Decorative Concrete Institute

Terra Fresco Decorative Concrete Institute Technical Data Sheet 251 Villa Rosa Road  Temple, GA 30179 877-DCI-8080

Terra Fresco Microtopping is a high- locate the nearest distributor and performance cementitious topping that Limitations: In order for the Terra Fresco representative. can be integrally colored, acid stained or liquid primer (TFL-1100) to penetrate and dyed. This versatile product can be used bond properly and for the microtopping to Packaging: Terra Fresco Microtopping is for both interior and exterior applications adhere to its full potential, the concrete available in 30-pound bags in both white and can transform worn and distressed surface must be lightly profiled and clean and gray regular and in 22-pound bags for concrete into a brand new canvas. When and free of any surface contaminants. Fill both white and gray fine. installed per these technical guidelines and repair all cracks, chips, spalls and voids Terra Fresco Microtopping will provide a prior to the application of Terra Fresco Shelf Life: Under normal conditions and long-wearing architecturally pleasing Microtopping. Consult Kemiko for advice when Terra Fresco Microtopping is stored surface. on suitable repair materials. Typically, Terra in a climate-controlled, moisture-free Fresco is applied in 1/16-inch lifts. If thicker environment, the shelf life is 6 months Features and Benefits: builds are required, successive lifts may be from the date of purchase. Inventory  Exterior and interior applications applied as long as the previous application is should be rotated on a regular basis.  Can be a single-build or dry enough to prevent marring of the surface multilayered application during application. Under no circumstance Coverage Rates: The coverage rate for  Creates an extremely durable wear should applications exceed a thickness of Terra Fresco can vary depending on the surface 1/16 inch per coat since shrinkage cracking profile of the concrete substrate, the  Excellent flexural properties could occur. Terra Fresco Microtopping application techniques and the tools used.  Increased abrasion-resistance should not be applied at temperatures below Generally, one 30-pound bag of Terra  Low in volatile organic 45° F or exceeding 90° F. Optimum Fresco Regular will cover approximately compounds (VOCs) application temperatures are between 65-75° 180 to 200 square feet when hand  Low in odor F. Avoid applying Terra Fresco troweled or magic troweled, depending on  Easy application Microtopping in a dry, windy environment the fluidity of the mix. For Terra Fresco  Quick turnaround time since rapid drying can occur. Keep water or Fine, one 22-pound bag will cover  Excellent for staining and dyeing condensation off of the freshly curing approximately 190 square feet. Once the  Unique integral coloring system microtopping for a minimum of 24 hours material has been mixed, it is crucial to from the time the product is installed to install it as quickly as possible to Product Use: Terra Fresco is available in prevent discoloring and softening. If acid minimize the amount of time the material white and gray regular and white and gray staining or solvent-based dyes will be used, sits in the bucket. If retempering is fine versions. These products have been it is best to let the microtopping cure for a necessary, normally Terra Fresco will designed for both exterior and interior minimum of 48 hours after installation. become fluid by simply remixing. If substrates and will create a very durable Water-based dyes can be applied 12 hours texturing techniques are being used, such and abrasion-resistant surface when after microtopping installation. On exterior as customized rollers, stone textures or applied properly. Terra Fresco can be applications, if sanding is required between hopper gun applications, coverage rates used on exterior driveways, pool decks, coats to minimize trowel lines or will dramatically decrease depending on sidewalks, patios, stair risers and treads, imperfections, it is recommended to prime the texture. and even vertical walls when substrates in between coats. On interior applications, if are prepared properly. In addition, Terra a coat of Terra Fresco Fine is going to be Available Colors: Terra Fresco Color Fresco can be used in interior applied on top of the regular version, it is Paks are offered in 11 standard colors. environments when a clean canvas is not necessary to prime in between coats. With prior notification, custom colors can desired to create one-of-a kind colored be achieved. (An additional charge and a decorative floors. With the use of Terra NOTE: Terra Fresco Microtoppings have longer manufacturing time are required Fresco Color Paks, Terra Fresco been formulated for use over structurally for this service.) Terra Fresco Color Paks Microtopping can produce beautiful sound and properly prepared concrete are preweighed and packaged to color one integrally colored floors. A wide variety substrates. Each substrate needs to be bag of Terra Fresco Microtopping, of textures are also possible. evaluated independently since some surfaces eliminating the need for jobsite weighing are not suitable for the application of or measuring. Simply add one pigment Performance: When combined with microtoppings. Some gypsum-based pak to the premeasured TFL-1100 liquid. appropriate coatings or sealers, Terra products, lightweight concrete and concrete Fresco will provide long-wearing surfaces that is not fully cured for a minimum of 30 Jobsite Test Samples: Achieving in environments such as hotels, days should not be considered for the successful microtopping applications restaurants, and a host of other residential application of Terra Fresco. requires skill and practice. Many variables and commercial applications. The can influence the performance and microtopping has excellent moisture and Product Availability: Terra Fresco workability of Terra Fresco freeze-thaw resistance. Because of the Microtopping is marketed and sold Microtopping, such as concrete surface unique formula, it also offers a reduction nationwide as well as internationally to the preparation, ambient and substrate in brittleness and outstanding impact end-user through a broad network of dealers temperatures, and the temperature of the resistance, with excellent flexural and and representatives. Contact Kemiko to Terra Fresco powder and TFL-1100 tensile strength properties. liquid. Performing a representative jobsite

