Edited 3/24/2013:
(Moved this to it’s own post as I think it’s something I want to keep separate from my general update post. Also forgot to answer some earlier questions.)
To answer some earlier questions:
1. This is not like concrete, it is concrete, simply much finer with polymers added for strength.
2. It can be “stamped” to a particular pattern if desired but most applications lend themselves to creating a desired look in other ways. Stamping is more for new concrete pours. In certain applications, stencils or stamps would only aid in the replication of a pattern for a time saving on larger projects. Can me made smooth or any variation of a texture you can create.
3. Projects involving “depth” or “dimension” like faux stone or landscaping require a different product to achieve the “thickness”. I may or may not consider working with this similar product in the future.
4. I am considering the warranty aspect of this right now. Exterior applications I am planning on (2) years and interior applications (5) years. This may change a little as I move forward. I have seen exterior applications installed by the local rep. that are still intact and look just fine. Just like traditional concrete, you need to seal it to maintain it’s integrity.
Original Post below:
OK boys and girls, here we go. I am now officially certified and licensed to install I Coat decorative concrete overlay products. There’s a lot of information I was downloaded on this week, so I will try to be brief, descriptive, and informational as possible.
I was introduced to two different product applications from the same company. Two major categories: Flooring and Countertops. I will be going back to be trained for epoxy floor coating systems for those who want something with a smooth, non-textured application.
Flooring and Vertical Surfaces
-Interior and exterior applications.
-Floors, shower and tub walls (any wall for that matter), garage floors, basement floors, sun rooms, pool decks, patios, driveways, walkways, concrete steps, etc.
Commercial and Residential.
-Can be applied directly to new or existing concrete.
-Can be applied over linoleum, vinyl, hardwood, tile, and new subflooring.
-Can be applied directly over existing bath and shower tile (as long as it is sound). Creates a monolithic surface that is easy to clean and maintain.
Benefits:
-No need to remove existing surface as long as it is sound. Some existing damage can be repaired to make surfaces usable, depending on the extent of damage and end result desired.
-Limited disturbance of surroundings. Example: A driveway would need to be removed and re-installed. Heavy equipment will be used, grass will need to be repaired and re-seeded at edges.
-Concrete patios at rear of structures can be difficult to access with equipment needed for concrete. Some structures may be surrounded by concrete and make it difficult to remove and replace. Re-surfacing does not encounter these problems.
-Quick turn around. Can be walked and driven upon in a few days. New concrete needs to cure for a number of days prior to vehicle traffic.
-Completely repairable.
-Seals just like traditional concrete and exterior maintenance is required to maintain overall integrity.
Countertops
-Can be applied directly over new countertops, or a newly fabricated substrate for a remodel or “new build” application.
-Can also be used for wall caps, transition strips, table tops, mantles, etc.
-Can be fabricated off site (in a new build situation) and installed like a traditional countertop (size is only limitation, i.e.: being able to bring in a large top from the exterior to the final installation location).
Benefits:
-Do not need to remove existing countertop, wait for new to be fabricated and installed. Typical re-surfacing takes 2-3 days. Most existing sinks can be re-used if desired.
-Seamless application. Since the product is applied from components and not pre-determined material sizes, countertops can be completed with NO seams.
-Durable epoxy hardened finish. Choice of matte or high gloss.
With both of these products, the design possibilities are limitless. Flooring patterns are created to any size, shape, and pattern desired since we start with a “blank canvas” and create our own patterns and colors. Flooring can be applied in a tile pattern in ANY size, pattern, shape desired. Random stone (flagstone, slate patterns, etc.) are easily produced. Color choices are all custom. Tiles and grout can be all one color, two colors, ten, colors, your choice. All color sessions can be adjusted (within limits) prior to sealing of the system.
Countertops can be created with any edge detail you desire. Color choices are limitless and the customer actually works side by side with the installer to custom tailor the textures, colors, and patterns to their individual taste. I was trained to use dispersions, fine and large Mica flec, acrylic effects, and other tricks to produce various designs and looks.
No two installations are completely identical since they are custom made. We can closely replicate almost any existing traditional product. The flooring product is ideal for “rental” applications as it can be used to replace wearable products such a linoleum or carpeting and reduce maintenance on floor tile and grout.
Flooring
Base Coat applied
Pattern Embeded, Surface texture applied
Ready for color
Colored and sealed
Countertops
Multi layer base surfacing applied and edge textured
Color, pattern, accents applied. Epoxy sealed.
Some other samples from the supplier:
None of these photo’s do the samples justice. I added various Mica fleck colors to all three countertop samples and the camera just doesn’t pick them up. These are all samples I did and by no means a copy of something in particular. Just using some artistic license. I have the flooring samples but will go back to pick up the countertop samples this week as they had not yet cured.
I have not been this excited about a product in quite some time. Most of the product innovations we have implemented to this point are in the category of “substrates” where they are designed to improve performance of the finished product. This system finally allows us to explore uncharted territory in design creativity. I offered the instructor numerous ideas on how I might create new designs and looks and his response was “if it works and the customer likes it, go for it. Your imagination is your limitation.”
For those of you who had inquired about driveways, patios, and the like…I’m glad I asked you to wait until I got past this. I can now honestly and intelligently offer you an alternative to a problem for your surfacing.
Is this product a solution to all problems, no. Is it a solution to many…yes. As far as pricing goes, like any other product it is a combination of labor and materials. I am just working through the details of material pricing with the supplier, as well as getting a feel for the installation aspect. As always, I will be happy to meet and produce an estimate for anything, but no two are the same and I will price them accordingly. For those of you interested, take advantage of my noobness and let’s discuss a project that would benefit from the usage of this system.
Also, if you have been thinking about a project and have said “I want a floor, countertop, etc. but I want it to look like ____________”, please let me know and I’ll see if I can create it and produce a sample.
