421 MR

Mix used for creating micro-pebble coverings

Suitable for applications indoors, outdoors, swimming pools and special constructions.

For detailed information regarding the formulation or for receiving live sample contact local distributor or contact us directly in  https://novamix.gr/contact/

Description

For applications on floors, walls, swimming pools and special constructions. It is created by mixing the granulates of appropriate grain size PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES and the hydraulic binder NOVACEM CREATIVE with water.

The components of the mix are packaged separately. The mixture is suitable for:

  • creating:
    • ‘cast on site’ non-slip pebbled surfaces
    • micro-pebble coverings
    • prefabricated slabs to be installed with a suitable adhesive as interior and exterior coverings, staircases, special constructions.
    • grouting material between natural stones in Palladiana type floors and walls
  • applications on horizontal and vertical surfaces in areas such as:
    • external areas, terraces, balconies, staircases, water structures such as fountains, swimming pools, etc.
    • internal areas, bathrooms, and wet areas
    • public squares and pedestrian areas
    • special constructions such as tables, benches, washbasins
  • application on various substrates such as:
    • concrete and screeds
    • existing coverings such as tiles, natural stones, marbles, terrazzo, etc.
    • cement boards and gypsum boards (after a suitable primer application, provided that the application surface is stable)

Refer to the Technical Data Sheets and Safety Sata Sheets of the products listed here before the final selection of the mix for each application.

  • Appearance: See photo
  • Mixing ratio: 15 – 17 L water per 100 kg
  • Density of the mix: 2,1 ± 0,1 kg/L (EN 1015-6)
  • Dry density of the mix: 2,0 ± 0,1 kg/L (EN 12190)
  • Application temperature: from +5°C up to +35°C
  • Workability: ≈ 60 min / 20°C
  • Walkability: 2 – 3 hours

 

Additional Information

  • Total solar reflectance (TSR): 0,70
  • Solar reflectance index (SRI) > 0,33. 421 MR is characterized as cool coating that satisfies the Heat Island reduction credit requirements for LEED v4.1.

 

Final Performance with 16% water / mix ratio

  • Compressing strength: ≥ 35 N/mm² (EN 13892-2)
  • Flexural strength: ≥ 6 N/mm² (EN 13892-2)
  • Adhesion: ≥ 2,0 N/mm² (EN 13892-8)
  • Chloride ion content: ≤ 0,03 % (EN 1015-17)
  • Water vapour permeability coefficient: μ ≤ 20 (EN 1015-19)
  • Thermal compatibility part 1: ≥ 2,0 N/mm² (EN 13687-1)
  • Reaction to fire: A1 (EN 13501-1)

A. Substrate preparation:

A1. Absorbent substrates:

The application should take place on properly cured substrate without shrinkage and with a moisture content up to 4%. 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 a way that ensures the monolithic function of the substrate.

In the 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 the 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 treatment by applying NOVAPRIMER or WATER PRIMER EPX. If after hardening procedure, the substrate has not achieved the required strength and is not suitable for micro-pebble application, it is recommended to demolish the substrate and re-construct a substrate by using an appropriate ready mortar for the intended type of application.

For floor applications that require a fast substrate levelling process, with a thickness of 10 to 80 mm or even larger, it is recommended to use NOVACEM RAPID which cures fast, resulting in acceptable level of humidity prior to application.

If substrate levelling of vertical or horizontal surface is required, in a thickness of 2 – 40 mm, use RC 220 or RC 240 depending on the type of application.

Usually, surfaces that have undergone a consolidating process obtain the characteristics of an absorbent substrate. In cases where epoxy primer such as WATER PRIMER EPX has been used, even after scattering silica sand S 500 to create a mineral surface, the surface behavior shows reduced absorbency. In such cases it is recommended to follow the application procedure described in paragraphs A.2 and 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 successive layers can be ensured.

To apply a micro-pebble covering on a non-absorbent substrate, the following should be reviewed:

  • Existing coverings such as terrazzo, ceramic tiles 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.
  • Deformable substrates or special constructions that might be susceptible to oscillation movements or strong vibrations should be inspected if they are suitable to receive micro-pebble coverings.
  • Subject to the type of dirt it is recommended to either mechanically or chemically clean with one of the following products:

B1. Application on absorbent substrates:

Prior to the application, wet the substrate with water and remove the excess by using air or sponge.

On indoor, absorbent and solid substrates and on areas without increased humidity, the use of a bonding slurry consisting of 1 part water / 1 part SBR 50 and 3 parts NOVACEM CREATIVE is recommended.

The micro-pebble mixture is applied ‘wet on wet’ on the slurry.

In outdoor or areas of 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 using the compatible cementitious based waterproofing compounds SC ELASTIC EASY or SC 200 PENETRATE. The application of the waterproofing layer is performed in 2 mm, 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 micro-pebble mortar is bonded to the waterproofing membrane by using a slurry consisting of 1 part water / 1 part SBR 50 and 3 parts NOVACEM CREATIVE. The micro-pebble mixture is applied ‘wet on wet’ on the slurry.

