Are You Really Getting The Concrete Floor You’re Paying For?

Not all concrete floors are ideal for polishing, in fact a very high percentage of existing concrete surfaces will not produce the strength and high sheen exposed aggregate finish that the home or business owner envisioned or expected. The reality is most home owners see a floor with a high gloss sealer on a ground concrete substrate and assume that this is polished concrete, however this is not the case and to those in the industry or to those that are better informed these applications are known as a grind and seal.

Polished concrete is not sealed, when these floors are brought up to the higher grit levels and have been densified (polished concrete without the densification step will be much more susceptible to staining, dusting and abrasion) they will provide a high gloss finish that is relatively stain resistant for a surface without any form of sealer (polished concrete floors are not stain proof as so many people are led to believe).

Grind and seal are exactly as the name implies; the substrate is ground back (usually to the 200 to 400 grit level) and then coated with a topical concrete coating. These coatings or sealers are more commonly epoxy or polyurethane.

Some of the benefits of a grind and seal over polished concrete are:

• Much less labour intensive
• Higher abrasion resistance (this is dependent on the sealer in use) • More cost effective (often a third of the price )
• Low maintenance
• A completely non porous surface (will not harbour bacteria)

If you are in the market for a polished concrete floor then you should be aware of these different applications and systems. Quizzing your chosen contractor/installer on their methods and process is important. Knowing what products they will use in the case of a grind and seal is vital. Not all sealers are created equally and the lower quality sealers will inevitably blush and yellow or even peel and flake over time.

The post Grind and Seal or Polished Concrete? appeared first on Elite Crete Australia.

Not only is Elite Crete Systems CSS EMULSION™ the most versatile exterior concrete sealer, it is also possibly the most durable breathable exterior concrete protective coating available. The methyl methacrylate component of CSS EMULSION™ greatly improves scratch and abrasion resistance over other comparable acrylic sealers.

The formulation of this product has not been heavily modified over the years like so many other sealants have been. The fact that the preferred sealer of choice to thousands of professional applicators around the world is CSS EMULSION™ speaks volumes in itself.

The majority of exterior concrete sealers available in concrete supply chains and home hardware supply stores across Australia and New Zealand are of very low solid content with generally over 80% of the product being a solvent. By packaging CSS EMULSION™ as a concentrate rather then diluting and cutting down the product with a solvent, the end user is given greater control over the use of the product as the solid content can be adjusted on site and modified as necessary. For example, a dilution of one part compatible solvent to one part CSS EMULSION™ in three coats would be a heavy duty protective coating yielding excellent stain and chemical resistance in comparison to a dilution of 3 parts compatible solvent to one part CSS EMULSION™ with a single coat, which in that case could be used as a cure and seal on freshly poured or “green” concrete.

CSS EMULSION™ can be diluted with xylene, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), acetone, lacquer thinner and other compatible oxygenated or aromatic solvents.

Two other alternative versions of CSS EMULSION™ exist, one in a waterborne formulation known as WCS EMULSION™ and another as a lower VOC (volatile organic compound) formulation known as CSS-V EMULSION™. WCS EMULSION™ is a waterborne concrete sealant that exhibits similar results as CSS EMULSION™ but must be used as packaged in full strength form. Aesthetically WCS EMULSION™ has more of a matte finish than that of the higher gloss level of CSS EMULSION™. CSS-V EMULSION™ has a lower VOC content at just under 150 grams per litre and must also be used as packaged in full strength.

The typical coverage rate of CSS EMULSION™, WCS EMULSION™ and CSS-V EMULSION™ is from 8 square meters per litre on a smooth concrete surface all the way down to 3 square meters per litre on a rough splatter texture concrete surface.

All Elite Crete Systems products are available only to certified and professional applicators. If you require any technical specification or product information, please contact Elite Crete Australia for further assistance. Home or business owners looking for a high quality, durable and practical solution may contact an Elite Crete Systems sales representative to arrange for an on site inspection by an approved applicator.

