorative Finishes

Clouding in Sealer

2009-03-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

Why did the Sealer get cloudy after it dried?
Sealer problems are many and one of them is the cloudy looking problem. Most of the time it has to do with moisture. For instance if solvent based sealers are applied to moist surfaces, the moisture gets trapped and the cloudy look appears. With Water based sealers the same is true but also other not planned for issues can occur like residue was not cleaned off properly.
But with any product you are using, most problems can be avoided by applying to manufactures specifications and if that doesn't work you can learn some tricks of the trade to help solve some of these issues.
Here are some tips you can try:
Solvent Sealers:
Try applying a Little Xylene thinner to surface where the moisture has been trapped. Then reapply some solvent sealer. If that doesn't work you can use a Solvent Glaze to blend out the cloudiness. Ask a faux finisher about glazes.

Water Based Sealers:
You can use a paint stripper to remove the areas where the moisture is trapped then re-seal. You can sand small areas carefully re-apply color and then seal. You can mix tints into your sealer and make a glaze and blend out the edges.

A note on glazes is, that skill level is essential to blend out the glazes and match the floor color. Make sure you know what you are doing and practice on a sample board will help out tremendously.

How to Get a Smooth Finish

2009-03-18T04:34:00.001-07:00

How Do I Get a Smooth Overlay Finish?

To acheive a smooth finish with the overlay could simply be a 3 step overlay process or it can include multiple coats of colored mud to acheive a Venetian plaster finish.

Regular smooth finish process Includes:

1-Apply thin skim coat of regular Overlay mix by using modifier only in the mix. ( the point is just to have a scratch coat for the smooth mix to bond better and to give added strength).

2- Let skim coat start to set up (skim coat is getting hard but not all the way dry) about 20 min-1 hour depending on humidity. Fill a hand spray bottle with modifier and spray clean trowel with modifier then trowel surface again making sure to smooth out skim coat as best you can. Spray small amounts on hard lines to smooth then out. (no sanding is needed if done properly)

3-Mix smooth mix with modifier only, to a thick soup consistancy. Skim coat a layer over entire surface with the intent on filling gaps from the first layer. You want the second coat to be thin and to fill and level the first use ("Elbow Grease"). You can also spray modifier on trowel and smooth out coat when it sets. (like first coat). Let dry 30 min- 1 hour depending on humidity.

4- Apply the third coat the same mix and way as the second coat. Remember the goal is to fill the gaps from the second coat. Let dry 8 hours.

At this point you can Stain, paint or seal the surface. This process works great on countertops and interior floors.

To acheive a Venetian Plaster effect apply coloring tints to the mix and apply 3 coats or more using Venetian Plaster burnishing techniques. (burnishing= knocking down trowel marks by rubbing them hard with a stainless steel trowel.)

Outdoor Use?

2009-02-15T18:57:00.000-08:00

Can EcoCrete be used outdoors?
Yes. EcoCrete has many practical applications for patios, pool decks, walkways, decks, and
much more. The Overlay reaches a high PSI level that is suitable for high traffic areas like driveways. The Oxi-Colors are not affected by U.V. rays so colors do not fade. Finally the sealers we use are specified for exterior use.

Dry Time

2009-02-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

How long does it take EcoCrete to dry and cure?
The EcoCrete process itself has 4 steps: 1 - One to two coats of bonding primer with each coat
taking 20 min to dry. 2- The overlay application which takes 8 hours to dry and 28 days to cure. 3- Oxidization or coloring process which reacts in 3 hours. 4 - Finally, the sealer which takes 30 min to 4 hours to dry per coat. The first two steps can be done the first day and the last two steps can be done the next day. (Estimates above do not include prepping surfaces. Also size of area, weather, unforeseen occurrences and unstable conditions etc. could prolong process).

Thickness of Overlay

2009-02-15T18:48:00.000-08:00

How thin a coat is the EcoCrete coat?
Textures play a big role in the thickness of the layer; the heavier the texture the thicker the layer. You can apply the overlay mix at 1/8" inch thin and the smooth mix can be applied as thin as 1/16" thick.

Preparation technique- 1

2009-02-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

What should I use to fill holes, chips & cracks before applying EcoCrete?

Ecrylic base coat can be used for build up and is highly recommended in most cases.
Ecrylic can be built up to 4 inches thick, also extra aggregate can be used for base coats.
Cracks should be evaluated carefully to determine reasons for cracking. Cutting out the crack with a concrete blade and filling with an epoxy crack filler is typically done. However, other cracks may appear due to tension/expansion of concrete slab. Incorporating cracks in design can also prove beneficial.

Square footage Coverage

2009-02-15T18:35:00.000-08:00

How do I calculate the amount of EcoCrete products needed for my project?
Different surfaces require different amounts of product. Below is the coverage for a smooth
concrete floor.
Overlay mixes: 25 sq.ft. per gallon. 125 sq.ft. per 50lb pail
Bonding agent, Oxi-Colors, sealers: 300-400 sq.ft. per gallon

Welcome

2009-01-24T01:34:00.000-08:00

In behalf of everyone here at Eco-crete Decorative Finishes we would like to extend a special welcome to our professionals in the trade of decorative finishes. This online blog is designed to assist you with any technical questions or concerns you might have with using any of our products. This will also allow you the customer the ability to have your questions answered in the most timely fashion.
All of the posts that come from us are going to be latest information on prepping, trouble shooting, coloring, sealing and a host of related topics.
We also know there is always a better way of doing things so we extend an open hand to you ,the proffesional, for your comments if you feel that you might have a superior solution. And we hope this will be an open forum for any contribution you can make to us and your fellow profesionals.

Thank you very much for your interst in our company.