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DESCRIPTION AND BASIC USE • MATCRETE®
Split Face Granite Countertop Edge Forms™
create realistic relief and detail for concrete countertop
edges. These forms are re-usable and ideal for making beautiful
edges on countertops and tables.
Because they are extremely flexible,
Split Face Granite Countertop Edge Forms easily wrap around corners without mitering and
can also be used on plywood or melamine to free form any shape of
table or countertop.
LIMITATIONS • Some types of
solvent-based form oils may cause integrally colored concrete to
appear uneven or discolored.
SIZES
• Split Face Granite Countertop
Edge Forms are available in 2" high x 96" lengths.
STORAGE •
Store in a safe place. Do not store
in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Store Edge Forms
horizontally.
REINFORCEMENT •
1/2" thick plywood
foundation is recommended for cast-in-place installations and
melamine is recommended for precast applications. Reinforcement must
be used in the center of the slab and all re-entrant corners and
narrow strip sections around sinks and ranges. 4" x 4" x 6 gauge
wire mesh for the centers and pencil rod or #3 bar, 1/4" below the
surface for corners and strips are recommended.
PREPARATION FOR EDGE FORM INSTALLATION •
Preparation techniques may vary according to type of application. To
properly release forms, the use of a powder antique release agent, a
compatible water-based form oil or non-stick
cooking spray is recommended. Apply bond breaker approximately 5 -
15 minutes prior to placing concrete.
To insure a strong edge, plywood
decking should be cut at a 45° angle. Attach 2" x 4" to structure
with screws or double sided tape. Top edge of 2" x 4" should be
flush with top edge of structure. The Edge Form will rest
on top of 2" x 4". Using screws, attach 1" x 6" to 2" x 4". Bottom
edge of 1" x 6" should be flush with the bottom edge of the 2" x 4".
The backside of the Textured Edge Form will butt against the inside
of 1" x 6". Attach Edge Form by using 1-1/2" drywall
screws, drilling into the wood and partially penetrating the
backside of the liner. Use enough screws to secure each form,
spacing approximately 12" - 14" apart. Care must be taken not to
allow screws to protrude through the textured side of the liner.
PREPARATION OF
CONCRETE • The concrete
should be designed to meet the strength and finishing requirements
of the project with a slump of 4 to 6 inches, achieved by using a
water reducer. The higher slump allows the mix to flow easier,
increasing detail. Use of a plasticizer will minimize air voids.
Avoid overly sandy mixes or mixes with high air-entrainment. These
types of mixes can be sticky and promote bug holes. Pea gravel is
recommended in the mix since oversized aggregate can cause chipping
or honeycombing on the vertical surface.
CONCRETE
PLACEMENT • Once the
concrete is placed and leveled out, the use of a palm sander along
the backside of form or concrete vibrator
along the inside edge of the Edge Form is recommended. The use of a
concrete vibrator will help eliminate honeycombing and promote a
smoother finish. Use a straight edge to screed off excess concrete
then float and trowell to the desired finish.
EDGE FORM REMOVAL •
Split Face Granite Countertop Edge Forms should
be stripped as soon as is structurally possible without marring,
usually a minimum of 24 hours after the concrete has been poured.
CURING • Cover the surface with 1 mil poly after final troweling.
Longer sections deserve longer cure times to minimize shrinkage and
curling. Keep the surface wet, covered for as long as practical, and
allow sufficient dry time before sealing.
POLISHING •
Allow the concrete to cure for a
minimum of 4 days at normal temperatures before polishing. Consider
using a liquid densifier to strengthen concrete. Start polishing
with a diamond cup wheel or something equivalent, this will help
with the leveling and breaking the surface without using up your
other pads. Either use wet or dry pads. If using wet pads, start at
40 grit and end with 100 grit. If using dry pads, start with 100
going to 200 grit, 400 grit, 800 grit, and finishing with 1500 grit.
Use a micro-topping to fill voids near the end of the polishing
process.
SEALING
• Concrete
should be cured prior to application of sealer.
Two coats of penetrating sealer and two
coats of food-grade concrete beeswax is recommended.
MAINTENANCE •
Apply beeswax regularly for
maintenance. Encourage the owner to use hot pads and cutting boards
to avoid damaging the wax or sealer.
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Customer
Service (800)777-7063
E-Mail
kris@matcrete.com
