CONCRETE SURFACE PREPARATION

All concrete surfaces must be clean and free of loose material (dirt and debris), oil, grease, glues or other contaminants.

Previously sealed or painted concrete should be taken to bare concrete by grinding or shot blasting. Chemical strippers and/or acid etching is NOT recommended.

To ensure adhesion on extremely smooth or slick concrete, surface texture (profile) may be created through mechanical abrasion. New concrete should be allowed to age at least 30 days prior to applying SkimStone.

The concrete surface must be completely dry.

For best results use when temperature is between 50 and 90 deg. F. For exterior applications it is also important that the humidity is low, and there has been no rainfall 48 hours prior to beginning the application and 24 hours after completing the applic ation process.

Fill small holes, cracks and surface defects with SkimStone.  Pour a small amount of SkimStone Type I Solution into a mixing container and add SkimStone Powder to the consistency of patching compound or putty. Apply with a trowel or putty kn ife and allow to dry for 24

hours.

For larger surface defects, sand (70 mesh) may be added at a ratio of 2 parts sand to 1 part SkimStone Powder, then mixed into SkimStone Type I Solution at a ratio of 2 1/2 parts sand/ powder to 1 part SkimStone Type I So lution.  (For example: mix 12 oz. Sand

with 6 oz. SkimStone Powder, then stir into 8 oz. SkimStone Type I Solution).  Apply with a trowel or putty knife and allow to dry for 24 hours.   

Tape off or mask adjoining areas and baseboards to protect against contact with the SkimStone. Use a low adhesive painter’s tape on painted surfaces.  

After cleaning the concrete, pour approximately 1 tablespoon of water on the surface. If the concrete changes color and absorbs the water, it will accept SkimStone.

To make sure the concrete is dry, place a rubber mat on the surface. Wait two days and then remove the mat. If there’s no sign of moisture, the concrete is dry.

Finish all prep work before you start mixing the SkimStone.

COLOR SELECTION

SkimStone ColorPaks  are available in a variety of exclusive premixed colors. Each ColorPak can be used at partial, full or double strength. SkimStone ColorPaks are formulated from lead- free industrial grade colorants to provide excellent color stability and fade resistance. Refer

to the SkimStone color chart for your color selections.

A standard SkimStone application uses a three-coat system. Beautiful textured appearances can be created by simply using one color, in one color strength, for each of the three coats. For added variety, different colors and/or color strengths may be used for each coat. ColorPaks can

also be intermixed to create your own unique colors! You’ll find some great color ideas and sample combinations at www.skimstone.com.

CALCULATING QUANTITIES

Before mixing any color you will need to first calculate the square footage and assess the surface texture of the project area; then determine the amounts of Type I Solution, ColorPak, and Powder required for each coat.  Skimstone coverage will vary based upon the condition and

texture of the substrate.  The rougher the surface texture, the more material you will need for the first coat. (Note: you can also use the online calculator at http://www.skimstone.com/calculator .

MIXING THE FIRST COAT OF SKIMSTONE

For One Color Projects (where all coats also use the same color strength)

Refer to your worksheet and add up the amount of SkimStone Type I Solution you will need for all three coats. Stir the Type I Solution well.

Measure and pour the total amount of Type I Solution needed for all three coats into a clean mixing bucket.

Stir the ColorPak(s) and add the desired amount to the Type I Solution. Important! Do not exceed a ratio of 2 ColorPaks (8 oz) per gallon of Type I Solution. Excessive color may affect cure times and development of full h ardness.

Stir the color and Type I Solution thoroughly. Color must be evenly dispersed to assure accurate and consistent color of the SkimStone. Important! Color will settle. Be sure to mix thoroughly before measuring and pouring or before adding SkimStone Powder.

Refer to your worksheet to determine how much of the Type I Solution is needed for the first coat only. Measure and pour this amount of the tinted Type I Solution into a clean mixing bucket.

Refer to the worksheet to determine how much Powder is n eeded for the first coat only. A dust mask should be worn when handling the Powder.  Do not pack the Powder when measuring.  Measure and gradually stir this amount of Powder into the mixing bucket with the

colored Type I Solution until the mixture is smooth, lump -free, and evenly colored. Failure to mix immediately may result in the material becoming hard and unusable.

Always add the Powder to the Type I Solution.  Doing the reverse will cause the material to become hard and unworkable.

If using drill attachment, follow manufacturers directions and safety instructions. Care must be taken when using electrical tools around water or water based products.

