FC - Trowel X Base & L (ENG)
Craftsman Guide / Floor Systems Forcrete — Trowel X (Base & L). Complete guide for preparation, pigmentation, mechanical application, and finishing of Trowel X Base and Trowel X L.. 💡 About Trowel X:…
Updated
by tomas martinsson
Craftsman Guide / Floor Systems
Forcrete — Trowel X (Base & L)
Complete guide for preparation, pigmentation, mechanical application, and finishing of Trowel X Base and Trowel X L.
💡 About Trowel X:
Trowel X is a machine-worked microcement system designed to deliver an exceptionally hard and smooth surface with a dynamic, industrial concrete aesthetic. The system is worked using a professional power trowel/burnishing machine (e.g., Rokamat) to compact the mass, embed the aggregate grains, and achieve the correct final finish.
Trowel X is a machine-worked microcement system designed to deliver an exceptionally hard and smooth surface with a dynamic, industrial concrete aesthetic. The system is worked using a professional power trowel/burnishing machine (e.g., Rokamat) to compact the mass, embed the aggregate grains, and achieve the correct final finish.
📱 Coverage & Mixing Ratio:
• Mixing Ratio (A : B): 92 : 8 (92 parts Component A to 8 parts Component B).
• Trowel X Base: approx. 600–700 g/m² (troweled solid to the thickness of the aggregate).
• Trowel X L: approx. 566–600 g/m² (troweled extremely thinly in irregular patches/islands).
Always use the app for exact pigment quantities and material calculations tailored to your project.
• Mixing Ratio (A : B): 92 : 8 (92 parts Component A to 8 parts Component B).
• Trowel X Base: approx. 600–700 g/m² (troweled solid to the thickness of the aggregate).
• Trowel X L: approx. 566–600 g/m² (troweled extremely thinly in irregular patches/islands).
Always use the app for exact pigment quantities and material calculations tailored to your project.
⚠️ Important Information Before Starting:
• Working Temperature: Material, substrate, and room air must be between +5 °C and +25 °C.
• Pre-Pigmentation: Pigment Component A at least 2 hours (120 minutes) prior to application.
• Hardener: Never add hardener in advance. The hardener is added only after the pigmented base has rested for at least 2 hours.
• Pot Life / Working Time: Approximately 40–60 minutes after incorporating the hardener (Component B).
• Working Temperature: Material, substrate, and room air must be between +5 °C and +25 °C.
• Pre-Pigmentation: Pigment Component A at least 2 hours (120 minutes) prior to application.
• Hardener: Never add hardener in advance. The hardener is added only after the pigmented base has rested for at least 2 hours.
• Pot Life / Working Time: Approximately 40–60 minutes after incorporating the hardener (Component B).
1. Base Coats & System Selection
Before applying Trowel X, the substrate must be built up with an approved base coat. Select the guide below for your chosen system:
🗂️ Alternative Build-Up for Large, Flat Floor Surfaces:
For projects prioritizing speed and budget where minor structural movement is tolerated (e.g., retail spaces or offices with smooth concrete/self-leveling screed):
Workflow: Grind substrate → Forprime DPM + sand → Trowel X Base → Trowel X L → Final Sealing.
For projects prioritizing speed and budget where minor structural movement is tolerated (e.g., retail spaces or offices with smooth concrete/self-leveling screed):
Workflow: Grind substrate → Forprime DPM + sand → Trowel X Base → Trowel X L → Final Sealing.
2. Trowel X Base (Structural Layer 1)
1.
Before Starting: Verify that the base coat is completely dry. Sand the surface smooth using 40 grit or a 50 diamond pad (on Microbase XT) or a concrete grinder / 50 diamond pad (on Forprime HB). Sweep up and save any excess sand, then vacuum the surface thoroughly.
2.
Pre-Pigmentation (At least 2 hours before application): Weigh out pigment according to the app and dissolve it in approx. 200–300 g of clean water. Pour the pigment solution into Component A (9.2 kg bucket) and mix with a mechanical paddle mixer until smooth. Scrape the bottom and sides thoroughly and mix again. Note down the added water volume and color code directly on the bucket lid. Allow the material to rest for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight). Do not add the hardener yet!
3.
Add Hardener (Component B): Once the base has rested for at least 2 hours and you are ready to trowel: shake the Component B bottle thoroughly. Add the entire bottle (800 g to a 9.2 kg bucket) and mix with a paddle mixer for at least 3 minutes. Scrape the bucket bottom and sides thoroughly to ensure uniform blending.
