KF-A

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

*For batches under 100 lbs: KF-A is dosed by 1 lb KF-A for every 40 lbs of cement.
Ambient temperature of application: -4F to +104F [-22C to +40C] - no isolation or curing needed.

APPLICATION TYPE KF-A DOSE CONCRETE BATCH size
(lbs/cu. yd of concrete batch) (1 cu. yd)
REGULAR MIX
Flatworks, medium and light 8.5 lbs/cu. yd = 0.3 lb/cu. ft 1 cu. yd
traffic floors 5 kg/m3
PRECAST MIX
Precast, liquid/gas containing 13 lbs/cu. yd = 0.5 lb/cu. ft 1 cu. yd
structures, high traffic floors 7.5 kg/m 3

Mortars:
PLASTER, STUCCO, GUNITE & 17 lbs/cu. yd = 0.6 lb/cu. ft 1 cu. yd
SHOTCRETE MIXES or 2 lbs per every 100 lbs of cement

10 kg/m3
or 2 kg per every 100 kg cement

1. Shake the bag back and forth or mix for 2 minutes in a mixer to re-distribute the contents, which can
settle during transportation. Take scoops from the center of the batch.

2. DO NOT DISSOLVE KF-A WITH WATER. Always add only as a dry powder into the batch. DO NOT
apply any other chemicals or supplementary materials.
For best results:
1) mix all of the dry batch ingredients (sand, cement, KF-A, aggregates, etc) first for 2-3 minutes.
2) Add water and mix for 5-7 minutes.
The first few rotations of the mixer could be hard, but dont add more water - just keep mixing. If after
7 minutes of mixing the batch is still stiff, add 4 oz water per cu. yd (2 Liters/m3) and mix for another 5-
7 minutes.

MIX POT LIFE: Concrete with KF-A can be mixed for up to 5 hours without any loss of quality or
workability. Dont stop mixing until application is complete.

SLUMP: 2 " to 3 " (6 cm to 9 cm). At this slump the mixture can be pumped over 150' (45 meters).

Water/Cement ratio: 0.38 to 0.42 [Divide weight of water by the weight of cement to get the W/C]
DO NOT CURE! Do not spray water on fresh concrete surface with KF-A. Do not cover with any
films, blankets or hydro-isolation membranes.

SAFETY
Operation with KF-A is similar to other cement mixing jobs. Always use an approved particle
respirator and rubber gloves. In case KF-A gets in contact with the eyes or skin, rinse and wash
abundantly with water. Do not ingest or inhale - contains silica sand and cement. KF-A is non-
hazardous, non-flammable, and non-explosive for application, transportation, and storage.

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Recommendations:

DO NOT add any other admixtures, such as plasticizers, set retarders, Silica Fume, etc. They may
cause workability issues. Silica Fume will turn the mixture to a clay-like consistency.
OK to add aggregates such as glass, marble, stone, powdered quartz, etc. Very fine aggregates
such as powdered stone may require a higher w/c, as they absorb more batch water.
White cements will cause the mixture to go into initial set more quickly.
OK to add: fibers, (PVC fiber such as UltraFiber 500), pigments (preferably oxide based), play
sand, gypsum, fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, air entraining and foaming agents.
DO NOT CURE! Do not spray water on freshly placed concrete with KF-A or cover it with films,
blankets or isolation membranes. Curing with water may be necessary only at temperatures
above 104 F. Ambient temperature of application is -4F to +104F
Do not apply densifying toppings. Surface can be polished with wetted trowel, but do not spray
water directly on the surface.
DO NOT dissolve the KF-A powder with water before adding it to the batch! It will react with
itself in the water and become inactive. Just add the dry powder to the batch at any mixing
stage.
Appearance of the creamy effect indicates that KF-A is working. The batch will become visibly
smooth and flow easily.

For casting: wet the mold surfaces lightly with water or apply graphite powder, but don't use form oils.
For application onto existing concrete as an overlay/repair layer: Prepare the surface by hosing it
down with water so the concrete is well soaked and clean. Any extensive areas with paint, oil or epoxy
should be removed. Wait for the surface to dry naturally for at least 45 minutes before application of
concrete with KF-A.

