Mix used for creating micro-pebble & polished terrazzo coverings
Suitable for applications indoors and outdoors and special constructions
Indicative mixture of the PLANOCOLOR TERRAZZO system for applications on floors, walls and horizontal surfaces. It consists of PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES and the hydraulic binder NOVACEM CREATIVE. The components of the mix are packaged separately. The mixture is suitable for:
• creating:
o textured, non-slip surfaces with natural look or appearance
o polished terrazzo surfaces
o furniture, tables, offices, benches
• applications on horizontal and vertical surfaces in areas such as:
o external floors, terraces, balconies, water structures such as fountains, swimming pools, etc
o internal floors, bathrooms and wet areas
o heavy traffic floors, showrooms, commercial centers, public buildings or offices
o surfaces with underfloor heating systems
• application on various substrates such as:
o concrete or screeds
o existing coverings such as tiles, natural stones
o mortars and masonry mortars
o cement boards and gypsum boards (after a suitable primer application, provided that the surface is stable)
Refer to the Technical Data Sheets and Safety Data Sheets of the products listed here before the final selection of the mix for each application.
• Form: Powder
• Color: See photo
• Chemical substance: Mixture of Portland cement aggregates, polymers and special additives
• Specific gravity of the mix: 2,1 ± 0,1 kg/L
• Dry density of the mix: 2,0 ± 0,1 kg/L
• Workability: ≈ 60 – 90 min / 20°C
• Walkability: 2 – 3 hours/ 20 – 23°C and 60 – 65% RH
• Application temperature: from +5°C up to +35°C
278 MQ formulation consists of a dry mix as follows:
INGREDIENT DRY MIX RATIO
NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR WHITE 35,0%
PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES MR 70 00 THASSOS WHITE 56,5%
PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES LC 60 DARK BLUE 1,5%
PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES MQ 70 18 RIVER GREY 7,0%
NOVACEM CREATIVE 35%*
Recommended water quantity 15 – 18%
Final performance with 16,5% water / mix ratio
Compressing strength 8 h ≥ 8 N/mm² ΕΝ 13892-2
1 d ≥ 18 N/mm²
7 d ≥ 41 N/mm²
28 d ≥ 47 N/mm²
Flexural strength 8 h ≥ 2 N/mm² ΕΝ 13892-2
1 d ≥ 3 N/mm²
7 d ≥ 5 N/mm²
28 d ≥ 6 N/mm²
Adhesion ≥ 2,4 N/mm² ΕΝ 13892-8
Chloride ion content ≤ 0,03% ΕΝ 1015-17
Capillary water absorption ≤ 0,04 kg/m² √h EN 1015-18
Water vapour permeability coefficient μ ≤ 20 EN 1015-19
Adhesion after weathering cycles ≥ 2,3 N/mm² EN 1015-21
Thermal conductivity mean λ10, dry, mat - values (W/m·K) 1,11 W/mK EN 1745
Capillary absorption ≤ 0,01 g/mm² EN 480-5
Capillary absorption ≤ 0,22 kg/m² √h EN 13057
Chloride ion ingress 0,01% EN 13396
Thermal compatibility part 1: ≥ 2,2 N/mm² EN 13687-1
Wear resistance A6 EN 13892-3
Reaction to fire A1 EN 13501-1
*Received data with the addition of PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES of the above 278 MQ mix formulation at 20°C - 23°C temperature and 60 – 65% R.H. without aeration. The Technical Data provided are the result of laboratory measurements in controlled conditions using the hydraulic binder NOVACEM CREATIVE, PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES as well as specific amount of mixing water. Using the same composition with the hydraulic binder NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR may provide higher measurements. The use of different granulates or the addition of larger amount of mixing water due to specific conditions at the building site may reduce the final performance.
A. Substrate preparation:
A1. Absorbent substrates:
The application should take place on properly cured substrate without shrinkage. Waiting time depends on the type of application.
Remove all loose elements of concrete or cement based mortars, until a solid and mineral substrate with a tensile strength larger than 1,5 N/mm² is obtained.