The post Concentrated Concrete Sealer : CSS EMULSION™ appeared first on Elite Crete Australia.

Elite Crete Systems ULTRA-STONE™ is a concentrated waterborne concrete stain that was designed to be used in conjunction with PORTION CONTROL COLORANT™ (PCC) and SYNTHETIC PRIMARY PIGMENT™ (SYPP).
ULTRA-STONE™ Antique Stain is a non corrosive, non hazardous, translucent concrete stain that was developed to be used for colouring, highlighting and accenting polymer modified concrete overlay systems such as; THIN-FINISH™ and TEXTURE-PAVE™.

ULTRA-STONE™ comes as a highly concentrated clear that was engineered and intended to be diluted with water and custom coloured with PCC or SYPP on site prior to use. One of the benefits of packaging this products as a concentrate is the ability to dilute and customize colours and ratios, allowing the end user to manipulate a wide variety of colouring techniques. It can be used full strength for solid colour coats, however typical dilutions of ULTRA STONE™ are:

1:1 (One part water to one part ULTRA-STONE™) – Used as a colour coat.
2:1 Water to stain can be used as a antique coat.
3:1 Water to stain can be used as a highlighting coat.

Application of ULTRA-STONE™ can be achieved with a pump up type sprayer, foam brush, roller, sponge, brush, etc. Coverage rate of ULTRA-STONE™ after dilution with water is typically from 2 to 4 square meters per litre.

Unlike CHEM-STONE™ Reactive Stain, ULTRA-STONE™ Antiquing Stain is not an acid stain or chemical stain but rather a waterborne concrete stain. Waterborne concrete stains do not exhibit the same longevity when used directly on concrete when compared with waterborne stains that have been used in union with a polymer modified concrete overlay. Therefore it is recommend that ULTRA-STONE™ be used with either THIN-FINISH™ or TEXTURE-PAVE™ to provide a finished concrete surface that will not peel, flake and fade.

ULTRA-STONE™ is used for both interior and exterior polymer modified concrete surfaces. It is recommended that the product should be sealed with a breathable sealer such as CSS Emulsion™ or WCS Emulsion™ on exterior applications. For interior applications, ULTRA- STONE™ can be sealed with a number of Elite Crete Systems concrete sealers; E100- PT1™, E100-PT3™, E100-UV1™, AUS-HD™, AUS-V™, AUS-50™, SPARTIC-ALL™ RM, SPARTIC-ALL™ SL.

Please contact an Elite Crete Australia technical representative if you require any assistance in choosing the correct sealer for your particular project or for any other enquires regarding technical assistance and product specification.

Please take note that all of Elite Crete Systems products are available to certified and professional applicators only. If you are interested in the most advanced and durable decorative concrete and industrial flooring products at your home or place of business, contact an Elite Crete Australia sales representative.

The post ULTRA-STONE™ Antique Stain appeared first on Elite Crete Australia.

Elite Crete Systems MERCAP-445™ is a clear/amber, low viscosity, moisture insensitive, 100% solids, very high early strength speciality epoxy that is intended to be used to repair existing cracks in concrete, as an anchor bolt adhesive on horizontal applications and also as a general purpose, all weather epoxy bonding agent that can be used on both damp and dry concrete surfaces.

Notable properties and features of MERCAP-445™ include but are not limited to:

• Gravity feed concrete crack filling and repair on horizontal and vertical finishes as while as masonry, wood, steel and other surfaces
• With both components “A” and “B” mixed thoroughly together, MERCAP-445™ has a viscosity of 375 cps allowing for deep penetration of concrete surfaces
• Bonds to both dry and damp concrete surfaces
• Can be used as an epoxy mortar system when used with cleaned and dried silica sand
• As an adhesive for dissimilar materials
• As a structural anchor bolt adhesive on horizontal surfaces
• Bond strength of 4 MPa in just 7 hours and a bond strength of 14.5 MPa in 7 days time
• Compressive strength of 93 MPa (ASTM D-695)

Typical coverage rates of MERCAP-445™ are:

