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SkipK |
Plasticizers |
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Does anybody know if plasticizers are added to overlay mixes?
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DCS Inc |
Re: Plasticizers | #1 | ||
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Why? gene ec-Indy
edit: You've asked about sand sizes, about primers.... Are you just here to get info to make your own, or should I say re-invent the wheel. Have you been to class? Do you use EC products? Are you wanting to learn about EC products? gene |
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SkipK |
Re: Plasticizers | #2 | ||
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Wow didn't mean to ruffle your feathers I was just curious. No I don't use ec products because there is no distributor anywhere near where I live. I asked about primers because I found a distributor near where I am but there product used a primer which I decided I didn't want to use. The sand question was in response to someone else who posted the question, not my own. Again I didn't mean to use bad form here but if I get that wheel re-invented I will let you know.
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DCS Inc |
Re: Plasticizers | #3 | ||
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No feathers ruffled. Was just wondering.... Where are you located? If I can help in anyway, let me know. I have a couple of "mix your own guys" around Indy that keep me busy grinding their crap off on redo's.
You should give EC a try. I spent my wheels on research when I was shopping. Of course they all say their product is the best. I've removed just about all of them. Weigh in support before you throw out any money. gene ec-Indy |
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SkipK |
Re: Plasticizers | #4 | ||
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I am located in the northern Colorado front range area. There are a couple of distributors that are local but I either won't pay the price they are wanting or don't like their stuff. That was what the primer post earlier was about one of these distributors. I have been to a couple of classes and am really not interested in shoveling out more good money for nothing useful. I also am not in a position to travel for training and shell out even more money. I do this part time and there is not a real strong market in this area. Stamped concrete is starting to become more popular but not the overlays. People just don't know what it is and when you explain it there are very few who want to spend a fair amount of money to "dress up" their concrete. I am doing better this summer but am only going with word of mouth which is getting me enough for side work at this time. My questions are just my own desire to know as much about these products as I can so I am prepared to answer questions without sounding like an idiot.
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DCS Inc |
Re: Plasticizers | #5 | ||
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These products that have a "glue" to hold them down are very susceptible to installer error. If the "glue" isn't in just the right plastic state, the material will not adhere. Our product is applied to a wet surface, not dry. The polymers are driven into the surface by the attraction of the water pulling them deep into the pores. It becomes part of the surface and not just a mechanical bond like a paint..."glue"
As for the area you are in, the biggest hurdle in this field is educating the people of it's availability. Once YOU get the word out of this alternative verses replacement, it becomes a very viable (and profitable) solution. The advantages to this application are tremendous with the versatility it offers in design. Interior installs are becoming VERY popular. You can take someones drawings.... or ideas and make it real. Sell big! It takes some dedication to overcome the learning curve beyond the basics, but the rewards are big. Basically, you have the ability to go as far as you wish. Not many other products out there offer that. With absolutely the best "just a phone call away" help available, you need look no further. I like helping, I really like helping people that learn. Most learn quickly, some are a little slower. You go your own speed to insure success. I, as any other distributor, are here to make your journey as painless and expedient as possible. There's no other system out there that will take you by the hand, take calls to walk you through a process, make sure you have the materials needed, help you with advertising, give you leads when he feels you're qualified, jump your ass when you continue having brain farts, buy you a beer when you finally figure it out. Like I said, if there is anything I can do to help you, just let me know. gene ec-Indy |
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SkipK |
Re: Plasticizers | #6 | ||
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Thanks for the help and the offer for more. The product that used the primer was not only very expensive but when the trainer giving the "class" said it was elmers glue, was water based and couldn't tell me if there would be a problem with re-emulsification I gave up hope of having a local dealer for supplies.