The substrate should be clean of dust, dirt, oil, grease and any other elements that might affect the efficiency of the bonding between the substrate and the decorative layer.
In case of existing cracks on the substrate, these should be repaired with the two-component injective epoxy resin adhesive EPO FLUID.
In case of substrates previously coated, any remaining residues should be completely removed by mechanical means and the substrate should be solid and absorbent.
In case concrete reinforcing bars have been exposed, it is recommended to remove the loose rust mechanically or apply RUST CONVERTER. This is followed by application of NOVAFER on the reinforcing bars and final step of this restoration process with one of the concrete repair mortars RC 340 or RC 440 depending on the type of application.
Substrates with inadequate mechanical strength must receive consolidating procedure by applying NOVAPRIMER or WATER PRIMER EPX.
If after hardening procedure, the substrate has not achieved the required strength and is not suitable for micropebble/polished terrazzo application, it is recommended to demolish the substrate and re-construct a substrate with appropriate ready mortar for the intended type of application.
For floor applications that require a fast substrate levelling process, it is recommended to use NOVACEM RAPID which cures fast, resulting in acceptable level of humidity prior application.
If substrate levelling of vertical or horizontal surface is required, use RC 220 or RC 240 depending on the type of application.
Usually, surfaces that have undergone a consolidating process have the behavior of an absorbent substrate. In cases where epoxy primer such as WATER PRIMER EPX has been used, even with dispersion of silica sand S 500, the surface behavior shows reduced absorbency. In such cases it is recommended to follow the application procedure described in paragraph B.2 (Application to non-absorbent substrates).
A2. Non-Absorbent substrates:
The application to non-absorbent substrates such as metal, ceramic tiles, floor paints, etc. is possible under certain conditions and only if adhesion and compatibility between the successive layers can be ensured.
In particular, to apply a micro-pebble or terrazzo covering, on a non-absorbent substrate the following should be reviewed:
• Existing coverings such as terrazzo, ceramic tile and marble, should be well bonded to the substrate,
• The substrate should be clean of dust, dirt, oil, grease and any other elements that might affect bonding between the substrate and the decorative layer.
• Substrates with elasticity or special constructions that might be susceptible to oscillation movements or strong vibrations should inspected if they are suitable to receive terrazzo or micropebble coverings.
• Subject to the type of dirt it is recommended to either mechanically remove or chemically clean with one of the following products:
o Oily pollutants are cleaned by ALCALINE CLEANER.
o Varnishes, synthetic stains, paints are cleaned by CLEANCOLL or CLEANCOLL SP
o Cement, rust, mud and other inorganic hard pollutants are cleaned with an acidic cleaner such as ACID CLEAN, ACID CLEAN TURBO.
B1. Application on absorbent substrates:
Prior to the application, wet the substrate with water and remove the excess using air or sponge.
On indoor, absorbent and solid substrates and on areas without increased humidity, the use of a bonding slurry consisted of 1 part water / 1 part SBR 50 and 2 – 3 parts NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR is recommended. The terrazzo/micropebble mixture is then applied ‘wet on wet’ on the slurry.
In outdoor or areas without increased humidity such as:
• bathrooms, built-in showers, whirlpools, countertops
• exterior floors, terraces, pedestrian areas, public squares, sidewalks
• water structures such as swimming pools, fountains, artificial lakes
it is required to waterproof the surface by compatible cementitious based waterproofing compound such as SC ELASTIC, SC ELASTIC EASY or SC 200 PENETRATE. The application of the waterproofing layer is performed in 2mm, with the incorporation of the fiberglass mesh NOVAMIX FIBERGLASS NET as a guide for the final thickness of the waterproofing layer.
In any case of doubt, compatibility test should be performed between the chosen cementitious waterproofing compound and the existing absorbent substrate.
The terrazzo/micro-pebble mortar is bonded to the substrate by using a slurry consisted of 1 part water / 1 part SBR 50 and 2 – 3 parts NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR. The terrazzo/micropebble mixture is applied ‘wet on wet’ on the slurry.