Width Of Crack X Depth Linear Meters Per litre

• 3.175 mm x 2.54 cm                                        12.42 meters
• 6.35 mm x 2.54 cm                                           6.21 meters
• 12.70 mm x 2.54 cm                                         3.10 meters
• 19.05 mm x 2.54 cm                                         2.07 meters
• 25.40 mm x 2.54 cm                                         1.56 meters

Application Method:

Prior to application of MERCAP-445™ the surface must be clean and sound. If treating concrete cracks, cracks must be “V” notched in order to create a receptacle to control MERCAP-445™.  Apply MERCAP-445™ into “V” notched receptacle and reapply as needed. After crack has been filled, apply cleaned and dried silica sand. Allow MERCAP-445™ to cure before mechanical grinding or applying a concrete overlay.

The post MERCAP-445™ Concrete Crack Repair & Concrete Injection Epoxy appeared first on Elite Crete Australia.

Elite Crete Systems E100-PT1™ Crystal Clear Epoxy Standard and Fast Set have zero solvents, zero VOC’s, are a true 100% solid resin, 100% self levelling, two component, non shrinking, air releasing, high gloss, low odour, industrial strength resinous floor coating.

When we say true 100% solid epoxy resin we are making reference to the majority of epoxies that are marketed as a 100% solid epoxy but are in fact loaded with fillers – albeit solid fillers, so that they can accurately claim to be a 100% solid product but dramatically cut their cost and increase their profit margins. E100-PT1™ has no fillers and the result is a extremely hard wearing, crystal clear, self levelling, true resin based epoxy formula.

E100-PT1™ from Elite Crete Systems is commonly used as a protective coating for industrial floors, warehouses, garages, residential concrete floors, epoxy quartz systems, grind and seal applications, used as a binder for epoxy mortar systems, concrete floors that have been stained or dyed with HYDRA-STONE™ Dye Stain, CHEM-STONE™ Reactive Stain and ULTRA-STONE™ Antique Stain and multitude other concrete flooring applications.

Both E100-PT1™ Standard and Fast Set demonstrates exceptional air releasing capabilities as well as being a user friendly, 100% self levelling epoxy resin floor coating. E100-PT1™ can be applied by a roller, squeegee, trowel, notched trowel or Padco applicator.

The coverage rate of E100-PT1™ as an epoxy resin floor coating is determined by the porosity and profile of the surface to be coated as well as the desired film thickness and method of application. In general , base coats, primer coats or scratch coats if applied on smooth conventional concrete will cover between 2.5 to 3.5 square meters per litre which is between 400 to 285 microns. If applied on a thin stamped overlay, slate trowel down or knockdown finish will cover up to 2.5 square meters per litre.

With the two components mixed, E100-PT1™ has a viscosity of 300 cps, which is considerably less than that of E100-UV1™, making it in general a better suited epoxy resin for larger industrial and commercial sites.

The curing schedule for E100-PT1™ Standard at an ambient temperature of 24° C and relative humidity of 50% is as follows:

• Tack free in 5 to 7 hours time
• Light foot traffic in 7 to 9 hours time
• Heavy traffic in 9 to 12 hours time

The curing schedule for E100-PT1™ Fast Set at an ambient temperature of 24° C and relative humidity of 50% is as follows:

• Tack free in 3 to 4 hours time
• Light foot traffic in 4 to 6 hours time
• Heavy traffic in 6 to 8 hours time

After a 7 day ambient cure (24° C with a relative humidity of 50%), E100-PT1™ has a compressive strength of 83 MPa, tensile strength of 42 MPa, flexural strength of 52 MPa and a Shore D hardness of 89.

Elite Crete Systems has a number of aliphatic and aromatic polyurethanes that can be used on top of E100-PT1™ epoxy resin floor coatings for added chemical and abrasion resistance.

For specification assistance for protective epoxy floor coatings please contact a sales or technical representative at Elite Crete Australia.