OK to add Avoid these

Cement - any kind Silica fume
Quartz, Powdered Quartz, Granite, Marble Set Retarders
Fibers Water reducers / Plasticizers
Pumice, Foaming Agents, Perlite, Oil-based mold release agents
Vermiculite
Air entraining agents
Sand, Play sand, Concrete Sand Metal fibers should not be used in KF-
Gypsum A plaster and stucco mixes as they can
Fly Ash, Slag tear through the stucco coat.

Pigment - it recommended to use oxide- Fly Ash - it can be added, but it is not
based pigments following the usual necessary. Fly ash in a KF-A mix can be
pigment/cement ratios entirely replaced by fine aggregates.

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PRECAST STONE VENEER

Ingredients No pigment Blend Color Blend NOTICE
Lbs CF Lbs CF Do n ot apply any other admixtures,
Cement Type I 282 1.43 241 1.22 liquids or powdered materials.

Cement Type III none 41 0.28 Colton White Cement, Type III
Pumice Aggregate 620 7.44 620 7.44
Water 14.4 Gal 120 1.92 120 1.92
KALMATRON KF-A 6 0.06 6 0.60
Pigments none Yellow 2.18 lbs
Brown 1.44 lbs
Black 0.72 l bs

Total 1,028 10.85 1,028 11.46

lbs
Unit Weight 94.75 Lbs/CF 89.70 Lbs/CF


DOSE
1. Use shown dosage of KF-A per batch.
KF-A should be added into the mixer dry - do not dissolve KF-A with water before
adding to batch!

NON-PIGMENTED & COLOR BLENDS

1. W/C = 0.389 - 0.424

MIX PREPARATION & CASTING

1. Load all the dry ingredients into the mixer and mix them dry for 1 minute.
2. Add water, mix for 30 seconds, then add KF-A and mix the whole batch for 5 to 7
minutes. If mix is stiff after the first 7 minutes of mixing, add 6 oz of water per cu ft and
mix for an additional 5 minutes to evaluate workability.
3. When vibration is needed, provide it for a time enough for casting only. Do not vibrate
longer.

EXPECTED RESULTS
1. Exothermic heat is lower by 30% to 50%.
2. No shrinkage cracks, bubbling, flakes, efflorescence, or discoloration.
3. Water impermeability of veneer stone layer at thick is 100%.
4. Yield of mixed batch is higher by 8% to 14%.
5. Highest resistance to chemical and climate corrosion
6. Curing is not necessary under regular environmental conditions.

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 HIGH DENSITY COUNTERTOPS
Mix design is based on 80 Liter mixer or 2.82 CF.

Material Kg m3 Lbs CF Notices

Portland Cement 25 .00790 42 .2133 Any available type Gray or White

Aggregate 1/16 1/8 17 .00640 29 .1036 Varies with glass, marble, etc. 1.5 - 3 mm

Sand # 60 48 .01789 81 .4840 Could be mixed with #16 as 50/50

Water 8.5 .00851 13.9 .2318 W/C = 0.33

KALMATRON KF-A 1.5 .00093 2.5 .0254 OR: K1OO by 10 OZ/100 Lbs of cement

Total: 100 0.0416 168.5 1.06 Unit Weight: 159 Lbs/CY or 2,400 Kg/m3

BATCH INSTALLATION
DOSAGE
1. Use shown dosage of KF-A per batch.
2. Do not add any other admixtures or supplementary materials.
3. Do not dissolve KF-A with water before application into mix.
4. Apply shown amount of water to obtain recommended water to cement ratio of 0.33.
5. Mix for 5 to 7 minutes until concrete batch becomes workable.
6.
W/C RATIO
4. If the mix is still stiff, add 6 oz of water per cu ft and mix it for another 5 minutes.
5. Slump should be at 1 to 2, which creates a creamy concrete batch.
6.
CURING
1. Do not spray water or curing compounds onto the concrete surface.
2. Curing of concrete is not required.
VERSATILITY
Shown are the basic ratios of the batch. Pigments, glass, marble, stone, glass fibers, PVA fibers, pumice, etc.,
could be added to get the desirable color and texture. Please do not use any other admixtures. Especially,
avoid Silica Fume, oily additives, set retarders or set accelerators.