B2. Application on non-absorbent substrates:
In indoor areas and in areas without increased humidity, if upon completion of substrate preparation of an originally non-absorbent substrate (See A1 above), that substrate has the appearance and the properties of a solid and absorbent substrate, then the micropebble/terrazzo mix is applied according to procedure described at B1 (application on absorbent substrates)
If the substrate is solid and non-absorbent a compatibility test between the substrate and the micropebble/terrazzo covering should be performed.
In case the substrate is incompatible to the micropebble/terrazzo covering, then the substrate should be demolished and get reconstructed using suitable levelling mortar depending on the type of application. Otherwise, in short or long term the incompatibility might result in delamination of the covering.
In indoor areas without increased humidity for non-absorbent substrate that is suitable for application of micropebble/terrazzo covering, the mix is applied wet on wet over the two-component epoxy adhesive EPO FLUID.
In outdoor areas or areas with increased humidity such as:
• bathroom, built-in showers, whirlpools, countertops
• exterior floors terraces, pedestrian streets, public squares, sidewalks
• water structures such as swimming pools, fountains, artificial lakes
it is recommended to waterproof the surface by using compatible cementitious based waterproofing mortars such as SC ELASTIC or SC ELASTIC EASY. The application of the waterproofing layer is performed in 2mm with the incorporation of NOVAMIX FIBERGLASS NET as a guide for the final thickness of the waterproofing layer.
In any case of doubt, compatibility test should be performed between the chosen cementitious waterproofing mortar and the existing non-absorbent substrate.
The terrazzo/micro-pebble mortar is bonded to the compatible waterproofing cementitious layer by using a bonding slurry consisted of 1 part water / 1 part SBR 50 and 2 – 3 parts NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR. The terrazzo/micropebble mixture is applied ‘wet on wet’ on the slurry.
Important note for the bonding agents (bonding slurry or epoxy adhesive):
The ‘wet on wet’ application of the terrazzo/micropebble mixture on bonding slurry or epoxy adhesive requires careful monitoring of their open time.
The bonding slurries or adhesives once dried create a non-adhesive surface.
This is the case for both bonding slurry systems described herein. In particular the EPO FLUID epoxy adhesive once it dries, doesn’t show any color alteration, resulting in a difficult visual inspection of a wet surface during the application.
As such, a strict monitoring procedure should be followed, in order to ensure that the terrazzo/micropebble mix is applied on a still ‘wet’ bonding agent.
Β3. Wet on wet application on new concrete slabs with minimum total thickness 60mm:
In cases where the final thickness of the terrazzo/micropebble covering including the substrate is designed to be minimum 60mm a wet-on-wet application of the mix can be done on concrete C20/25.
The application of the NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR mix of minimum thickness 10mm is performed over a minimum 50mm thickness fresh concrete (type C20/25) layer, as soon as it becomes walkable .
This technique can ensure monolithic bonding of the mix with the substrate. if the concrete layer becomes dry, this technique cannot be applied.
C. Preparation of the mix:
According to the ratios shown at the TDS of the NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR, add the quantity of water required in a suitable container or an appropriate portable concrete barrel mixer.
While stirring slowly add to the container the NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR and then the chosen PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES.
In case the design mix requires the use of a suitable color pigment such as NOVACOLOR UNIVERSAL, NOVACOLOR OXIDE, NOVACOLOR CARBON, mix the pigment with the water prior to the addition of NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR and PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES. To ensure stability of the final color the container of the colour pigment should be rinsed with the amount of water used in the mix and be clean (proof that 100% of the pigment is used).
Μix for at least 3 minutes until a homogeneous mortar free of lumps is obtained.
D. Consumption of the mix:
The consumption depends on the mixing ratio of the granulates and the hydraulic binders NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR. An average dry mix consumption ranges between 20 +/- 1 kg/m2 per cm of covering thickness.