The Industry Leading Manufacturer of Products and Systems for; Decorative Concrete Overlays, Stamped Concrete, Concrete Colouring, Concrete Repair, Industrial Epoxy Systems and Flooring Solutions.

The post E100-PT1™ Crystal Clear Epoxy Standard & Fast Set appeared first on Elite Crete Australia.

TEXTURE-PAVE™ has been around for almost two decades and in that time has had it’s durability and performance tested and proven. From Disney World to Dubai, TEXTURE-PAVE™ has restored and refinished existing concrete surfaces across the globe bringing a brand new look and appeal that can resemble anything from authentic field stones to natural timber floors.

Like THIN-FINISH™, TEXTURE-PAVE™ comes with the exact mix design in each and every bag. With the precise amount of Elite Crete Systems hybrid polymer blended with the correct amount of graded quartz aggregates mixed with a white cement, TEXTURE- PAVE™ removes almost all room for error leaving the addition of water on site as the only necessary additive.

One could consider TEXTURE-PAVE™ over engineered for the Australian climate when taking into consideration that TEXTURE-PAVE™ was intended and designed to withstand the large variations in the freeze and thaw climatic cycles that are experienced in Canada and the United States. TEXTURE-PAVE™ also has excellent weather, moisture and UV resistance as well as high levels of flexural and tensile strength with a cured compressive strength greater then 31 MPa permitting commercial traffic use without causing damage.

TEXTURE-PAVE™ is typically applied with a gauge rake but can also be applied by trowel. If a thickness greater then 12.7mm is desired, additional layers can be added. Coverage rate for TEXTURE-PAVE™ at a depth of 6.3mm (the most common depth of stamp impression concrete) is 2.4 square meters per bag.

The choice in stamp patterns are numerous. Elite Crete Systems THIN-PRINT™ Texture Skins are available in dozens of textures and designs. The most popular stamp skins are Roman Slate, Sandstone, Old Granite, European Fan, Old Cobblestone, Hardwood, Herringbone and Brick Basket Weave. Also available is CLEAN-PRINT™ Liquid Release agent for effortless stamping without any sticking.

Colouring TEXTURE-PAVE™ can be accomplished integrally with PORTION CONTROL COLORANT™ (PCC) or SYNTHETIC PRIMARY PIGMENT™ (SYPP) or topically coloured via CHEM-STONE™ acid stains, ULTRA-STONE™ waterborne stains or HYDRA-STONE™ concrete dyes.

As with all of Elite Crete Systems decorative finishes, the choice of sealers for TEXTURE-PAVE™ are plentiful and dependant on many variables. If assistance is required in choosing or specifying the correct sealer for a complete concrete resurfacing or concrete flooring system, please contact an Elite Crete Australia technical support representative.

Elite Crete Systems products are available to trained and professional applicators only. If you would like to arrange for an onsite quotation/consultation or would like to become an approved applicator please make contact with an Elite Crete Australia sales representative.

The post TEXTURE-PAVE™ Pre Mixed Thin Stamped Concrete Overlay appeared first on Elite Crete Australia.

Clear Exterior Concrete Sealant

CSS EMULSION™ is a clear, single component, exterior concrete sealant that has been engineered and formulated with the highest quality ingredients. CSS Emulsion™ is designed to be diluted prior to use with a compatible solvent, making it the most versatile exterior concrete sealer on the market.

Not only is Elite Crete Systems CSS EMULSION™ the most versatile exterior concrete sealer, it is also possibly the most durable breathable exterior concrete protective coating available. The methyl methacrylate component of CSS EMULSION™ greatly improves scratch and abrasion resistance over other comparable acrylic concrete sealers.

The formulation of CSS EMULSION™ has not been heavily modified over the years like so many other concrete sealants have been. The fact that the preferred sealer of choice to thousands of professional applicators around the world is CSS EMULSION™ speaks volumes in itself.

