hot stamp mix
We have been having probs with our stamp mix going off in the mixing barrel. Its about 95 degrees and when we are mixing the stuff starts to ball up and get like clay. We have to water the hell out of it to get it out to pour. Then we get shrinkage cracks.But when we gage rake it out some sets up fine and some areas are soupy. And some areas take the antiquing and some dont. We are using Surecrete and the mfg says nobody else is having this prob. I think that is BS. We run 4 crews and all of the guys are getting tired of babying this stuff. Is anyone else having probs with Surecrete? We have pallets of it and cant change horses right now.
Gregg
I agree that HEAT (Mother Nature) is the albatros around your neck that is bringing about this issue. I'm in central Texas where the temperatures really soar. Water that is laying in a hose heats up, becoming very hot (enough so that you can scald yourself); therefore, by all means let the water flow out of it until it is cool EVERY time you go to use it (get your hands on a white hose and use it... instead of using a dark green or black one that heats up water more quickly, "5 minutes of water laying on the ground in a dark colored hose in the heat of summer can take 65 degree water up to 100+"); hot water will definitely be a contributing factor in relation to your application concern.
Keep in mind that the concrete substrate itself is also hot (if ambiant air temperature is 95F, the surface temperature of the concrete could be 115F or higher; you have heard the proverb "concrete being hot enough to fry an egg"); this too could be a contributing factor.
You might want to bring the temperature of the concrete down with cool water first, before starting application (of course you don't want water standing on the concrete, but a slightly damp surface that has been cooled down will help in the heat of summer). If you have ever walked on an oceanside beach in the summer you will recal that the sand be so hot that it practically burns your feet; well, hot bags of stamp mix sitting out in the sun is no different. I have not personally used the SureCrete product you are referring to ... if this is one that you add a liquid modifier to when mixing (not just add water to), liquid heats up too, so keep them in the shade as well (you can even put the pails in a tub with ice water if they have become to hot from expose to heat sources).
I have known the Jack Thomas of SureCrete and his team of professionals for at least 15 years ... during which time they have earned my respect due to their personal integrity, industry knowledge, and the performance of the materials/products/systems they produce. Sounds as if you feel as if your concerns have been brushed off; if so, I suggest that you call Jack, put your heads together, and both keep an open mind (really listening to each other); by doing so I believe the cause and remedy to your situation will be addressed and resolved.
Lindy A.
Concrete is the most important variable in hot weather stamping. The right concrete mix ratio can solve problems or it can create them. What you really want in a concrete mix is one that is easy to place, strong enough to meet the needs of the application, durable for the life of the floor or wall, and that will look good when you're done with your decorative efforts.
Gregg, The first thing I'd try is to make sure that your water is reasonably cool and that your bags are stacked in the shade. Run your hose until the water cools off - it can get terribly hot in the sun - making sure that you have run out enough to cool off the hose itself. Keep your mix bags covered or shaded so they don't start out too hot. You should even keep the mixing blade itself out of the direct sun. I suspect that heat is your enemy here.