PREPARATION
The surface of the areas that are to be coloured using PICSTAIN should be clean, all debris and loose material removed together with any product that will resist the PICSTAIN, such as oil, grease, curing compounds, sealer, etc.

The surface should be checked to ensure that a spray applied curing membrane has not been used.

For surfaces that have been hardened by use of power trowelling or dry shake surface hardeners it is recommended to sand disc or blast the area first in order to open the pores.

APPLICATION METHOD
PICSTAIN is applied as a two-coat application by the use of a sprayer unit at a rate of 6 - 10 square metres per litre per coat.

It is advisable to calculate the total area to be treated and ensure the appropriate quantity of material is available.

Shake container well before use.

Once spray or brush applied to the surface, the PICSTAIN should be agitated using a stiff brush into the surface using a circular motion ensuring that any excess material collecting in pools is brushed out thus avoiding unevenness of colour.

Once the first application has dried (always allow a minimum of 3 hours) apply the second coat.

Do not wash the area between applications. After 6 hours the entire area should be cleaned using clean water and a stiff brush to remove the salty residue and excess PICSTAIN. The area is considered clean once the water runs clear.

If more than one colour of PICSTAIN is being used on a project, be careful not to contaminate during the cleaning procedure as the cleaning water could still have a colouring capability.

The use of squeegees or wet and dry vacuum cleaners will greatly assist in avoiding contamination of colours and are essential for interior applications.
Whilst it is desirable that the concrete has cured for at least 28 days, PICSTAIN applied to surfaces with less curing time will produce a different result to that cured for 28 days.

CUSTOM & INTRICATE DESIGNS
When custom and intricate designs are involved it is essential that the design is drawn out onto the concrete surface and then ground by diamond disk creating reservoir barriers to avoid contamination between colours.

For intricate designs please consult the PICS Technical Department.

POROUS SURFACES
In circumstances where the existing surface is particularly porous, it is recommended to thoroughly saturate the surface with water prior to commencing staining. All free surface water should be removed prior to application of PICSTAIN.

This will ensure that the PICSTAIN does not soak into the concrete and will achieve the desired results.

SEALING
Once the surface is dry PICS CM42 Low Solids Sealer should be applied at a rate of 4 - 6 square metres per litre.
Depending on porosity, a second coat of PICS CM42 Low Solids Sealer may be required.

FURTHER TECHNICAL ADVICE
Should further specific technical advice be required contact the Technical Department on :-

Phone UK (01635) 202224
FAX (01635) 202230

Phone International +44(0) 1635 202224
Fax International +44(0) 1635 202230

E-mail info@picsuk.com
Web Site www.picsuk.com