BajaNomad

cement microtoppings

volcano - 2-15-2010 at 08:06 AM

formerly cement veneer topic. I followd all the suggested threads and still not hitting on the info I need.
In the U.S. Super-Krete makes these miscortopping products: some are meant for stamping: Bond-Kote, Micro-Bond, .............I will not be stamping, but am looking for the bags of cement microtoppings available in Baja Sur...specifically San Jose area. Kemiko website appears to offer stains and sealers, didn't see cementous microtoppings. Followed other suggested threads and links...still looking........

gnukid - 2-15-2010 at 08:18 AM

I have tried and found that I was wasting my time in BCS where these products are unavailable or overpriced or both. You can't get blood from a turnip. Consider using traditional materials and techniques.

volcano - 2-15-2010 at 08:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
I have tried and found that I was wasting my time in BCS where these products are unavailable or overpriced or both. You can't get blood from a turnip. Consider using traditional materials and techniques.


thanks gnu. I'm a do it yourselfer off the grid, and mixing by hand in a wheel barrow. the floor is just very rough cement.
Do you think one can mix a pretty good finecoat and get it to adhere.....or am I obligated to go with tile, then.?

snowcat5 - 2-15-2010 at 04:38 PM

Volcano, You might try using the white concrete with dye in it- the locals usually apply a thin finish coat and the seal with a polyurethane floor sealer. You might talk to Paul at Zac's bar- he did something similar on the bar and floors. Chris Scarborough at Cabo Dream Homes is a builder with experience in this are also and might be good for local advice.

Mexitron - 2-16-2010 at 07:53 AM

If the cement is rough you have a better chance of it adhering---to roughen it more you can get a concrete roughening tool or scrub the surface with muriatic acid (pool acid, hydrochloric acid---all the same thing) although if you choose the latter wear heavy duty eye, lung, and skin protection, especially if working inside.

You could try a 1:1 mix of plastic cement and fine sand---just stay on top of the job and watch for cracking...you could add color to the concrete as well this way. Then you could stain it after it cures.

Mexitron - 2-16-2010 at 07:57 AM

Oh yah, you'll probably want to put some concrete glue over the existing surface before putting down the topper---you can also add some acrylic admix to or concrete glue to the mix itself to make it a little more pliable and less susceptible to cracking. And make sure the existing concrete is somewhat damp--not with standing water--but not so dry that it sucks the moisture out of the topper too fast.

gnukid - 2-16-2010 at 08:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by volcano
Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
I have tried and found that I was wasting my time in BCS where these products are unavailable or overpriced or both. You can't get blood from a turnip. Consider using traditional materials and techniques.


thanks gnu. I'm a do it yourselfer off the grid, and mixing by hand in a wheel barrow. the floor is just very rough cement.
Do you think one can mix a pretty good finecoat and get it to adhere.....or am I obligated to go with tile, then.?


As noted, a topping coat is not at all uncommon, though best on a rough surface which can be chipped with a chisel for better adhesion. The cement topping coat is durable but not under heavy weight such as a car moving back and forth.

Be careful when hand mixing to mix proper amounts and mix well, temperature can affect the mix. When adding color I find its best to be very very consistent in ratio. For example, you could make separate but equal premixed cement, sand and additive and have these at the ready so you are not measuring in a hurry in the moment. these could left in plastic bags or buckets ready to go at your pace. I a sure it will go well once you begin, if not do it over and over.

[Edited on 2-16-2010 by gnukid]

wessongroup - 2-16-2010 at 08:54 AM

Thanks so much for sharing all the knowledge on concrete.. really good!!:):)

akbear - 2-16-2010 at 09:41 AM

Volcano, I bought Super-Krete at there office in El Cajon in in Jan. for using a broom finish. Degreaser,Pene-Krete, Color bond A&B & Seal +. They have a different systems. Good service. Give them a call: 619-401-8282

Also Proline is in Oceanside but have a office in Baja. Call 661-613-7671 or contacto@prolinestamps.com

akbear-Charlie

capt. mike - 2-16-2010 at 02:42 PM

why not do an exposed agg finish?
used to be very popular and if done right it's a nice colorful look.

floor finish

volcano - 2-16-2010 at 03:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
Thanks so much for sharing all the knowledge on concrete.. really good!!:):)


thnak all for the great info, tips and suggestions...just what was needed! Not actually doing the job till next winter's vacation there...but trying to get the info lined up.

wessongroup - 2-16-2010 at 04:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
I have tried and found that I was wasting my time in BCS where these products are unavailable or overpriced or both. You can't get blood from a turnip. Consider using traditional materials and techniques.


Had to re-read the thread there was so much good information and saw this one again, really fundamental .... this time :light:

after thought.. adobe.. does anyone do it?

[Edited on 2-16-2010 by wessongroup]