INGREDIENT CONSUMPTION (20kg/m²/cm OF THICKNESS)
NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR WHITE 7 kg
PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES MR 70 00 THASSOS WHITE 11,3 kg
PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES LC 60 DARK BLUE 0,3 kg
PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES MQ 70 18 RIVER GREY 1,4 kg
E. Application of the mix and surface treatment:
The mix is applied by means of a flat spatula, trowel or suitable spray systems, depending on the final composition of the mixture, on
• horizontal surfaces (NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR)
• vertical surface (NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR + NOVACEM T)
During levelling - smoothing process, apply adequate pressure on the fresh mortar surface, in order to compress the material to its dedicated thickness and remove air bubbles that might have been 'trapped' in the mix during the stirring process. Then, flatten the surface using appropriate metal spatula or suitable levelling tool.
If during the levelling process, bumps due to air trapped inside the mortar during the mixing process, occur then by means of appropriate stick or trowel, ‘break’ them in order to allow to the trapped air to ‘escape’. Levelling of the layer should take place while the mortar is still fresh.
The application thickness depends on the maximum grain dimension of the granulates used, the minimum layer thickness is 2 – 3 times the maximum grain size of the granulates.
The mortar must be applied under normal conditions within 1 hour after mixing. After this period do not try to ‘soften’ the mix by adding water
Low temperatures extend open time of the mix while high temperatures drastically reduce it. The temperature of the mixing water, as well as the surface temperature of the substrate might also affect the workability.
It is recommended to avoid long sunlight exposure of the materials before use, otherwise the working time is reduced drastically.
Important: In general, the terrazzo or micro pebble coverings created by the use of the hydraulic binders NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR encounter the same limitations of application of concrete and cement based mortars.
E1. Creation and protection of a surface with exposed pebbles:
After the mortar leveling and within 30 minutes from application, spray the entire surface with a suitable surface retarder such as PLANOCOLOR CRT 052. In case of rain during the waiting period required for the surface retarder to act, remove the PLANOCOLOR CRT 052 layer without waiting.
The pebbles can be exposed by three methods:
1. By means of suitable Scotch-Brite type sponge and water in 2 to 6 hours depending on jobsite conditions. This methodology is primarily used on small vertical surfaces. If during the process of removing the cementitious material to expose the pebbles, pebbles are also removed, allow longer period for the surface to dry.
2. By means of high-pressure waterjet (120-160 bar) 12 to 24 hours after the application of the retardant depending on jobsite conditions. If during the process of removing the cementitious material to expose the pebbles, pebbles are also removed, allow longer period for the surface to dry.
3. By use of suitable rotary antique brush with or without water 24 to 48 hours upon application of the retardant depending on jobsite conditions. The type of antique brush is often number 120 or 180 but this depends on the type of application and requested texture finish.
In case that the surface retardant PLANOCOLOR CRT 052 is not used, the three methodologies can be applied, however the waiting times are significantly reduced, subject to jobsite conditions. In such cases, continuous supervision is required to ensure the well-timed initiation of the chosen process.
If required and regardless the chosen system used, the acidic detergent ACID CLEAN TURBO can be used to chemically assist the process.
Upon completion of the exposure of the pebbles and as soon as the surface dries (2-24 hours) it is recommended to apply a hardener/densifier such as PLANOFINISH CH PLUS. The use of this particular densifier reduces cracks development and is highly recommended in outdoor applications and swimming pools.
The last state of the process is the application of surface protection by using a suitable waterproofing agent, depending on the requirements of the application:
• For an application inside water tanks, fountains, swimming pools and in permanent water immersion, it is recommended to apply only the densifier PLANOFINISH CH PLUS and not to apply any type of waterproofing agent.
• In horizontal or vertical surfaces where the design intent doesn’t require color enhancing of final look, it is recommended to apply one or two layers of the solvent based waterproofing agent PROTECT 300 S, subject to the absorbency of the surface.
• If color enhancing of the pebbles and/or the binder mortar is required, the application of WET PLUS S is recommended in one or two layers.
• Subject to the requirement of the application WET PLUS S can be applied in combination with PROTECT 300 S. Regardless of which of the two waterproofing agents is used as first or second layer, the applicator should ensure that excess of product at the surface is removed during the installation process.