10. Proceed to instructions for applying SkimStone.

For Multiple Color Projects (and/or multiple strength colors)

Refer to your worksheet to determine the amount of SkimStone Type I Solution you will need for the first coat only. Stir the Type I Solution well.

Measure and pour the amount needed for the first coat into a clean mixing bucket.

Stir the ColorPak(s) and add the desired amount to the Type I Solution. Important! Do not exceed a ratio of  2 ColorPaks (8 oz) per gallon of Type I Solution. Excessive color may affect cure times and development of full hardness.

Stir the color and Type I Solution thoroughly. Color must be evenly dispersed to assure accurate and consistent color of the SkimStone. Important! Color will settle. Be sure to mix thoroughly before adding the SkimStone Powder.

Refer to the worksheet to determine how much Powder is needed for the first coat only. A dust mask should be worn when handling the Powder.  Do not pack the Powder when measuring.  Measure and gradually stir this amount of Powder into the mixing bucket with the

colored Type I Solution until the mixture is smooth, lump -free and evenly colored. Failure to mix immediately may result in the material becoming hard and unusable.

Important! Always add the Powder to the Type I Solution. Doing the reverse will cause the material to become hard and unworkable.

If using drill attachment, fo llow manufacturers directions and safety instructions. Care must be taken when using electrical tools around water or water based products.

Proceed to instructions for applying SkimStone.

APPLYING SKIMSTONE

Stir well and pour approximately 1 cup of the SkimStone mixture onto the prepared concrete.

Use a metal finishing trowel (rectangular with straight-edge) and hold the trowel at an angle . Using broad sweeping strokes, spread the mixture in a very thin coat.

Continue the process until the entire surface has been coated with SkimStone.

During the application periodically clean the trowel with warm water to avoid build up of dried material that could leave scratch marks in the wet SkimStone.

SkimStone will thicken while sitting in the mixing bucket and during the application. Stirring often will keep the material at a workable consistency. If the mixture becomes too thick while applying, put back into the mixing bucket and stir until uniform. If the mixture is thicker than desired in the mixing bucket, thin  very sparingly with the colored Type I Solution. Caution: Add in 1 oz. increments or less.

Do not over thin. Do not thin with water.

When finished, allow to dry completely —typically 1- 2 hours depending upon temperature and humidity—before applying the next coat. SkimStone will lighten in color and have a chalky appearance when dry. The rich color and appearance will develop with subsequent

coats and the use of SkimStone Protective Sealer.

Remove rough spots or raised areas by lightly rubbing with a dry ra g or sandpaper. Always wear a dust mask to avoid breathing sanding dust.

Pouring too much mixture onto the surface can make it difficult to apply a very thin coat. By starting with a cup or less, you can increase or decrease the amount to fit your level of comfort and ability.

The concrete will show through in places on the first coat. This helps to achieve the appearance of texture when the second and third coats are applied.

Unless you want the look of a solid color painted surface, keep the application very thin. How thin is thin? Well, if you were to apply SkimStone to a piece of glass and hold it up to the light, the coating would be translucent and allow light to easily pass through.  The angle of the trowel will control the thickness of the application. Increasing

the pressure and the angle between the trowel and the surface will result in thinner coats.

You can very lightly sand the entire surface between coats if you prefer a smoother surface. However, be careful not to remove too much color. Always wear dust mask to avoid breathing sanding dust.

You can save the SkimStone mixture overnight by pouring (floating) approximately 1 oz. of colored Type I Solution over the top of it. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mixture to restrict contact

with air. Cover container with aluminum foil and refrigerate. Be sure to label and keep out of the reach of children!

If you’re applying SkimStone to a large area, a pair of kneepads is recommended.

You can save a small sample of each of the Colored Type I Solution, Powder and Protective Sealer to make your own touch-up kit.

MIXING THE SECOND AND THIRD COATS OF SKIMSTONE

For One Color Projects (where all coats also use the same color strength)

Stir the previously colored Type I Solution thoroughly.

Refer to the worksheet to determine how much Type I Solution is needed. Measure and pour this amount of colored Type I Solution into a clean mixing bucket.

Refer to the worksheet to determine how much Powder is needed. A dust mask should be worn when handling the Powder.  Do not pack the Powder when measuring.  Measure and gradually stir this amount of Powder into the mixing bucket with the colored Type I Solution

until the mixture is smooth, lump - free and evenly colored. Failure to mix immediately may result in the material becoming hard and unusable.  Always add the Powder to the Type I Solution. Doing the reverse will cause the material to become hard and unworkable. The second and third coats are mixed at a thinner consistency than  the first coat.

