How to Keep Exposed Concrete and Cement Pavers Free of Organic Growth

Exposed Concrete & Cement Pavers

Exposed concrete gives an urban and contemporary look to any structure. Due to its porous nature, exposed concrete absorbs water and thus is susceptible to fungal and algal formation, ruining its aesthetics. It therefore needs to be protected from moisture.

Cement Pavers have great aesthetic value and also provide a hard finished surface with the minimum of fuss. They too are porous and absorb water easily, making them damp and susceptible to fungal and algal growth.

Organic growth is only the symptom. The real problem is water absorption.

Why prevent fungal / algal growth ?

Although fungal and algal growth are not harmful to the above substrates, they need to be prevented for
1. better aesthetics.
2. ease of maintanence.
3. In the case of pavers and concrete used in walkways, fungal / algal growth makes them slippery and it is all the more important to prevent them.

The Solution

Stopping water absorption, stops organic growth. 

A transparent water repellent coating is ideal to prevent absorption of water.

Products such as siloxane based water repellants are excellent for this purpose for the following reaaons.

1. They do not alter the look of the substrate in any way. 

2. They are absorbed into the pores of the substrate, thus there is no film formation as such and no risk of breakage of film, giving it a long usable life.

Products

. Organo Silane, water soluble, water repellant.
. Eco-Friendly, low VOC.
. Nano particles penetrate into cement pores and capillaries. Creates a layer of water repellant cement, upto 5mm deep.
. Prevents problems caused by dampness such as fungal formation, Scaling, premature aging, spalling etc.
. UV and thermal stable.
. Easy to apply by brush, spray or roller.

Application

. Make sure surface is free from oil, grease and organic growth. Use wire brushing along with water to remove any organic growth.
. Dilute silane product to given consistency using water. For zycosil plus, dilution is 1:20 parts of water. Consume within 48hrs of dilution.
. Apply by brush, spray or roller. Cover entire surface at one go.
. Surface is ready to use after 24 hours.
. Life of 10 years upwards is expected, depending on the wear of the surface.

An easy solution to a nagging problem.

Available in store now, at

Shree Venkateshwara Traders
712, Modi Hospital Road,
West of Chord Road, Mahalaxmipuram
Bangalore 560086

9036092531 - Namit Bhulani
080 - 23592523 - Landline

venkateshwara.traders@gmail.com

How to Enhance the Look and Seal Pores of Natural Stones

Printed tiles, textured tiles, theme tiles, vitrified and glazed tiles are all the rage, but nothing can beat the depth, the vivid colours and texture of natural stones. Natural stones have been the building blocks of our society right from Roman Travatine to our very own Kadapa Kal. They give us a glimpse into our history and a sense of luxury at the same time.

Now that we have invested our lakhs into these stones are we doing them justice? Have we maintained them so that they can shine out in their true splendor? Has your stone lost the lusture it used to have? If the answer is No....  well look no further for a solution.

The Problem

Natural Stones are porous and have capillaries that run through out them, thus making them act like sponges. They soak up liquids such as water, oil and other liquids such as coffee, wine etc.. leaving a permanent stain which cannot be removed.

The Solution 

Stone Sealers. They are usually Silane based, PU based or Acrylic based. Not only do they seal the pores in natural stones, but some sealers (PU based and acrylic based) also enhance the colour of the stones, giving them a "wet look" or an "aged look".

Application

. Make sure the surface to be treated is clean and dry. The surface can be a polished stone surface or a raw stone surface.
. With a clean Rag, apply the sealer on to the surface.
. After about 2-5mins, wipe off the excess sealer deposited onto the surface with a dry rag.
. Leave for about 24-48 hours.
. The stone is ready for use.

As simple as that. No more oil and water stains on your expensive stone.  

Products

. Tenax Ager

 . Tenax Hydrex

 

. Stone Treat Wet Look Sealer.

Above products available in store now, at

Shree Venkateshwara Traders
712, Modi Hospital Road,
West of Chord Road, Mahalaxmipuram
Bangalore 560086

9036092531 - Namit Bhulani
080 - 23592523 - Landline

venkateshwara.traders@gmail.com

How to Waterproof your Terrace Garden

A terrace garden can be a refreshing getaway in a busy urban life. Waterproofing a terrace garden keeps away leaks and stops roots from growing into the roof slab, so that you enjoy years of beautiful blooms.

In order to do so we need a coating that
1. forms a waterproof barrier
2. Is flexible so as to accomodate movements in the roof slab and construction joints.
3. Forms a physical barrier to roots of plants.
4. Should be UV resistant as the terrace will be exposed to sunlight.

Sika's anti-root waterproof system for terrace gardens.