The majority of exterior concrete sealers available in concrete supply chains and home hardware supply stores across Australia and New Zealand are of very low solid content with generally over 80% of the product being a solvent. By packaging CSS EMULSION™ as a concentrate rather then diluting and cutting down the product with a solvent, the end user is given greater control over the use of the product as the solid content can be adjusted on site and modified as necessary. For example, a dilution of one part compatible solvent to one part CSS EMULSION™ in three coats would be a heavy duty protective coating yielding excellent stain and chemical resistance in comparison to a dilution of 3 parts compatible solvent to one part CSS EMULSION™ with a single coat, which in that case could be used as a cure and seal on freshly poured or “green” concrete.

CSS EMULSION™ can be diluted with xylene, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), acetone, lacquer thinner and other compatible oxygenated or aromatic solvents.

Two other alternative versions of CSS EMULSION™ exist, one in a waterborne formulation known as WCS EMULSION™ and another as a lower VOC (volatile organic compound) formulation known as CSS-V EMULSION™. WCS EMULSION™ is a waterborne concrete sealant that exhibits similar results as CSS EMULSION™ but must be used as packaged in full strength form. Aesthetically WCS EMULSION™ has more of a matte finish than that of the higher gloss level of CSS EMULSION™. CSS-V EMULSION™ has a lower VOC content at just under 150 grams per litre and must also be used as packaged in full strength.

The typical coverage rate of CSS EMULSION™, WCS EMULSION™ and CSS-V EMULSION™ is from 8 square meters per litre on a smooth concrete surface all the way down to 3 square meters per litre on a rough splatter texture concrete surface.

All Elite Crete Systems products are available only to certified and professional applicators. If you require any technical specification or product information, please contact Elite Crete Australia for further assistance. Home or business owners looking for a high quality, durable and practical solution may contact an Elite Crete Systems sales representative to arrange for an on site inspection by an approved applicator.

The post CSS EMULSION™ Concentrated Concrete Sealer appeared first on Elite Crete Australia.

Stop Rising Damp & Vapour Emissions

If hydrostatic water pressure or rising damp is present or a possibility in the future you will most certainly want to consider installing a vapour barrier. Elite Crete Australia stocks E100-VB5™ Epoxy Vapour Barrier which is a two component, moisture insensitive, waterborne epoxy vapour barrier.

E100-VB5™ is a protective measure for epoxy flooring, concrete floors and surfaces, polymer modified concrete overlays, urethanes, paints and also as a primer coat before the installation of timber flooring, tiles, floating floors, carpet, etc. If moisture vapour transmission or rising damp is present these flooring systems are at risk of delamination as well as harbouring bacterias, mould, mildew and causing air borne health hazards.

The Royal Australian Institute of Architects as well as the Asthma Foundation have recognized the health risk associated with rising damp. Rising damp is not only a health concern but also, can cause structural damage if left untreated. Why take these risks when for only a minimal cost per square meter you can install E100-VB5™ epoxy vapour barrier?

E100-VB5™ has virtually no odour or VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) and can be used internally with adequate ventilation without causing hazardous working conditions. When applied to a cleaned and dried substrate that has been removed of any bond breakers or films, E100-VB5™ will penetrate the capillaries of the concrete and fill the channels within the surface, creating a barrier that will stop rising damp and also radon gases emitting through the surface.

To be sure you are not susceptible to rising damp, you will need to take a relative humidity test with either a calcium chloride test kit (ASTM F 1869) or with a probing moisture meter (ASTM F 2170). A probing moisture meter is the more accurate method of calculating these conditions and should always be carried out prior to installing any floor coverings, be it a none breathable coating such as an epoxy floor or a breathable floor covering like carpet.

If you require further information on E100-VB5™ or any other product or system supplied and manufactured by Elite Crete Systems please do not hesitate to contact an Elite Crete Australia sales representative.

The post E100-VB5™ Concrete Epoxy Vapour Barrier appeared first on Elite Crete Australia.

QUICK-CRACK™ Concrete Crack Repair Filler

If you want to fix cracked concrete, QUICK-CRACK™ Repair Fill is an economical, super fast curing and highly adhesive concrete bonding agent. QUICK-CRACK™ is a 100% solid, two part system that has been formulated on the ever popular polyaspartic technology.

