TexCrete

Description
A thixotropic, quick setting, enhanced fibre-cement blend. Mixed with a solution of Flexbond for the saturation and impregnation of CemForce to form a re-inforced product that can be cast into latex or silicone moulds. Produces castings of about 4 to 8 mm in thickness.

Purpose
For the moulding of lightweight small and large intricate castings where fine surface definition is required.

Types
One type only.

Applications
Rock features, pots, ponds, ornaments, small castings, etc.
For the manufacture of lightweight pots, door inlays, table tops, ceiling panels, light-fittings, inlays for cupboard doors and furniture, etc.. Also for the manufacture of light-weight rock panels that can be pre-made and then fitted on-site to create rock features, ponds, etc..

Colours
Available in light colours like Ivory and Straw. Enhanced using Cretestain once dry. See the Cretestain data sheet for colour range.

Limitations
Will not stick to plastic, rubber or gypsum plaster. The temperature of the Flexbond/water mixing liquid will have an effect on setting time.

Site Work
Storage
Can be stored in a dry shed off the floor on wooden slats for 6 months.

Weather
Do not apply if freezing conditions are expected within 24 hours.

Surface preparation
Mould surfaces should be clean. Depending on the mould material, the surface can, if necessary, be lightly oiled or damped down with clean water.

Mixing
Dilute one volume Flexbond with five volumes clean water and use this solution to mix Texcrete to the required consistency.

NOTE : The temperature of the Flexbond/water mixing liquid will have an impact on setting time. If the mixing liquid is too warm, Texcrete could flash set. Care should be taken when Texcrete is applied by spray or pump.

Application

The bigger the article to be moulded, the more reinforcing required. Although Texcrete is heavily fibred, these fibres are not for strength of article but rather to prevent surface cracking and -crazing.

Can be applied by brush or low-pressure spray. Apply a thick layer directly onto mould surface. Immediately embed a layer of CemForce or Glass Fibre Mesh into the Texcrete layer. Apply further layers within 30 minutes of previous layer. Number of layers of membrane would

depend on thickness and strength required.

Allow to harden sufficiently before attempting to demould. Time depends entirely on mixing and temperature, but would typically be approximately 12 hours.

Texcrete can also be applied onto a layer of CemForce to create positive work, instead of casting into moulds.

Curing

While Texcrete attains very high early set for de-moulding, overall strength is only achieved by curing by wetting with clean water. First allow work to completely dry out before immersing or wetting down with water. The longer this second wetting is carried out, the better the strengths achieved.

Finishing

There are a variety of ways to finish completed castings. Leave as is or stain using Cemcrete's Cretestain. A Cretestain data sheet is available on request.

Sealing

Final surface can be treated by sealing with a dilution of one volume raw linseed oil and two volumes turpentine. When dry, the surface can be polished using a good quality proprietary floor polish. This sealing method is suitable only for articles that will be kept indoors. Surfaces can also be sealed using Cemcrete's Colour Hardener Sealer in accordance with its data sheet. These articles would be suitable for outdoor use.

Coverage
40kg of Texcrete will cover approximately 1,5m2 when applied 5mm thick.

Packaging
Texcrete : 40kg bags.
Flexbond : 1 litre, 5 litre and 25 litre plastic drums.
CemForce : 1m width up to 100 m lengths.
Glass Fibre Mesh : 1m widths up to 50m lengths