1 mockup will give you valuable substrate using a lint-free, ¼- to 3/8-inch can then be added. If Terra Fresco Color information about coverage rates, ease of nap roller. TFL-1100 can also be spray Paks are to be used as an integral coloring application, and the best type of finishing applied immediately followed by back system, remove and discard the outer bag tool to use to install the mixed material. rolling or brooming. It is important that no and toss the dissolvable inner bag Also, by performing a test section, you standing puddles remain on the surface. On containing the pigment into the measured can determine the desired color when highly absorbent surfaces or if the substrate bucket of TFL-1100 and mix for 1 minute using stains, dyes or Terra Fresco Color is exceptionally warm, pre-wetting the to allow the disintegrating bag to fully Paks, as well as the preferred sealer surface may be required to obtain a saturated dissolve. Add approximately one-half bag system to use. The representative sample surface dry (SSD) condition. When there is of Terra Fresco Powder and mix for should always be inspected by the owner no visible standing water, you can then approximately 30 seconds. Place the or owner’s agent for approval. apply TFL-1100. Dry times can vary remaining powder into the bucket and mix dramatically depending on ambient and thoroughly for an additional 2 minutes. It Mixing and Application Equipment: substrate temperatures. At 70° F, the normal is important to clean the sides of the Terra Fresco can be installed using a dry time for TFL-1100 is 2 to 3 hours. Once bucket with a spatula or margin trowel, variety of different tools and equipment. the primer is tack-free and has cured to a making sure no dry residual material For mixing, it is important to use a low- clear film that no longer has a milky builds up on the sides of the bucket. Once or variable-speed industrial-type drill with appearance, apply Terra Fresco you have determined the optimum mix a 1/2-inch drill chuck. (High-speed drills Microtopping to the primed surface within 2 ratio of liquid additive to powder, it is can splash the material out of the bucket.) to 8 hours. It is important to keep the important to maintain this mix design Also, the type of mixing paddle is substrate clean and free of any debris during throughout the entire pour to ensure important. Use a paddle typically used for the microtopping installation. If more than 8 consistency. grouts and thin sets with a shape that hours elapses after primer application and permits it to get down into the bottom before Terra Fresco is applied, the substrate NOTE: Read the “Mixing and Application perimeter of the bucket and shear the must be recleaned and another coat of TFL- Equipment” section for guidance on the material during mixing. A variety of 1100 needs to be reapplied at an application appropriate tools to use when mixing the finishing tools can be used to apply Terra rate of 350 to 450 square feet per gallon. microtopoping components. Fresco, including wide-bladed or flexible rubber floor squeegees, concrete finishing Jobsite Considerations: All surrounding Installation, Surface Finishing and steel trowels (either square or rounded), areas adjacent to the concrete substrate Texturing Techniques: Optimum magic trowels, professional spray units, should be masked off and protected to temperatures for installing Terra Fresco and different texturing tools such as prevent TFL-1100 Primer and Terra Fresco range from 65-75° F. The minimum custom rollers and horsehair brooms. Microtopping from getting on walls, temperature for application is 45° F and baseboards, or other finished surfaces. Fill the maximum temperature is 90° F. Avoid Substrate Preparation: The key to a low-lying areas, divots and voids with a applying Terra Fresco Microtopping in successful Terra Fresco Microtopping suitable repair mortar prior to the application dry, windy environments since rapid installation is to properly prepare the of the primer and microtopping. Plug any drying can occur. Mix appropriate substrate. All concrete masonry or other existing floor drains so that the liquid quantities based on the area to be covered, surfaces shall be free of dirt, material does not leach into open areas. The taking into consideration the number of contaminants, paint or other foreign work area should be roped off so other skilled applicators. Do not dump full matter. New concrete must be a minimum trades and equipment don’t contaminate the mixed buckets of material onto the of 30 days old. Remove any oil and properly prepared substrate. On interior concrete surface, to avoid having to grease stains (by extracting with a suitable applications, the building should be climate- spread the material long distances. When poultice paste) and then degrease. Fill and controlled with no open windows or applied at a thickness of 1/16 inch or less, repair all chips, spalls, gouges and cracks skylights. On exterior applications, it is Terra Fresco has excellent coverage prior to the application of TFL-1100. important to apply the primer on a calm day properties. Apply each bucket as quickly Consult Kemiko for advice on suitable with little wind and no chance of rain. In as possible to minimize the time the repair materials. warmer weather, store TFL-1100 in a cool mixed material sits in the bucket. Since environment to eliminate accelerated drying timing is crucial, when approximately half Jobsite test sections should always be times. of the first bucket has been placed, mixing performed to check the substrate for of the second bucket should begin to penetration and coverage rates. Lightly Mixing: When setting up the mixing station maintain a seamless installation and profile the surface of the concrete to the for Terra Fresco, mask off all surrounding reduce the chance for cold joints. equivalent of 180-grit sandpaper. There areas accordingly to prevent the liquid are many methods of obtaining concrete additive from contaminating these surfaces Terra Fresco can be applied using a surface profiles, including sanding, in the unlikely event of splashes or spills. variety of tools and techniques. The most dustless grinding or shot blasting. The Always add the liquid to a clean metal common way to apply the microtopping is concrete surface profile (CSP) should be bucket. Avoid using plastic buckets for with a concrete finishing hand trowel or a between 1 and 3 depending on the mixing, since the abrasion of the drill paddle rubber squeegee or magic trowel. Terra porosity of the concrete substrate, per hitting the side of can create plastic shavings Fresco’s unique formula allows for a one- International Concrete Repair Institute that will get dispensed into the mix. The mix build application. However, if excessive (ICRI) Technical Guideline No. 03732, ratio for TFL-1100 ranges from 1 gallon to 1 trowel lines are left behind as a result of “Selecting and Specifying Concrete gallon 16 ounces (maximum) of liquid per the first application, sanding of the Surface Preparation for Coatings, Sealers, bag of Terra Fresco Regular or Terra Fresco surface using an 80-100 grit sanding and Polymer Overlays”. All surfaces shall Fine, depending on the desired consistency. screen may be required. Wait be primed with undiluted TFL-1100. Once the desired amount of liquid has been approximately 3 to 6 hours after Apply the primer to a properly prepared added to a clean pail, Terra Fresco powder microtopping application before sanding.