QUICK-CRACK™ Repair Fill is of premium quality, being that it is a polyaspartic based product, it offers greater strength than epoxy based concrete crack repair systems yet still has the required flexibility.

The primary purpose of QUICK-CRACK™ Repair Fill is to “weld” cracked concrete floors back together. Obviously contraction and expansion of the concrete and substrate movement will be greater than the adhesion strength of a concrete bonding agent, so it is imperative that a controlled tension relief joint be saw cut as close as possible and at the same angle to the original crack. By installing a tension relief joint parallel to the original crack you are essentially creating a weak point in the concrete and that will “fail” or crack in a controlled and predetermined position. If you fail to cut a tension relief joint parallel to a crack that has been repaired with QUICK-CRACK™ you will eventually encounter a new crack, not at the same position as the original but directly next to it.

It is mandatory after the crack has been “chased” to remove any and all moisture. Failing to do so will cause QUICK-CRACK™ to cure from the top down and will potentially cause a delayed “rising” of the crack repair days or even possibly weeks later. Also, it is important to note that a polymer modified concrete overlay systems such as THIN-FINISH™ or TEXTURE-PAVE™ will not adhere permanently to QUICK- CRACK™. The solution to this issue is to pour a dry aggregate, such as silica sand over the wet QUICK-CRACK™.

The post Concrete Crack Repair appeared first on Elite Crete Australia.

Elite Crete Systems VOC Free & Compliant Floor Coatings

In the ever changing world of green and environmentally friendly products, it can be hard to stay on top of what is compliant today and what may or may not be compliant tomorrow.

Elite Crete Systems has a large range of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) free and VOC compliant products, making every conscious effort to protect our environment, both in the manufacturing process and in the development of environmentally advanced products and systems.

Although waterborne technology in the acrylic, urethane and epoxy markets has not yet reached the reputation of being as equally durable as their solvent based counterparts, they have steadily improved and advanced to the point where high quality waterborne products are now out performing a great deal of their solvent based counterparts.

VOC Compliant & VOC Free Floor Coating Solutions

Elite Crete Australia carries the following VOC free interior concrete floor coatings:

E100-NV4™: 100% VOC free novolac epoxy system.
E100-NV5™: 100% VOC free super duty novolac epoxy system.
E100-PT1™: A 100% VOC free, 100% true solid self levelling clear epoxy coating.
E100-PT3™: A clear waterborne epoxy that is also 100% VOC free.
E100-PT4™: A pigmented epoxy that is 100% VOC free.
E100-UL7™: A 100% VOC free, 100% true solid epoxy floor sealer.
E100-UV1™: A 100% VOC free, 100% true solid self levelling, high viscosity clear epoxy coating.
E100-VB5™: An epoxy vapour barrier that is 100% VOC free.

Elite Crete Systems also manufactures the following VOC compliant concrete sealers:

WCS Emulsion™ Waterborne Clear Sealer. Used for both interior and exterior concrete surfaces, but most commonly used as a sealer for concrete overlays and concrete driveways. Volatile Organic Content – 137 grams per litre.
AUS-V™ Aliphatic Urethane Sealer. Very low VOC content at just 25 grams per litre.
SPARTIC-ALL RM™ A clear polyaspartic polyurea industrial strength concrete coating. VOC content of 204 grams per litre.
SPARTIC-ALL SL™ A clear polyaspartic polyurea industrial strength concrete coating. VOC content of 204 grams per litre.

As well as having a large range of VOC free and VOC compliant floor sealers, Elite Crete Systems also has waterborne stains and concrete overlays that are also VOC free products and are a sustainable alternative to many other floor coatings.

Elite Crete Systems has been an industry leader in creating environmentally advanced solutions for the decorative concrete and industrial concrete coatings industries and will continue to research and develop systems and products that are incorporated in a sustainable future.

The post Green and Environmentally Friendly Floor Coating Solutions appeared first on Elite Crete Australia.