B2. Application on non-absorbent substrates:

Indoor and in areas without increased humidity, if upon completion of the 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 micro-pebble mix is applied according to the procedure described at B1 (application on absorbent substrate).

On reduced absorbency surfaces such as old terrazzo, well-fixed ceramic tiles, or marble, it is recommended to pre-coat with PLANO CONTACT FAST after the surface is properly cleaned.

If the substrate is solid and non-absorbent a compatibility test between the substrate and the micro-pebble covering should be performed.

In case the substrate is incompatible with the micro-pebble covering, then the substrate should be demolished and reconstructed by using suitable levelling mortar depending on the type of application (see A1 above). Otherwise, in the short or long term the incompatibility might result in delamination of the covering.

Indoor areas without increased humidity for non-absorbent substrate that is suitable for application of micro-pebble covering, the mix is applied ‘wet on wet’ over the two-component epoxy adhesive EPO FLUID.

Outdoors or areas with increased humidity such as:

  • bathroom, built-in-showers, whirlpools, countertops
  • exterior floor surfaces, pedestrian streets, public squares, sidewalks
  • water structures such as swimming pools, fountains, artificial lakes

it is recommended to waterproof the surface by using the compatible cementitious based waterproofing mortar SC ELASTIC EASY. The application of the waterproofing layer is performed in 2 mm 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, in order to ensure the compatibility (satisfactory bonding strength), but also the adhesion of the existing non-absorbent covering (e.g. existing ceramic tiles) to the substrate.

In the corners it is recommended to apply WATERPROOFING TAPE or to shape it so that the angle becomes a curve, by using RC 220 or RC 240 depending on the type of application.

This is followed by the application of a slurry consisting of 1 part water / 1 part SBR 50 and 3 parts NOVACEM CREATIVE. The micro-pebble 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 micro-pebble 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 and in these cases, it is necessary to remove them and re-apply.

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, to ensure that the micro-pebble mix is applied on a still ‘wet’ bonding agent.

B3. ‘Wet on wet’ application on new concrete slabs with minimum total thickness 60 mm:

In cases where the final thickness of the micro-pebble covering including the substrate is designed to be minimum 60 mm, a ‘wet on wet’ application of the mix can be done on concrete C20/25.

The application of NOVACEM CREATIVE mix of minimum thickness 10 mm is performed over a minimum 50 mm thickness fresh concrete (type C20/25) layer as soon as it becomes walkable.

By following this technique, an almost monolithic bonding of the mix with the substrate can be ensured. Caution: 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 NOVACEM CREATIVE, add the quantity of water required in a suitable container or an appropriate portable concrete barrel mixer.

While stirring slowly, add NOVACEM CREATIVE to the container 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 and PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES. To ensure stability of the final color, the container of the color pigment should be rinsed with the amount of water used in the mix and be clean (proof that 100% of the pigment is used).

Mix for at least 3 minutes until a homogeneous mortar free of lumps is obtained.

D. Consumption of the mix:

The consumption depends on the type of application (covering thickness and mix composition). An average dry mix consumption ranges between 20 +/- 1 kg/m2 per cm of covering thickness.

E. Application of the mix and surface treatment:

The mix is applied by means of a flat spatula, trowel, or suitable spraying systems, depending on the final composition of the mixture and the type of application, on horizontal or vertical surfaces, by applying 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, level the surface by using an appropriate metal spatula or suitable levelling tool.

If during the levelling process, bumps due to air trapped inside the mortar during mixing process occur, then by means of appropriate stick or trowel, ‘break’ them to allow trapped air to ‘escape’. Leveling of the layer should take place while the mortar is still fresh.

Note: The smooth and flat final surface of the mixture, as a result of levelling process is particularly important in order to ensure uniform dispersion of the granulates in the micro-pebble surface. To ensure this, the levelling process may need to be repeated once or twice, depending on the type of application. The re-levelling is done with a metal spatula by slightly wetting the still wet surface by spraying.

The levelling process repetition (second or even third time) is also required when part of decorative granulates that we want to appear in specific positions on the final surface, are applied by scattering on a fresh mixture, after the initial levelling. Such ‘special’ granulates can be glass, flattened pebbles or glowing in the dark granulates that absorb UV radiation in daylight and emit light in the dark. In these cases, scattering is considered necessary to ensure the correct distribution on the surface of the ‘special’ granulates, according to the aesthetic requirements of the application.

The application thickness usually depends on the maximum grain dimension of the granulates used, where the minimum layer thickness is 2 – 3 times the maximum grain size of the granulates. In any case, the recommended minimum thickness of micro-pebble coverings on floors is 10 mm and on walls 5 – 7 mm.

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 micro-pebble coverings created with the use of hydraulic binder NOVACEM CREATIVE, encounter the same limitations as concrete or cement based mortar application.