Repeat the instructions for applying SkimStone.

When finished, allow to dry completely —typically 1- 2 hours depending upon temperature and humidity—before applying the next coat. After completing the final coat of SkimStone allow to dry 8 h ours or overnight before applying SkimStone Protective Sealer.

For Multiple Color Projects (and/or multiple strength colors)

Stir the Type I Solution well.

Refer to the worksheet to determine how much Type I Solution is needed. Measure and pour this amount of Type I Solution into a clean mixing bucket.

Refer to the worksheet to determine how much ColorPak is needed. Stir the ColorPak. Measure the desired amount and stir into the Type I Solution until the color is evenly dispersed.

Refer to the worksheet t o determine how much Powder is needed. A dust mask should be worn when handling the Powder.  Do not pack the Powder when measuring.  Measure and gradually stir this amount of Powder into the mixing bucket with the colored Type I Solution

until the mixture is smooth, lump - free and evenly colored. Failure to mix immediately may result in the material becoming hard and unusable.   Always add the Powder to the Type I Solution . Doing the reverse will cause the material to become hard and unworkable.

The second and third coats are mixed at a thinner consistency than the first coat. Repeat the instructions for applying SkimStone.

When finished, allow to dry completely —typically 1- 2 hours depending upon temperature and humidity—before applying the next coat. After completing the final coat of SkimStone allow to dry 8 hours or overnight before applying SkimStone Protective Sealer

CLEAN UP

Clean trowel immediately with water. Dried SkimStone can be removed with sandpaper or a scraper.  Allow leftover mixture to harden outdoors prior to disposing of in garbage.

Do not pour liquid SkimStone down sinks, toilets or drains.

SKIMSTONE PROTECTIVE SEALER

SkimStone Protective Sealer provides additional durability while bringing out the full depth and color of your SkimStone floor. This easy to use waterborne urethane sealer is designed for both residential and commercial applications. Four to five coats are recommended for full

color development and maximum surface protection for interior applications.  When applied to exterior surfaces where temperatures and moisture levels will fluctuate, no more than two coats  of sealer should be applied, allowing the surface to breathe. One gallon of Protective

Sealer will cover up to 1600 ft 2.

 Surface Preparation:

Allow the final coat of SkimStone to dry at least 8 hours or overnight before applying the Protective Sealer. Make sure the surface is clean and free of d ust or debris. For best results  use when temperature is between 50   and 90º F.

Applying SkimStone Protective Sealer: 1.

Gently stir or rock container back and forth to mix. Do NOT shake. Shaking may cause air bubbles to form and be trapped in the dried film.

Pour ½ to 1 cup of Protective Sealer onto the surface.

Use a new paint pad applicator and immediately spread using a random motion. Apply thin —but do not allow the pad to become completely dry.

Continue applying SkimStone Protective Sealer thinly until the entire surface is coated.

Allow to completely dry before applying the second coat, typically 1-2 hours. Note: cold t emperatures or excessive humidity will extend dry time.

As the first coat dries, it will penetrate and begin to seal the SkimStone surface. A chalky appearance may still be present.  Immediately clean the paint pad with warm water to prevent the bristles from drying together.

Allow surface to completely dry before applying additional coats.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Interiors:

Allow 24 hours to dry before permitting light foot traffic or moving in furniture. Maximum hardness of the Protective Sealer will be achieved within 7-10 days. Use floors with care during this period. Avoid contact with water. Do not cover with rugs and avoid sliding furniture across surface. Maintain by regular sweeping and vacuuming. Immediately wipe up spills with damp rag. Clean sealed surface with SkimStone

Cleaner as needed. Use protective felt pads on furniture legs to protect from scratching. For high traffic areas or commercial spaces, a suitable wax or acrylic polish may be used & maintained as the sacrificial wear coat.

 Exteriors:

Allow 24 hours to dry before permitting light foot traffic. Only two coats of Sealer are recommended on exterior applications to provide some “color pop” but still allow the surface to breathe & moisture to pass through the substrate without blistering or peeling the Sealer. If

additional spill protection or mar resistance is desired, topcoat the SkimStone Sealer with an exterior clear finish designed specifically to provide the desired properties. Always test a small inconspicuous area for compatibilit y before using.