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Application
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Apply Vertibond Polymer full strength to substrate (bond coat) or apply wire lathe if movement is expected. When bond coat becomes tacky apply scratch coat. The scratch coat should be mixed to the desired consistency with a 4:1 polymer solution and a thin coat applied to the bond coat or lathe. Let the scratch coat dry until it has a good set. At this point the texture coat, made with the 4:1 polymer solution, is ready to be applied. Apply texture coat to desired thickness; do not try to finish perfectly smooth, just be consistent on your thickness. If applying more than ¾" or if having trouble keeping ¾" on your surface, apply ½" for 12 sq. ft. then go back and apply another ½" immediately after. Do not let your first ½" set before applying second coat. This is not to be two coats of mixture, but one coat using two applications.
Depending on climate conditions, your texture coat may be ready to stamp immediately. Do not wait until the surface tears when touched.
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Stamping
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The tool number that you start with does not matter. If stamping a level finished slab, such as a pool deck or inside a house, start at the bottom. If you are on an unleveled surface, such as a retaining wall, start at the top and work down.
Apply release agent to tool and surface being stamped (preferably liquid release). Press the first tool into mix until you feel that you’ve pushed the deepest part of the tool into the mix. Hold the tool with one hand in the center and work out in all directions (if some mix squishes around edges, don’t worry, this can be fixed in carving stage). When removing, pull tool straight out. Look at the number guide on the back of the stamp to indicate the next stamp (if applicable). Place next numbered stamp into mix, lining up grout lines. Continue this process in the same row until you complete the row. You can invert the stamps or start with a different number stamp on the next row to vary the pattern.
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Ending against a wall
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Use the tools as far as possible, then use single stone or floppy tool to bring the pattern all the way to the wall. When at carving stage, carve grout lines to create the desired pattern.
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Corners (outside 90 degrees)
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Use tools as stated above, stamping past the corner. Using the same tool, stamp the other side so the rows line up. If there is a vertical grout line within 3" of the corner, simply trowel it smooth with a margin trowel and carve a grout line further back from the corner.
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Carving
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You can carve any time you like. The best time is when the mix won’t stick to your carving tools, but is still soft enough to manipulate. This is generally 1 – 4 hours after stamping, depending on climate.After carving grout lines and joints, you may notice the carved areas look rougher than the stamped areas. Sometimes this is a desired look; if not, you can very gently brush these carved areas out with a 2" brush dipped in water. This will blend and smooth the areas.
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Coloring
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The recommended technique for coloring vertical stamped concrete is using Nature’s Palette, a water-based stain. The following method is fast, easy and produces a realistic look. First, brush or spray on your base coat in the desired shade. To antique, wait until base coat is dry and then spray or brush on a darker color and wipe off the high spots with a rag or terry cloth towel. If too much color is wiped off, just apply more and wipe again until the desired effect is achieved. Additional detail may be added by highlighting with a lighter shade or coloring individual stones more than one color before antiquing. Highlighting is easy to achieve by using a "dry brush" technique. Alternative coloring methods include adding color directly to the Vertical Mix or using acid stains. With acid staining, great care must be used during the application of the stain to prevent drip marks.
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Mix keeps cracking, tearing or falling off when applying or when stamping.
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Mix is too dry. Apply mix a little wetter or start stamping sooner (before it sets). It is surprising how well wet mix goes on and how quickly it sets.
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Mix is sagging when applied.
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Apply one coat using two separate applications. See paragraph 2 of "Vertical System Instructions".
Also, check polymer solution; a mix stronger than 4:1 will be more likely to sag.
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Mix is sagging when stamped.
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Wait a little longer until stamping, or if just sagging a little, leave alone until carving stage. Be careful not to overwork the mix when stamping. Press each area of the stamp one time only. Do not slide/push mix back and forth under the stamp.
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Mix is sticking to stamps and/or tools.
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Clean trowels more frequently. Wipe stamps clean and apply clear liquid release to stamps and to mix being stamped.
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Mix squeezes out between tools and onto previously stamped areas.
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A little "squeeze" is normal, but if too much material is coming out, wait a little longer after applying stamp coat before starting to stamp. Small areas of squeeze can be carved off easily 2 – 8 hours after stamping. Small areas can also be carved the next day.
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Mix has shrinkage cracks when dried.
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Mix may not be wet enough. Mix approx. 2gallons and 32 – 64oz per full 40lb bag of mix. If mix has set and stiffened in the bucket, you can rewet it with the 4:1 solution one time.
Be careful not to clean trowels with water and then immediately slick surface with wet trowel before stamping. This practice will encourage shrinkage cracks.
To correct cracks: Use Vertical Mix at the consistency of scratch coat and simply apply mix to crack and work it in with your finger. Wipe off excess mix firmly with a towel and let dry. Once completely dry, it can be colored with the normal technique.