View Crete Dye Color Chart Here
DESCRIPTION:
Exterior Crete Dye is a translucent dye, formulated using very fine particles of color (in liquid form) designed to penetrate and color both exterior and interior cementitious surfaces (concrete polishing not recommend with Exterior Crete Dye). Exterior Crete Dye creates a unique, multi-colored transparent color scheme that when applied properly, unlike paints, will not crack, chip, or peel. Exterior Crete Dye is available in 20 standard colors but can be combined to create an unlimited color palate that creates a similar mottling or marbleized effect, when applied properly. Create the look of a beautiful, custom acid stained floor in about 1/3 of the time.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
PREPARATION: Test areas are strongly recommended on the actual surface of the proposed application. Testing in several areas of the concrete will better determine suitability, coverage, and approximate final results. The application area should be clean and free from all forms of dirt, oil, alkali, paint, cure & seals, and any other form of contaminant. Protect all areas not to be dyed accordingly. The use of a diamond grinder is highly recommended for coated and/or slick trowel concrete surfaces. At minimum, the proper use of Crete-Prep and Neutral Crete may be sufficient. Apply Exterior Crete Dye only to dry, neutral concrete surfaces.
MIXING: Exterior Crete Dye is packaged only in a liquid form which needs to be mixed with acetone in 1 quart, 1 gallon or 5 gallon increments. Empty Exterior Crete Dye into appropriate amount of acetone per instructions (this will depend on the size of the bottle purchased). Using a re-closable acetone container is recommended for mixing. Blend the mixture by stirring the open container, or by shaking the closed container for 30 seconds. As with interior only dyes, it is not necessary to allow the dye to dissolve for any amount of time. If a slower drying solution that will create a better mottled effect is desired, add the recommended amount of Crete Dye Penetration and Mottling Agent at any time prior to application, per instructions. Crete Dye Penetration and Mottling Agent is not recommended for porous concrete surfaces. Do not use any form of electrical equipment to mix the dye with the acetone. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer of the acetones instructions and the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for exposure limitations and safe handling practices.
APPLICATION: Apply Exterior Crete Dye using a SP Systems acetone sprayer with a #8 tip, keeping the tip approximately 18-24 inches from the surface. Apply in an inconsistant and/or circular motion, not allowing the dye to puddle at an approximate rate of 600 plus square feet per gallon. The concrete surface should appear wet for just a few seconds when applied properly. Do not over apply Exterior Crete Dye! Allow Exterior Crete Dye to dry for approximately 5 minutes.
CLEANING: It is not necessary nor recommended to clean Exterior Crete Dye after application and prior to sealing.
SEALING: Seal Exterior Crete Dye using a low viscosity, sprayable sealer. Use a #12 sprayer tip with an acetone sprayer, or a cone spray pattern with a concrete sprayer. Two coats are recommended for superior protection. It is not recommended to roll-on at least the first coat of sealer over Exterior Crete Dye, as it may reactivate the dye. Penetrating Crete Seal 25 or Epo-Crete WB Satin are recommended as an initial bonding coat, followed by a second coat of any of the Crete Seal or Epo-Crete WB branded sealers. Please note, it is not recommended to use Crete Seal and Epo-Crete WB branded sealers in conjunction with one another.
WAXING: When using a floor wax to polish, allow sealer to dry and completely cure for 3-4 days. Apply wax per manufacturer's specifications. Crystal Crete is our recommended floor wax.