APF CastorCrete SL Installation Instructions
CastorCrete SL is a professional installation product. It requires mechanical surface preparation, keyways, heavy mortar mixing equipment, and an organized crew capable of maintaining a continuous wet edge. Read these instructions fully, along with the current Product Data Sheet, before starting a project.
Surface Preparation
Concrete must be cured at least 7 days and be clean, structurally sound, and free of wax, loose paint, or curing compounds. Prepare the concrete to a minimum ICRI CSP 3 surface profile by diamond grinding or shot blasting; refer to ICRI Technical Guideline 310.2R for selecting and specifying concrete surface preparation. Vacuum the prepared surface thoroughly to remove all dust.
Apply CastorCrete SL directly to bare, properly prepared concrete rather than over an existing coating, except in cases where priming is specifically necessary. Cut keyways 1/4 inch deep by 3/16 inch wide, 6 inches from all perimeter walls and machinery pedestals, on both sides of all control joints, and at regular intervals every 10 to 12 feet throughout the floor. All floor drains, penetrations, transitions, and termination points need a 1/4 inch deep by 1/4 inch wide keyway. Never feather edge CastorCrete SL; it must always terminate into a keyway.
Acid etching warning: Acid etching is not recommended for this product and will void the manufacturer warranty. Mechanical preparation by diamond grinding or shot blasting is required.
Mixing
Pour the entire contents of Parts A, B, and C (color pack) into a mixing container and mix for 30 seconds. While mixing, slowly add Part D (aggregate). Once all components are fully incorporated, continue mixing for another 30 seconds. Use a COLLOMIX CX 44 DUO set with MKD 140 HF paddles, a KOL type bucket mixer, or another mixer designed for heavy mortars. Place the mixed material immediately. Working with more than one mixing container at a time is recommended to keep a steady supply of fresh material available.
Do not thin the product. Adding thinners will void the manufacturer warranty. Each kit is a complete, proportioned 42 pound unit and must be used as a whole; do not divide a kit into smaller batches.
Application
For small areas, CastorCrete SL can be spread and finished with a steel trowel. Rake the material with a cam gauge rake to the desired thickness, then use a finishing trowel to compact the material and smooth out the rake marks. As soon as the mortar is relatively closed, immediately roll the surface with a looped roller to remove trowel marks and bring the resin to the top. Keep a wet edge between mixes and place each batch within the working time of the prior one; failing to do this can result in a visible tie in line. Avoid excessive troweling or rolling, which can bring more resin to the top and reduce slip resistance.
Apply between 45 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not apply in direct sunlight; CastorCrete SL will yellow and fade from UV exposure over time, which does not affect its performance but does affect appearance.
Cure and Return to Service
CastorCrete SL is dry to the touch in approximately 12 hours and reaches full service in approximately 24 to 36 hours under suitable conditions. Higher temperatures will shorten cure time, and lower temperatures will increase it. Follow the current Product Data Sheet for the specific project conditions.
Handling and Safety
Avoid contact with skin and wear protective gloves when handling this product. Application personnel must read and fully understand the Safety Data Sheet before use. Store the unopened product between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, away from heat sources, and do not allow it to freeze; frozen material is unusable and must be properly disposed of. Shelf life is 1 year from the date of manufacture in the original unopened container.
Review the current SDS documents before handling this product, and see the How much do I need? tab to calculate kit quantities for your project.