• For indoor coverings of walls & floors and for cases where the use of a solvent free waterproofing material is required PROTECT 200 can be applied.
In any case, the application of any chosen waterproofing agent is performed, only when the humidity of the micro-pebble covering is less than 4%.
E2. Creation and protection of a polished terrazzo surface:
The mechanical grinding and polishing methodology of creating and protecting a terrazzo surface depends on the conditions and scope of each application. Indicative we refer to the following:
• The degree of polishing. For example, outdoor application or swimming pool walls might have a requirement for a ‘honed’, anti-slip final surface.
• The chosen polishing system (wet or dry polishing or with or without the use of chemical process of crystallization)
• design intent requirements such as the prevention of using solvent based products.
• the composition of the terrazzo mix
The polishing process should be undertaken by professional team with suitable equipment for the chosen application.
A typical process of mechanical grinding/polishing is the following:
1. Subject to the degree of polishing required the use of metal or resin polishing disk with indicative sequence 24 /50/100/150/200/320/400/800/1500/3000 etc.
2. The use of PLANOFINISH CH surface densifier will assist the polishing process.
3. For filling pinholes occurred during mechanical grinding, the cement based mortar NOVACEM MF (for indoor/outdoor application) or the epoxy filler paste PLANOFINISH CRYSTAL (for indoor application only) can be used.
4. Depending on the desired degree of polishing level, the application of the following waterproofing agents is recommended, subject to a covering humidity content of less than 4%:
• For coverings with lower degree of polishing the use of PROTECT 300 S is recommended.
• For coverings with higher degree of polishing and reduced absorption the use of PROTECT 900 S is recommended.
• In cases, where color enhancing of the pebbles and/or the binder mortar is required, the application of WET PLUS S is recommended.
1. For indoor applications that require a high degree of polishing level and protection, the application of PLANOFINISH HP is recommended as long as the surface is dry and without any standing water. It is applied by means of suitable high speed rotary engine (1500-2000 rpm) equipped with suitable felt pad:
• Upon application of the chosen waterproofing agent.
• Or upon completion of the mechanical polishing process.
E3. Surface treatment and protection using solvent-free products:
• For pinholes occurring during mechanical grinding, apply as a filler material NOVACEM MF.
• Apply the solvent-free waterproofing material PROTECT 200 up to a maximum polishing grit of no. 400 to ensure penetration to the surface and avoid the creation of a surface membrane.
• For indoor applications that require a high degree of polishing level and protection, the application of the self-polishing surface action sealant PLANOFINISH HP is recommended as long as the surface is dry without any standing water. It is applied by means of suitable high speed rotary engine (1500-2000 rpm) equipped with suitable felt pad:
o upon completion of mechanical polishing
o or upon completion of waterproofing with PROTECT 200.
In any case the application of any chosen waterproofing agent is performed when the humidity of the covering is less than 4%. This is applicable to both solvent free and solvent based waterproofing agents.
Expansion Joints:
In any case, existing expansion joints or control joints on the substrate must be followed by the final surface covering. The location of each expansion /control joint depends on the use of the surface, the geometry and the location.
Control joints must be provided on each surface change (wall-to-wall and wall-to-floor joints, depth changes in swimming pools) and every 4-5 running meters in length, with a maximum ratio between long and short side 2:1.
These joints are filled with a flexible sealant suitable either for indoors/outdoors such as the NOVAMIX PU 500 or with a sealant suitable for permanent immersion in water, such as NOVACOLOR HNR. In any case it is recommended to pre-coat the joints with an epoxy primer such as PRIMER NR 2K.
Prefabricated joint profiles of suitable cross-section and composition can be used, depending on the design intent requirements.
Maintenance of micro pebble/terrazzo surface:
The micro pebble/terrazzo coverings are surfaces that contain 65-75% of pebbles that often have different physical and chemical properties that affect absorbency or strength to resist chemical and mechanical stresses.