In the system shown in the above diagram, a PU based waterproof coating has been used which is overlayed with a water reduced cement concrete screed, protected by a UV resistant acrylic polymer modified cementitious(APMC) coating.

1. The PU coating provides a flexible waterproof coating.
2. The concrete screed does not allow roots to penetrate the roof slab.
3. The APMC Coating provides UV stability and also keeps the concrete screed waterproof.

Let us see the application procedure.

Application 

. The terrace slab is prepared so that there are no loose debris, cracks, potholes or fungal/algal formation on the slab. Methods such as wire brushing can be used to remove any organic growth on the slab. Slab repairs can be taken up using a polymer modified cement mortar.
. Once a sound surface is obtained, brush apply a coat of specified primer.
. Brush apply 2 coats of the PU based waterproof coating on the slab and upto the full height of the parapet walls with sufficient time between coats to allow for curing.
. Create a bond coat slurry by mixing sbr latex, water and cement in the proportion of 1:4:8 by volume.
. Apply the bond coat onto the cured PU waterproof coating. Once the coat is tacky, in about 30 to 45 mins, the screed concrete can be layed on top.
. For the screed concrete, a dry mix of cement, sand and aggregate is first prepared in the proportion of 1:2:3 by volume.
. A maximum of 23ltr of water should be added per 50Kg bag of cement. A water-reducing admixture in the proportion of 100ml-200ml (depending on the product used) per 50kg bag of cement should be added to the water.
. Add the water to the concrete mix and prepare the screed concrete.
. The screed concrete is spread onto the still tacky bond slurry making sure to provide slopes towards the water outlets.
. The screed is water cured for 2-3 days.
. Once cured, a acrylic polymer modified cementitious coating that is UV resistant is applied on top of the screed upto the level of soil contact with the slab and parapet walls.
. Cure the coating with water for 2-3 days.
. Over the coating, it is recommended to lay a geotextile fabric and spread loose gravel and silica sand on top of it. A uniform grill which will hold the soil and allow water to drain away should be laid on top of the gravel.

The soil can now be laid for that flower bed.

Products 

Products available for the above system at our store 

Shree Venkateshwara Traders, Modi Hospital Road, Bangalore are :

PU Coating

.Sikalastic 450I

Primer

. Sikalastic 450I Primer

Water Reducing Admixture

. Sikacim

. Dr. Fixit Pidiproof LW+

. Roff Hyproof

SBR Latex

. Sika Latex Power

. Pidicrete URP

Acrylic polymer modified cementitious coating

. Sika Topseal 109hi

. Dr. Fixit Fastflex

Above products Available in store now, at

Shree Venkateshwara Traders
712, Modi Hospital Road,
West of Chord Road, Mahalaxmipuram
Bangalore 560086

9036092531 - Namit Bhulani
080 - 23592523 - Landline

venkateshwara.traders@gmail.com

Water Based PU Finishes for Wood

We all need a cleaner environment and water based variants in paints are definitely a step toward this. Water based products such as water based polyurethane for wood are eco-friendly in that they have very low percentages of volatile organic compounds. Not only are these products environmentally responsible, projects can also be turned around faster. Water based systems have faster drying times and are easier to apply - They need not be sprayed. No solvents required, only water is required for thinning and cleaning - thus posing a very low health hazard to applicators. Polyurethane has the property of having good abrasion resistance, good UV stability and creates an impermeable water barrier. Too good to be true? Well the future of paints is here - water based polyurethane coatings for wood. Excellent for outdoor wood and indoor furniture.

The finish of these products is pleasing to the eye and the matt finish is soft to the touch. It gives the wood a natural, well finished and rounded look. 

 Let us look at the application procedure for Water Based Polyurethane products :

Materials

. Random Orbital Sander
. Velcro Discs for Orbital Sanders 5" or 6" - Open coated type - Grits 120, 150, 180, 220
. Sheets for Hand Sanding - Open coated type - Grits 120, 150, 180, 220
. Scotch Brite Hand Pads or Steel Wool.
. Brush 2", 3"
. Felt Roller 4"
. Putty Knives 2", 3", 4"
. Dent Filler
. Wood Filler
. Water Based Polyurethane Base Coat
. Water Based Polyurethane Top Coat - Matt or Glossy.
. Clean potable water.