To let you know a little more about my situation I tried last summer and was constantly frustrated by peoples reaction to the price (which of course I had to lower until I thought it was no longer viable) and finally got someone to buy an install. I had all but given up at the end of last summer and got a job for the winter. I decided to give it another try this year but do it on the side until I built up a reputation and some good word of mouth. My wife is going to school and will be done in September so I am going to hold off doing anything big until after she is settled in a new job. Anyway thanks for the help and I would check out EC if there was anybody even semi close to where I am. After seeing the lack of overlays in this area I can see why they don't have a distributor here yet. Skip Skip |
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DCS Inc |
Re: Plasticizers | #7 | ||
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Sorry for the late reply... other stuff got my attention. You seem to be in a great situation to start up a business. I wish I didn't have a ton of competitors and could mold my own. I did a quick search and found that this area is rapidly expanding. Do a goodle search and ask: greatest population growth in northern plains Colorado. You have to do a little research and apply that towards you goals. Teach'em, sell'em. gene ec-Indy
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SkipK |
Re: Plasticizers | #8 | ||
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Yea I have to admit it is pretty much wide open in this area. It would be easier if I lived closer to the Denver metro area but I really don't want to. A majority of the people around here really don't think of concrete as being anything that should be decorated. It isn't the wild west out here anymore but it isn't California or Vegas either. Your right though, it is just a matter of finding a niche and working hard.
I have three jobs to look at this week so things are starting to pick up. Since I don't need this to live on I can concentrate on word of mouth which is by far the best advertising I can get. Skip |
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DCS Inc |
Re: Plasticizers | #9 | ||
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Then get the word out! People haven't a clue that this is available until you show them. The population is rapidly growing and you should find a location that will be seen.... a lot. Business cards, brochures, pretty young thing showing her stuff handing out post cards. A retail place on a busy corner, give it for materials with the agreement you can post a "small" sign near the application. Let the owner know you are going to feature this on your website (more patrons for him) He's a fool for not jumping on it. I know this is a little upfront for you, but man, it will earn itself back 10 fold. Proactive, cards to anyone that will accept them, talk it up anytime you have more than one person in front of you. Build it, supply it, then watch it grow! It actually can be fun once you implement your strategy and follow a pre determined course. This stuff sells itself, now all you need to sell is you. gene ec-Indy
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firestalker |
#10 | |||
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Old string but, new question, I do use EC by the way, i was interested because here in tx it gets a little hot (105 the other day) hoped to slow it down a
little. You can only wet it down so fast. thanks
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matrixtech |
#11 | |||
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Brian-- www.abstract-concrete.com
Last Edited By: matrixtech 09/20/08 03:20 PM.
Edited 2 times.
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matrixtech |
#12 | |||
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Brian-- www.abstract-concrete.com
Last Edited By: matrixtech 09/20/08 03:21 PM.
Edited 1 time.
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matrixtech |
#13 | |||
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Brian-- www.abstract-concrete.com
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firestalker |
#14 | |||
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Hey Brian, Thanks for the info. Have you used this product? Wondering about supplier, ratio, color change, etc. We use a lot of the fritz pak plasticizers in
full depth but were reluctant to try the powders in overlays. Thanks again Scott
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hillbillyson |
#15 | |||
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I thought evercrete is what we talked about on here,im a blue breeder and dont have my first job yet.Wait till i get out there........
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ecHouston |
#16 | |||
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Superplasticizers, also known as plasticizers or high-range water reducers (HRWR), reduce water content by 12 to 30 percent and can be added
to concrete with a low-to-normal slump and water-cement ratio to make high-slump flowing concrete. Flowing concrete is a highly fluid but workable concrete
that can be placed with little or no vibration or compaction. The effect of superplasticizers lasts only 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the brand and dosage
rate, and is followed by a rapid loss in workability. As a result of the slump loss, superplasticizers are usually added to concrete at the jobsite.
Elite Crete Systems of Houston |
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DCS Inc |
#17 | |||
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I'm fan of mid range water reducers, especially on a vapor barrier. My supplier has the air entrainment issues under control. The high range will bite you
if you aren't ready for the flash. The mid range is a little more forgiving. gene ec-Indy
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