The chosen surface finish (anti slip micro pebble covering with exposed aggregate or polished terrazzo surface) significantly affects daily and special maintenance which is why
• the type of application and
• the specific use
should be carefully considered at the design stage.
Indicative recommendations for daily and special maintenance of for micropebble/terrazzo surfaces can be found below:
• For day-to-day cleaning process it is recommended the neutral detergent
• Oily stains, rubber wheel marks, residues of smoke in walls can be cleaned by the alkaline based detergent ALCALINE CLEANER.
• Varnishes, synthetic stains, paints are cleaned by CLEANCOLL or CLEANCOLL SP
• Cementitious residues rust and other inorganic hard pollutants are cleaned with an acidic detergent such as ACID CLEAN, ACID CLEAN TURBO. These might be diluted in water subject to requirement.
Recommendations:
• Apply over a structural stable and well prepared substrate
• Do not add water or additives once the mix starts to set
• Do not overlap existing expansion or control joints of the substrate
• Do not mix NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR with gypsum, cement, resins, latex or other binders. Mix only with compatible to cement, aggregates and water
• Do not mix with dolomite aggregates
• Do not apply upon deformable substrates or surfaces subjected to vibration
• Do not apply upon non-absorbent substrates such as metal, glass, old ceramic tiles and mosaics without applying appropriate primer.
• Permanent water immersion after 7 – 10 days. In this case, the use of varnish or other protective coating is not recommended, with the exception of the hardener/densifier PLANOFINISH CH PLUS which helps on cracking prevention. Although optional, the application of PLANOFINISH CH PLUS is highly recommended for outdoor and demanding applications
• In case where specific color is required it is recommended to mix with NOVACOLOR CARBON or NOVACOLOR OXIDE or NOVACOLOR DESIGN or NOVACOLOR UNIVERSAL in appropriate proportions. Keep in mind that pigments can discolor due to contact with strong floor or pool cleaners
• Do not apply when temperature of the substrate and environment is lower than +5°C and higher than +35°C
• The use of NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR or PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES from different batches is not recommended
• Colored marble granulates may discolor in the long run, when applied inside swimming pools and areas cleaned with strong chemicals
• Application must be done by professional applicator
Refer to the Technical Data Sheets as well as the Safety Data Sheets of the products listed here.
Cleaning:
Tools used during the preparation and application can be cleaned with water while NOVACEM CREATIVE or NOVACEM CREATIVE FLOOR is still fresh. If hardening occurs, cleaning can be done only by mechanical means.
Legal Notice:
The technical data and recommendations included or listed are the outcome of laboratory measurements combined with our current knowledge and expertise. All information and specifications should in any case be considered as indicative. The Company makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein. Product specifications are subject to change without notice and may differ from product images. Due to printing and application procedures, the colors displayed here should be considered as indicative. In particular, variations in materials, substrates and on-site application conditions are such that no warranty can be given or implied reference to the suitability of the materials for trading or use for a particular purpose and conditions of any given project. Anyone interested in using the product must ensure beforehand that the product is suitable for the intended use and in any case, the user is solely responsible for any outcomes associated with the use of product. Among other things, the Company is not responsible for any normal wear or tear from environmental or any other unsuitable conditions. We reserve the right to revise or change the data herein without prior notice. Restrictions and disclaimers apply to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Company has a Technical Support Department, which has exclusive responsibility for providing technical advice and solutions, addressing relevant issues. Requests to the Technical Support Department are addressed and answered, only in writing. For the latest and valid version of the Technical Data Sheet, the user of the material must refer to our website www.novamix.gr.
Copyright © DOMOCHEMICAL SA:
No part of the above may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission of DOMOCHEMICAL SA. The technical data and recommendations contained here correspond to the best of our knowledge and experience. All the above mentioned information in any case should be considered as merely indicate and subject to confirmation after long term practical applications. For this reason anyone interested in using the product must be sure beforehand that the product is suitable for the envisaged application. In every case the user alone is fully responsible for any consequences deriving from the use of the product. We retain the right of renewal of the data shown here, without warning.
Back