4.
Add Remaining Water: Once the hardener is fully incorporated, add the remaining water up to a total of approx. 500 g of water per bucket (deducting the water used during pre-pigmentation). Mix thoroughly. The material is now ready for use.
5.
Troweling: Trowel Trowel X Base completely solid using a flexible steel trowel at an angle of roughly 45 degrees. Layer thickness should match the aggregate grain size (approx. 0.4–0.5 mm, coverage approx. 600–700 g/m²). A distinct scraping sound should be audible throughout application. Allow to cure overnight.
🛑 Critical Mixing Rule:
Always mix in the hardener (Component B) BEFORE adding the final water. If water is added before the hardener is thoroughly blended, it creates a high risk of uneven curing and color blotching.
Always mix in the hardener (Component B) BEFORE adding the final water. If water is added before the hardener is thoroughly blended, it creates a high risk of uneven curing and color blotching.
3. Trowel X L (Finish Layer with Power Trowel)
1.
Preparation: Sand the Trowel X Base coat using a 50 diamond pad or 100 resin pad (which has been broken in against a base coat first). Sand corners and edges by hand or with an edge sander. Vacuum the floor thoroughly and mask the bottom of walls against splashes.
2.
Pre-Pigmentation (At least 2 hours before application): Weigh out pigment according to the app and dissolve it in approx. 100–150 g clean water. Mix the solution into Component A (4.6 kg bucket) with a paddle mixer until homogeneous. Note the water volume on the bucket lid and let rest for at least 2 hours prior to hardening. Do not add the hardener yet!
3.
Add Hardener (Component B): Shake the Component B bottle thoroughly. Add Component B (400 g bottle to 4.6 kg bucket) and mix with a paddle mixer for at least 3 minutes. Scrape bottom and sides thoroughly.
4.
Add Remaining Water: Add remaining water up to a total of 200–220 g (max 250 g) per bucket and perform final mixing of the paste.
5.
Troweling & Machine Operation: Trowel Trowel X L extremely thinly in small, irregular patches/islands across the floor (approx. 566–600 g/m²). Immediately run the power trowel/burnishing machine (Rokamat) over the surface to compress the grains and develop the industrial pattern.
⚠️ Water Volume in Trowel X L:
Exceeding recommended water amounts can cause blotching, drag streaks ("tigering"), and compromise the final finish. Never exceed 220–250 g of total water per bucket.
Exceeding recommended water amounts can cause blotching, drag streaks ("tigering"), and compromise the final finish. Never exceed 220–250 g of total water per bucket.
4. Final Sanding & Sealing
Once Trowel X L has cured, sand the surface to your desired finish, vacuum thoroughly, and seal with topcoat (2–3 coats).
Day-by-Day Schedule
Standard System (With Base Coat):
Alternative: Direct on Smooth Substrate:
💡 Tip: Forprime DPM and Trowel X Base can be applied on the same day with a 6-hour interval. This shortens the alternative system timeline to just 3 days.
Next Steps
Proceed to relevant guides for substrates, primer selection, or pigmentation:
Instructions: Primer Selection ↗
Instructions: Mixing Instructions & Pigmentation ↗
Instructions: Apply on Screed/Concrete ↗
🛑 Safety & Protective Equipment:
• Wear nitrile rubber protective gloves during mixing and application.
• Wear safety glasses during mechanical paddle mixing and machine burnishing.
• Wear respiratory protection equipped with P2/P3 particulate filters during all sanding.
• Ensure good ventilation in the workspace and keep out of reach of children.
• Wear safety glasses during mechanical paddle mixing and machine burnishing.
• Wear respiratory protection equipped with P2/P3 particulate filters during all sanding.
• Ensure good ventilation in the workspace and keep out of reach of children.
⏱️ Curing Times & Load-Bearing:
• Foot Traffic / Light Use: after 24 hours.
• Furnishing & Full Load: no earlier than 5 days.
• Water & Cleaning Agents: no earlier than 7 days.
• Rugs & Protective Paper Covering: no earlier than 14 days.
• Foot Traffic / Light Use: after 24 hours.
• Furnishing & Full Load: no earlier than 5 days.
• Water & Cleaning Agents: no earlier than 7 days.
• Rugs & Protective Paper Covering: no earlier than 14 days.
Documents & Technical Data Sheets
📄 Data Sheets: Forcrete Trowel X
Technical data sheets and safety data sheets for Trowel X are coming soon. Contact Designcement for further information and documentation.
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