 E1. Creation and protection of a surface with exposed pebbles:

Immediately after the mortar levelling (see procedures and notes of paragraph ‘E’) and within 30 minutes after its completion depending on the temperature and humidity conditions of the jobsite, it is recommended to spray on the entire surface by means of a suitable electric spraying system, the surface setting retarder PLANOCOLOR CRT 052. In case of sudden 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 3 methods:

  • By means of suitable 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 of the surface to dry
  • By means of high-pressure waterjet (100 – 180 bar) 12 to 24 hours after the application of the retardant. The actual pressure level of the waterjet depends on jobsite conditions and if required could be more than 180bar. If during the process of removing cementitious material to expose the pebbles, pebbles are also removed, allow longer period of the surface to dry.
  • 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 60 – 180 but this depends on the type of application and requested texture finish.

If required and regardless of the chosen system used, the acidic detergent ACID CLEAN TURBO can be used to chemically assist the process.

Upon the completion of the pebbles exposure and as soon as the surface dries (2 – 24 hours), it is recommended to apply the hardener/densifier PLANOFINISH CH PLUS. The use of this densifier reduces crack development and is highly recommended in outdoor applications and swimming pools.

 In mixtures of dark shade, it is recommended to apply PLANOFINISH CH PLUS in the maximum possible dilution (1:1 – 2 depending on the absorbency of the surface) in order to prevent white marks from salts. The mixing water must in any case be potable.

The last state of the process is the surface protection by using a suitable waterproofing agent, depending on the requirements of the application:

  • For application inside water tanks, fountains, swimming pools in permanent water immersion, it is recommended to apply only the densifier PLANOFINISH CH PLUS and not 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 PROTECT 400 WET is recommended in one or two layers
  • For indoor coverings of walls and 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%.

F. Expansion joints / control 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 NOCACOLOR HNR.

 Prefabricated joint profiles of suitable cross-section and composition can be used, depending on the design intent requirements.

G. Maintenance of micro-pebble surface:

The micro-pebble coverings are surfaces that mainly contain granulates 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) 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 for micro-pebble surfaces can be found below:

  • For day-to-day cleaning process it is recommended to use the neutral detergent NEUTROCLEANER which normally does not affect the surfaces
  • Oily stains, rubber wheel marks, residues of smoke in walls can be cleaned by using the alkaline based detergent ALCALINE CLEANER
  • Varnishes, synthetic stains, paints are cleaned by using PAINT REMOVER or PAINT REMOVER GEL
  • 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
  • Coffee, colored non-oily household stains are cleaned by using MARBLE NO SPOT

 Recommendations:

  • Apply over a structurally stable and well prepared substrate
  • The application substrate must be solid, level, and compatible with the pebble covering. In cases where levelling of the substrate is required, use a suitable levelling material (see A.1 above)
  • Existing coverings must be compatible with the covering and well-anchored to the substrate. Deformable substrates such as metal surfaces, wood, linoleum, or incompatible coatings such as epoxy, polyurethane paints etc. are considered unsuitable to receive coverings using NOVACEM CREATIVE
  • Always use the compatible waterproofing compounds SC 200 PENETRATE, SC ELASTIC EASY which have been tested and are suitable for such applications
  • Avoid application with direct exposure to sunlight and/or strong wind as well as rain
  • Do not apply when temperature of the substrate and environment is lower than +5°C and higher than +35°C
  • On hot days use cool potable water for mixing and moisten the substrate with cold water or ice cubes. Avoid exposing the materials to high temperatures before use
  • Use potable water for mixing.
  • Do not add water or additives once the mix starts to set. If necessary, keep stirring the mixture until the time of application
  • Do not overlap existing expansion or control joints of the substrate
  • Do not apply upon substrates with continuous rising humidity or in wet areas, without first waterproofing and eliminating the source of humidity
  • 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
  • In cases of doubt due to the particularity of the composition of the mixture, before the application of varnish or waterproofing protection, a test area must be prepared. applied
  • Do not add cement, gypsum, lime or other materials that may affect the properties of the mortar
  • It is recommended to mix with granulates of appropriate granulometry such as PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES, in order to ensure a mixture composition with minimal shrinkage and higher strength.
  • Do not apply upon deformable substrates or surfaces subjected to vibration
  • The use of NOVACEM CREATIVE or PLANOCOLOR GRANULATES from different batches is not recommended.
  • Colored marble granulates may increase their gloss in the long run, when applied inside swimming pools and areas cleaned with strong chemicals
  • In case where specific color is required, it is recommended to mix with NOVACOLOR CARBON, NOVACOLOR OXIDE, NOVACOLOR DESIGN or NOVACOLOR UNIVERSAL in appropriate proportions. Keep in mind that pigments can discolor due to contact with strong cleaners e.g., in floors or swimming pools
  • Application must be done by professional applicator.
  • All the usual precautions taken when applying concrete, such as curing in a wet environment, should also be applied when creating micro-pebble coverings by using NOVACEM CREATIVE
  • 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 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.