Application
. Sand the veneer/wood along the grain with papers of grit 120/150. An orbital sanding machine can also be used with the same grits.
. For woods with carving or grooves, Scotch Brite Handpads or Steel Wool must be used for sanding.
. Brush on a coat of wood preservative along the grains for exterior woods and allow to dry for 3-4 hours.
. If the wood has been polished previously using traditional Spirit based polish, apply a coat of wood filler using a putty knife or muslin cloth after sanding and wood preservative application. Allow to dry for 3-4 hours.
. Using a dent filler, fill major dents and imperfections using a putty knife.
. Apply the 1st coat of interior/exterior sealer by spray, brush or roller depending on the depth of the grains, along the grain. For 2K systems, the hardner has to be mixed in the given proportion - Be sure to allow for sufficient maturation time and to use the material within the given pot life. Dilution of up to 10% is allowed using clean water.
. Allow to dry for 4-5 hours.
. Sand the 1st coat using 180/220 grit sand paper. A white powder as a result of sanding is an indication of successful application and curing of sealer.
. Apply a 2nd coat of sealer and repeat the process followed for the 1st coat.
. Once sealer coats are completed, apply 1st coat of topcoat matt or glossy by spray or roller. For 2K systems, the same precautions apply. Dilution of upto 10% is allowed using clean water.
. Apply a 2nd top coat after 5-6 hours.
. Buffing operations can be taken up for glossy topcoats after about 12 hours and within 4 days from the time of application of the 2nd topcoat.


We have well preserved wood with excellent aesthetics, Eco-friendly too!!!!

Let us look at some products which are already available at our store.

Asian Paints Aquadur PU

Aquadur Interior

Aquadur is available in interior and exterior variants.
. Low VOC.
. Child safe.
. Can be brush, roller or spray applied.
. The Aquadur range consists of products such as wood preservatives, wood fillers, dent fillers, wood stains, sealer and top coat.
. Top coat is available in the options of gloss and matt finishes.
. Single component, no need of adding hardner seperately.

MRF Aquacoat 1K and 2K

MRF Aquacoat 2K

. Interior variant available in single pack system(1K);
 exterior variant in 2 pack system(2K).
. Low VOC.
. Solvent free.
. Child safe.
. Can be brush roller or spray applied.
. Sealer is available in 1K and 2K systems.
. 2K system gives an extremely hard film.
. Matt and Glossy finishes.





Available in store now, at

Shree Venkateshwara Traders
712, Modi Hospital Road,
West of Chord Road, Mahalaxmipuram
Bangalore 560086

9036092531 - Namit Bhulani
080 - 23592523 - Landline

venkateshwara.traders@gmail.com

Shop online @ www.paintnhardware.com

Why are there termites in my furniture?

Termites infest places which are
1. Damp and
2. Have no air circulation.

Cabinets and cupboards are usually closed, so there is not much air circulation, but more importantly there could be dampness inside your furniture. The wood work maybe in contact with walls or other masonry which have a water seepage/leakage problem. This moisture gets transferred to your furniture, which is why you have termites.

Usually when you are able to see the infestation of termites, its already too late. The furniture would have already be eaten away and the wood would have lost its strength.

So, when you are making new furniture or just replacing the boards of your termite infested one, make sure you stop the leakage in your walls before you do so.

The below post has information on how to water proof your internal walls from external dampness :
How to protect your interior wall surfaces from external dampness

Asian Paints PU Pallette - Pigmented PU for wood and metal

An exciting new addition to our range of products for wood and metal finishes is the Asian Paints PU Pallette.

A modular kitchen painted with PU Pallette high gloss finish.

The pallette offers an opaque polyurethane (PU) finish which is far superior than commonly
used finishes such as enamels, NC based lacquers and laminates. It offers the following advantages:
1. A hard film, which makes the product both scratch Resistant and water proof, thus protecting your wood and metal furniture and fabrication.
2. The finish is non yellowing; The colour does not vary with age.
3. Quick drying; Faster turn around times.
4. For metal surfaces, it provides an anti corrosive barrier.
5. Available in solid and metallic shades.
6. Available in Satin and High gloss finishes in a wide range of colours that can be made to order at our store.
7. Unlike other polyurethane metallic finishes,  the PU Pallette metallic finishes do not require a separate top coat.
8. Easy to apply, does not require a new skill set. A person skilled in spray paints is completely competent to use this product.

Application

Kids room furniture painted with vibrant shades.

. Prepare the wood surface by first sanding by sand paper of 120/150 grit.

. Sand the surface subsequently using 220/320 grit papers.

. Apply a coat of Asian Paints PU Surfacer white by spray on entire surface.

. Allow to dry and cure for 6hrs.

. Apply a coat of NC Putty to level the surface. Allow to dry for 6hrs.

. Wet Sand the putty using paper of grit 220/320.

. Wipe the surface clean. Check for imperfections. Touch up using NC Putty.

. Repeat the sanding for the putty.

. Spray apply another coat of PU Surfacer white. Allow to dry for 6hrs.

. Apply first coat of PU top coat gloss, satin or metallic.

. Allow to dry for 6hrs.

. Apply second coat and allow to dry for 6hrs.

. In case of gloss and metallic finishes, rubbing compounds can be used to further buff the finish.

Available in store now.

