Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop

Natural mineral aggregates graded and mixed with cement, admixtures and pigments

6 months from date of production

The Product must be stored in original, unopened and undamaged sealed packaging in dry conditions at temperatures between +5 °C and +30 °C. Always refer to the packaging.

Refer to the current Safety Data Sheet for information on safe handling and storage.

4–6 kg/m²

Note: Consumption data is theoretical and does not allow for any additional material due to surface porosity, surface profile, variations in level, wastage or any other variations. Apply Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop to a test area to calculate the exact consumption for the specific substrate conditions and proposed application equipment.

IMPORTANT

Poor finish due to unsuitable additives

A poor quality finish can result from using compactable dry-shake hardeners on concrete with unsuitable additives. The correct selection of additives to concrete is crucial for the concrete mix design. Contact Sika Technical Services for further advice.

1. Do not use air-entraining agents. Air-entrained concrete is not a suitable substrate for the application of dry-shake hardeners.
2. Do not use concrete where some cement has been replaced by fly ash, as this makes the mix sticky and less workable.
3. Use Sikament® or Sika Viscocrete® super plasticisers to ensure the optimum quality of concrete, and – where fibres are used –, their optimum dispersion within the mix.

The concrete deliveries must be of consistent quality and comply with local standards. A concrete slump in the range 75 mm to 110 mm will normally give best results.

The slab must be of good quality concrete with a water-cement ratio of between 0.45 and 0.55 and must be consistent while being poured. The compressive strength must be a minimum of 25 N/mm².

IMPORTANT

Damaged finish due to excessive drying of the surface

Exposure to environmental conditions during application can cause cracking and colour inconsistencies.

1. Do not apply the Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop in strong wind or draughts.
2. Keep the floor laying operation as clean as possible and protected from the environment.

IMPORTANT

Poor finish due to uneven application

Poor application practices can result in an inconsistent finish.

1. Ensure an even application of Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop and use correct timing and trowelling techniques.

Low relative humidity below 40 %

Note: Efflorescence can appear on the surface at low relative humidity.

High relative humidity above 80 %

Note: Bleeding, slower curing and hardening rate may occur, and extended finishing operations may be required at high relative humidity.

Prevailing conditions affecting application time

Note: Application time for dry-shake products is influenced by every variable which affects the placing of concrete, and can therefore vary substantially, depending on the prevailing conditions.

Variability of concrete causing colour variations

Note: Variations in concrete characteristics such as water content and cement quality may lead to slight colour variations.

Note: Colour variation during the drying period is normal and is to be expected for this system.

Note: Dry-shake hardeners give a finish to concrete with some colour variation across the floor due to the natural variability of the concrete on to which they are applied.

Repeated power trowelling

Note: Repeated power trowelling brings tension to the surface and may result in fine cracks appearing on the floor. This is typical for all power-trowelled concrete surfaces and does not have a negative impact on the floor performance.

MECHANICAL APPLICATION: AUTOMATIC SPREADER IN CONJUNCTION WITH A LASER SCREED

Preconditions

The concrete has been cast, compacted and levelled.

1. Start spreading Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop almost immediately after the concrete has been levelled, in one application only, to allow for the hydration of the dry shake.
2. Trim the edges where adjoining slabs are to be poured. (Note: Using Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop may result in the slab surface becoming stiff more quickly than usual).
3. Perform the final finishing using walk-on or ride-on power trowels repeatedly in two perpendicular directions to achieve the final surface appearance.

MANUAL APPLICATION

Preconditions

The concrete has been cast, compacted and levelled.

1. Depending on the conditions, remove the surface bleed water or allow it to evaporate.
2. Determine whether the concrete is ready for the dry-shake application process. (Note: This process can start once the concrete can be stepped on without leaving a print deeper than 3–5 mm).
3. Trowel the surface of the concrete with power trowels. (Note: Compaction with the trowel can start as soon as the weight of the power trowels can be supported by the concrete).
4. Evenly scatter two-thirds of the required material on to the compacted and levelled concrete. Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop is applied in two stages. The quantities applied in each stage is dependent on the desired overall consumption and layer thickness. (Note: Casting Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop further than 2 metres from point of casting reduces the consistency of the finish. Apply Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop without creating ripples in the concrete surface).
5. Work the first layer of Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop into the slab using power trowels.
6. Immediately scatter the remaining one-third of the material.
7. IMPORTANT! Never add water to the surface where the dry shake has been applied. Work the second layer of Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop into the slab using power trowels.
8. Trim the edges where adjoining slabs are to be poured. (Note: Using Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop may result in the slab surface becoming stiff more quickly than usual).
9. Perform the final finishing using walk-on or ride-on power trowels repeatedly in two perpendicular directions to achieve the final surface appearance.

1. Cure and seal the concrete surface immediately after finishing.
2. Use curing compound such as Sika® Antisol® A or Sika® Antisol® 90. Refer to the Product Data Sheet for more details.

JOINTS

1. After finishing operations and completing saw cuts, clean off any residual saw lubricant or slurry immediately.
2. Fill the joints with Sikaflex® PRO-3 or other appropriate Sikaflex® sealant in accordance with the floor design requirements.

Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use. Hardened material can only be removed mechanically.

To maintain the appearance of the floor after application, remove all spillages immediately. Regularly clean the floor using suitable detergents and waxes and equipment such as rotary brushes, mechanical scrubbers, scrubber dryers, high pressure washers, and wash and vacuum techniques.