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Frequently Asked Questions
•What are the differences in sealers, and which one is best?
•What is Cobblecrete?
•How is this done?
What are the differences in sealers, and which one is best?
The different types of sealer:
We have a matte, a satin, a semi gloss, and 2 high gloss sealers.
The matte finish sealer is an excellent penetrating sealer, meaning it will go deeper into the concrete and provide for longer lasting protection. It has no sheen so you cann't even tell it has been applied once cured.
The satin finish sealer is a water-based sealer. It also has good penetration into the concrete, but leaves a sheen about the equivelant of a satin finish wall paint.
The semi gloss is a 25% solids acrylic sealer. The acrylic sealers do not penetrate as deeply, thus need to be reapplied more often. The benefit to using an acrylic sealer is it sits "on top" of your concrete and can help protect from normal wear, as well as the elements.
The first high gloss sealer is a 30% solids acrylic sealer, it has the same benefits as the 25% but with a higher sheen.
The second high gloss sealer is a lacquer based sealer. The big advantage to this sealer is that it cures out much harder than any of the other sealers. Once this sealer has been applied and has had a chance to cure, the surface area becomes much more protected than it would be with the acrylics, making it so you don't have to reapply this sealer as often as the acrylics.
Which one is better?
This is more of a personal preference question. All the sealers have UV protection, and anti-yellowing agents in them to provide great protection from the elements.
You can "mix & match" to some degree also. You can put down the matte or satin finish as a first coat, then come back over that with either the acrylic or lacquer sealers as a second coat, but you can not do it the other way aroound, i.e. you can not put a matte or satin finish sealer on the acrylics or lacquer sealer. The benefit of doing this is maximum protection, with the "wet" look everybody wants.
What is Cobblecrete?
Cobblecrete is a simple system that enables anyone to create beautiful architectural concrete!
How is this done?
We have developed a simple way to give your concrete the look and feel of natural stone or marble at a fraction of the cost. If you can finish concrete, you can stamp concrete!
Step 1: Edge and Float
Concrete is edged and floated normally. No special mix is required to use the Cobblecrete System. However, if coloring the concrete do not use calcium. Pea gravel or lightweight aggregate is recommended. You can also add strike joints for decorative and structural purposes.
Step 2: Coloring
The color is applied in two different ways:
Integral. Oxide pigment is added to the concrete mix in the truck or mixer.
Surface. Color Hardener is applied to the surface at the time of floating.
Either method can be used alone or together to give you the custom look you desire. Cobblecrete manufactures and distributes both materials. Coloring the concrete is optional. The natural gray of the concrete may be your preferred color.
Step 3: Finish Normally
Finish the concrete as normal. A finer finish is recommended for interior work. Stamping is done when the concrete has reached the plastic stage or when it is hard enough to support your weight while standing on the stamps.
Step 4: Apply Release Agent
Cobblecrete powder release agent is applied by broadcasting a thin film over the concrete that has been troweled and is ready for texturing. A thin layer of Release Agent is all that is required. Excessive Release Agent will hinder the clarity of the pattern being applied.
Step 5: Use Texture Mat
The Texture Mats are laid down and imprinted with an impact tool. Seamless Texture Mats require no special orientation and can be applied in the following two-step, two-person process:
Using the stamp, place one Seamless Mat down at the starting point, imprint the concrete by pounding the stamp with the impact tool. Be sure you do not imprint closer than two (2) inches from the edges of the stamp.
Use the second stamp to overlay the first by about two (2) inches. Using the impact tool, imprint the concrete under the second mat again leaving about two (2) inches from the edges not imprinted. Continue to stamp using the above procedure until the job is completed.
Step 6: Sealing The Concrete
Sealers are always recommended on any concrete surface. We carry many sealers -- from water-based to solvent, from shiny to natural finish. For technical questions, call 888-224-6662.
PRECAUTIONS
When possible, do a test pad with your stamps to get the feel of what kind of force must be used to imprint the concrete, as well as to get a feel for the way your stamps fit together.
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