2 A second application of Terra Fresco Fine using and stay focused while making do not dry as quickly as solvent-based can then be applied to create a smooth sawcuts. If an overcut or mistake occurs, dyes, they are ideal for brush applying as surface. If more than 6 hours transpires Terra Fresco Microtopping in the same color well as different faux finishing techniques between coats, either prime with TFL- as the original application can be used to such as ragging, sponging and 1100 or obtain a saturated surface dry make the necessary repair. Approximately 2 marbleizing by blending colors together. (SSD) condition by pre-wetting the to 4 hours later, sand the repaired section There is no need to neutralize either surface. Terra Fresco’s unique formula using an orbital hand sander with 80-100 solvent-based or water-based dyes after allows for retroweling if a smooth grit sandpaper. application. However, it is a good idea to burnished appearance is desired. Timing lightly clean any residual dye from the of the second troweling is crucial. Staining / Dyeing: Different types of stains surface by completely ringing out the Retroweling can start as soon as 10 (either water-based acrylics or reactive acid water from a mop and gently swabbing minutes and up to 1 hour after the initial stains) and dyes (water-based and solvent- the surface. Scrubbing is not necessary. application, depending on the desired based) can be used to color Terra Fresco effect and jobsite temperatures. If installations. Each requires skill and practice If using water-based acrylic stain, retroweling early, wear spiked (elevated) to achieve the desired effects. Typically, if presand the Terra Fresco Microtopping, as knee boards, making sure to trowel the using an acid stain or solvent-based dye, instructed for the application of acid voids left from the spikes. If troweling Terra Fresco Microtopping should cure a stains. Many of the same techniques and later, clean foam knee boards can be used. minimum of 48 hours to prevent softening application methods used for water-based of the material. Water-based dye and water- dye can be used for acrylic stains. There A variety of texturing techniques can be based acrylic stains can be applied is no need to clean and neutralize a water- used when applying multiple builds of approximately 12 to 24 hours after the based acrylic stain after application. The Terra Fresco. All techniques shall be application of Terra Fresco. Check stain/dye next step is to seal the microtopping with perfected on jobsite test samples, and technical data sheets for more information a compatible sealer. under no circumstance should the actual on application techniques and coverage project be used as a testing ground. rates. CAUTION: When applying stains or dyes, Existing cracks (even when repaired) and wear proper safety gear including non- contraction joints can sometimes If using acid stain, presand the Terra Fresco absorbent gloves, eye protection, and an telegraph through the microtopping. If Microtopping using 80-100 grit sanding OSHA-approved respirator. When using this is the case, the application of screens attached to the bottom of a slow- acid stain or solvent-based products, make additional coats may be required. For the speed (175 rpm) swing buffer roughly 6 to sure the area is sufficiently ventilated by best results, after the application of Terra 12 hours after the application of Terra opening windows or using fans to achieve Fresco, recut all contraction joints the full Fresco. After the microtopping has cured air movement. Make absolutely certain no depth of the microtopping into the approximately 48 hours, lightly mist the source of open flame is present. Pilot underlying joint. On large commercial surface with water prior to the acid stain lights, heaters, cigarettes and electric tools applications, map out starting and application to reduce brush or spray marks. should not be used or should be turned off stopping points using existing joints as When applying acid stain, it is best to use a during application until no fumes exist. termination points. spray-broom-spray method. If you only spray the acid stain without brooming and Sealing: Terra Fresco microtopped Opening to Traffic: Under normal then respray the stain, a spotted look will surfaces should be sealed or coated to temperature conditions (50 -80°F), Terra occur. Dilution of the acid stain can vary protect and preserve the final surface. Fresco can be opened to light pedestrian when used on microtoppings. Usually