For queries and orders

9036092531 Namit Bhulani
080-23592523 Landline
venkateshwara.traders@gmail.com

Shree Venkateshwara Traders
712 , Modi Hospital Road,
West of Chord Road
Bangalore 560086

Value of Wood Finishes

Wood is used for its strength, ease of use and aesthetics. Two conditions influence the life of wood: weathering and decay. 

Weathering 

Weathering is erosion from sun, wind and debris, and moisture. If wood is not protected by paint or stain, the weathering process removes about ¼ inch of wood per century from softwoods on vertical exposures; even more wood is eroded in severe exposures.

The first step to prevent weathering is to block the sunlight. Finishes differ in their ability to protect wood from the sun. Paints can block sunlight completely, but they can trap moisture and encourage decay. Semitransparent stains are the next best way to block sunlight, followed by water-repellent preservatives, especially those that contain ultraviolet (UV) light inhibitors.

Decay

The other major service-life concern is decay (rot). Because outdoor wood is exposed to moisture, it is subject to decay. Decay, or rot, occurs due to the growth of specific fungi which feed on the fibres in the wood. Exposure to fungal spores that develop into fungi cannot be avoided as the spores are found everywhere. These spores will germinate and grow if the following four requirements are present:

. oxygen
. mild temperatures
. moisture, and
. suitable food (the wood).

For exposed wood structures, control over oxygen and temperature is not possible. However, control over moisture is possible. Eliminating this requirement will eliminate the potential for fungal growth and decay.

Protective Coatings 

One of the methods to eliminate moisture and ensure long life of wooden structures is to use protective coatings. Protective coatings for wood are used

. to enhance appearance

. to minimize ultraviolet degradation, and
. to protect against moisture exposure and fungal degradation.

Wood used in exterior applications needs to be protected and maintained periodically for a long life. As a general rule, recoating should be done when the previous finish is just beginning to show signs of aging, and before it loses its ability to protect the component.

A list of popularly used coatings for wood is below, graded by quality from low to high:

. Enamels - Solvent based

. Enamels - Water based

. Alkyd based coatings 

. Nitro-Cellulose Lacquers

. Epoxy Coatings

. Poly Urethane coatings(PU)

. Polyester coatings
 
Below is a table comparing a few of the wood finishes.

Why PU over other wood finishes.

Using quality fasteners

For any wooden structure to last, the joints have to be strong. Wood at joints are held in place using Fasteners. A good fastener not only guarantees strong and long lasting joints but also faster turn around times on projects. Fasteners such as 

. stainless steel nails 

. stainless steel screws and  

. galvanized nails 

 are recommended. 

These add only a fractional cost to a project when compared to lower quality products but turn out to be real money savers in the long term.

How to Protect Interior Wall Surfaces from External Dampness

Damp patches and fungal formation on interior walls? Paint flaking? Damp odour in your room? Its probably due to water leakage in your walls.

A simple procedure to arrest leaks from the inside is to provide a breathable water barrier. Breathable meaning that water vapour is allowed to pass through the barrier but liquid water is not. Any latent moisture in the walls is thus allowed to evaporate and any liquid water is blocked from entering beyond the barrier. 

Epoxy coatings are an excellent choice for the above. 

Materials required

. 2 part epoxy coating.

. White cement (for severe leaks)

. Wire brush, sand paper 80 grit.

. Putty knives

. Paint brush

Application

. Sand or wire brush the surface to remove all paint and loose materials, to expose the plaster.

. Slighty wet the surface with water.

• For normal leaks 

. Mix the 2 part epoxy thoroughly in its individual containers. 

. Now create a mix of the proportion 1 epoxy resin : 1 epoxy hardner : 1 part water. Mix thoroughly to gain a uniform consistency.  Note that the thus created mix should be consumed within an hour.

. Apply the first coat of this mix with a brush on the affected surface.

. After about 5-6 hours, create a second batch of the mix and apply the second coat in a direction perpendicular to the first coat.

. Allow the latent moisture to breathe out. The drying out time period can vary from 1 to 7 days.

. Normal paint and putty work can be undertaken after the drying out period.

• For severe leaks

. Mix the 2 part epoxy well in its individual containers.

. Now create a mix in the proportion of 1part epoxy hardner : 1 part epoxy resin : 4 part white  cement by weight. The thus created mix is an epoxy putty and must be consumed within an hour.

. Apply the epoxy putty using putty knives over the entire surface. 

. Allow to dry for 5-6 hours.

. Now create a fresh batch in the proportion of 1 part epoxy hardner : 1 part epoxy resin : 1 part water and apply using a paint brush over the entire surface. 

. Allow the latent moisture to breathe out. The drying out time period can vary from 1 to 7 days. 

. Normal paint and putty work can be undertaken after the drying out period. 

No more leaks!