APC Color Release is a custom blend of color pigments (ASTM-C979), dry hydrophobic powder, and other proprietary ingredients. They are made with APC’s Precision-Pac™ pure, light fast, weather proof pigments. Manufacturing quality and consistency is assured by strict control of blending the components in their proper proportions. APC Precision Colored Release Powder adds color variations and highlights to the textured surface, providing an attractive two-color antiqued look that very closely resembles natural materials such as cobblestone, brick, tile and slate.
The release powder is the highlighter not the primary colorant in the concrete; coloring of the concrete may be achieved by using integral pigments or color hardeners. Which procedure to use should be determined by the final desired effect, conditions at the job site and preference of the designer. Integral colored produces a color through matrix while color hardener is a surface application. The advantage of integral color is that it colors through the thickness of the slab, saves time and labor and it makes for a cleaner finishing process. Color hardener on the other hand required more labor and time to finish but it provides with a greater color selection including light hues and pastel colors not possible to achieve with integral color, the resulting finish has a harder more wear resistant surface for higher traffic areas and the material cost is slightly lower.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Allows a clean bond break between fresh concrete and stamping tools or mats.
Adds color variation-antiquing affect for stamped surfaces
Easy removal process allows for controlled removal to achieve desired shading effect.
LIMITATIONS
The final color of the concrete is affected by many factors. It may be a function of the basic concrete mix ingredients (fine aggregate, coarse aggregates, water and cement), the weather, finishing techniques, experience of the applicators, and the coloring method used. Important factors affecting the color of concrete are the actual cement content and the water/cement ratio. The higher the cement content of the mix, the more integral color required. Always follow APC’s specifications regarding the dosage of pigment versus cement ration. For ease of use, APC Precision-Pac™ Integral Colors are packaged in one bag per cubic yard, pre-measured dosage rates.
TIPS
It is helpful to also coat the stamps with release powder before placing on wet concrete for the first time.
Never drag anything on the surface or trowel over release powder. Discoloration will occur.
If the stamps have been recently washed, they must be fully dry before starting to stamp. Any moisture still left on the mats will decrease the release powder efficiency resulting on concrete adhering to the stamp.
Always cover walls, columns and plants with 1 mill plastic liner to avoid excessive clean up labor.
Before pressure washing the concrete, broom off the release powder or pick up with a wet vac.
The release powder may also be removed without pressure washing by using a liquid soap and brooms to remove excess.
If after pressure washing and cleaning there is still too much release on the surface a very mild water/muratic acid solution may be used to complete the removal. Use this process with caution.
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN
The concrete shall have a minimum compressive strength of 3,000 psi . Portland cement shall conform to ASTM C 150 Type I, II, or V, depending on soil conditions. Aggregates shall conform to ASTM C33. Mixing water shall be fresh, clean and potable. In freeze-thaw areas only, an air-entraining admixture complying to ASTM C 260 shall be used to achieve an entrained air content for the particular mix used in accordance with the published recommendations of the Portland Cement Association and the American Concrete Institute. No admixtures containing calcium chloride shall be permitted.
Water reducers, plasticizers, accelerant, retarders and other admixtures are allowed as long as they have been thoroughly tested and approved to be compatible with color hardener, integral color, and release powder. Some admixtures while providing an enhanced performance for the mix may cause negative effects on the finishing and color of the slab; discoloration, stickiness (causing the stamps to “pull” concrete up) and other adverse effects have been observed.
MAINTENANCE
It is highly recommended to develop and follow a routine maintenance schedule for all colored concrete so that it will maintain a top quality appearance. Every 24 to 60 months, colored concrete installations should be inspected, cleaned and resealed as required by volume and intensity of traffic. The frequency will depend on a number of factors including traffic conditions, weather and geographical location.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
After concrete is colored with APC Precision-Pac™ Integral Color or APC Precision Colored Hardener and it reaches the proper set for imprinting, hand broadcast the release powder evenly over the surface to be stamped. Care should be taken not to trowel the release powder into the wet concrete, as this will cause a permanent discoloration. After release powder has been applied, follow your regular procedure for stamping concrete.
FACTORS AFFECTING FINAL COLOR
Rapid moisture loss from within the concrete due to absorption from dry sub-grade or formwork.
Rapid moisture loss at the concrete surface caused by wind, elevated temperatures or sunlight.
Over working the concrete surface. Surface water should never be worked into the concrete. Always wait until bleed water has dried or evaporated before finishing concrete.
Poor workmanship: Workers should be experienced in finishing, texturing, coloring stamp placement and removal, and curing and sealing decorative concrete.
Troweling release powder into concrete.
Variations in concrete from batch to batch, i.e. different water cement ratio, amount or type of cement in the mix, too lean mix,
Weather; follow ACI guidelines when pouring on cold or hot weather.
CAUTIONS
Use a facemask or respirator. Do not allow getting into eyes. Keep out of reach of children. Prolonged breathing will cause throat and lung irritation. Protect all adjacent areas. See Material Safety Data Sheets for further information.
SHELF LIFE
Indefinite if protected from moisture.
PACKAGING AND COVERAGE
APC Precision Color Release is packaged in 30lb pails.
Coverage is approximately 800-1000 Square Feet per 30lb pail.
WARRANTY
APC Precision Colored Release is warranted to be of uniform quality within manufacturing tolerances. Since control is not exercised over its use, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the effects of such use. Seller and manufacturer’s obligation under this warranty shall be limited to refunding the purchase price of that portion of the material proven to be defective.
Made in the USA
For professional use only
Consult Material Safety Data Sheet before use.
MSDS & Tech Data Sheets are available on our Information Page.