it is Determine beforehand the type of system traffic within 24 to 36 hours. For best to start with a dilution of roughly 2 to 3 to be used. Considerations include the vehicular traffic, Terra Fresco should cure parts water to 1 part stain. Normally, two type of traffic the microtopped surface for 5 to 7 days. coats of stain are used depending on the will be subject to, the location (interior or desired color. Once all the acid stain has exterior), dry times, desired gloss level, Sawcutting: Decorative sawcutting or been applied, it is important to use a neutral sealer composition (water-based vs. full-depth cuts for expansion and cleaning agent to clean all residue from the solvent-based), and the skill level of the contraction joints can typically be done surface. applicator. Regardless of the type of roughly 12 hours after the final sealer system used, check the application of Terra Fresco, depending on If using solvent-based dye, the best method corresponding technical data sheets for jobsite conditions. If the edges of the of application is by spray. (Brush applying additional application information and sawcuts start to ravel or chip, this usually can leave brush strokes due to rapid drying.) coverage rates. indicates that the microtopping has not The sprayer should be manufactured cured enough and is still too soft. In this specifically for spraying solvents. Make sure Water-based sealers can be applied to case, additional curing time may be the sprayer is fully pressurized, so as to Terra Fresco within 24 hours after necessary. When cutting decorative atomize the dye. Do not puddle the dye installation. Additional cure time is designs or patterns, keep the surface as during application. High-volume low- necessary when using solvent-based clean as possible, and cover footwear with pressure (HVLP) sprayers can be used to products (typically a minimum of 48 slip-on booties to prevent scuffing of the apply dye. Make sure surrounding areas hours). If applying a thick-build coating microtopping. Avoid using blue or red have been properly masked off and to Terra Fresco, allow a minimum of 48 chalk for drawing designs, since these protected to prevent overspray. If using hours to elapse before application. When colors can permanently stain the surface. water-based dye, many different using solvent-based sealers, apply them Orange or white chalk is best. Creating application techniques can be used. On large lightly with a spray unit that atomizes the decorative designs with sawcutting applications, it is best to spray apply water- sealer. If thinning the sealer, be sure to requires skill and practice. Make sure you based dye and then massage the dye in using use a thinning agent that promotes quick are confident with the equipment you are a microfiber pad. Because water-based dyes drying of the sealer, since prolonged

3 setting of the sealer can soften the microtopping.

Maintenance: The maintenance program for microtopped surfaces may vary depending on the type of sealer/coating system used and the amount traffic the surface is subject to. Daily dust mopping and frequent damp mopping using a neutral cleaning agent to keep grime off of the surface will dramatically increase the life of the floor. Mop-down floor finishes can also be applied periodically to the sealed microtopping to help preserve the surface.

Warranty: The following warranty is made in lieu of all other warranties, either expressed or implied. This product is manufactured of selected raw materials by skilled technicians. Neither seller nor manufacturer has any knowledge or control concerning the purchaser’s use of this product and no warranty is made as to the results of any use. The only obligation of either seller or manufacturer shall be to replace any quantity of this product proven to be defective. Any claim of defective product must be received in writing within 1 year from date of shipment. Neither seller nor manufacturer assumes any liability for injury, loss, or damage resulting from use of this product.

Health Precautions: Adequate ventilation is required. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Avoid inhaling the airborne spray mist, and wear proper eye protection and an OSHA-approved respirator. In case of skin contact, flush with plenty of water; for eyes, immediately flush with water for 15 minutes and get medical attention. If swallowed, CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT induce vomiting. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.