FOR FINISHING/PINHOLE FILLING
For finishing jobs, blend any cement (50%), sand (40%), and KF-A (10%) by weight.
Mix 3 parts of this blend with 1 part water, by volume.
The amount of water can be varied by 1/6 part for better workability.
Apply the slurry onto the surface to fill up any gaps or pin holes.


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KF-A for SCULPTURES

High density, corrosion resistant material for architectural details, sculptures, tiles, ornaments, moldings, etc.
Strength close to that of ceramic, high density and abrasion resistance. Natural stone/ceramic-like surface
quality.
Materials Lbs Notes
1
Portland Cement type III 20 Cement type III, such as "Colton
White"
Gypsum 2.25 Increases strength
Methyl Cellulose 0.05 Increases viscosity, a fine binder
KF-A 1 Do not dissolve KF-A with water
before adding to batch
2
Coarse Sand #16 40 Coarse Filler
Fine Sand #30 36.7 Fine Filler

Water 7.25 W/C = 0.310

TOTAL: 107.25 lbs Density: 145 lb/ft3 = 2330 Kg/m3

1
If using White OPC type I or II, use 23 lbs.
2
If using White OPC type I or II, use only 37 lbs Sand #16.

BATCH INSTALLATION

BATCH PREPARATION
1. Prepare a dry batch no smaller than 20 lbs and mix all the dry materials thoroughly.
2. Do not use any other admixtures or supplementary materials.
3. Pigments, if any are required, should be applied in accordance with the pigment
supplier's instructions. Iron oxide pigments will work the best for this mix.
4. Place dry mix into a container and add water. Mix for 5-7 minutes. Avoid adding extra
water during the first 5-7 minutes.
5. If the batch is still stiff after 7 minutes, add 2 ounces of water per every 100 lb of the
batch.
6. Continue mixing during the entire application - do not stop the mixer.
7. Slump: 2" up to 3".
8. Batch will be sticky and heavy. The more water, the worse the results. Rely on hard
mixing - a tough, "cookie dough" consistency.
9. For molds, apply graphite powder or lime-water paste to the mold, but avoid form
oils.
10. For polishing, apply emulsions or thin paste without coarse inclusions.
11. Do not cure. Do not spray water and do not use any curing compounds.
12. The surface can be finished/polished with a wet trowel. Do not cover with any films
or blankets.

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 KF-A for THIN FLOOR OVERLAY

Self leveling Mix
for the RESTORATION OF CONCRETE FLOORS

Materials Lbs Notes

Cement 38 OPC cement type I, II or II-V,
Gray or White (not type III)
Sand 1.0 mm 42.5 Avoid fine grade - mesh #30
(mesh #30 up to mesh #18) minimum, not finer
Water - 1.74 Gallons 14.5 W/C = 0.38
KF-A 5 Do not dissolve KF-A with water
before adding to batch
TOTAL: 100 lbs Density: 133 lbs/ft3

BATCH INSTALLATION

BATCH PREPARATION
13. Prepare a batch no smaller than 20 lbs to cover about 24 sq. ft (at a layer thickness of
0.08").
14. For small batches, use an electric drill mixer.
15. Mix for 1 minute or longer, until the batch has a slurry-like consistency.
16. If after 5-7 minutes the batch is still stiff, add 8 ounces of water for every 100 lb of the batch,
and mix for another 1 minutes.
17. Continue mixing during application - do not stop mixer.

CONCRETE SURFACE PREPARATION

1. Wash the concrete surface with water to remove any loose dirt/material.
2. Allow the surface to dry for about 45 minutes before application.

INSTALLATION
1. Pour slurry onto the floor from a height of 1.5 ft for self-leveling.
2. Spread the layer to a thickness of 0.08" (2 mm).
3. Using a hard brush or trowel, apply some pressure onto the concrete floor.
4. After application, do not provide curing, and do not use any curing compounds.
5. Do not cover fresh layer with any films or blankets.
6. Avoid drafts from doors and windows for first 4 hours after application.

YouTube Video of SLC application: https://youtu.be/SXFsC8b4eT0

Please search for: "Kalmatron Self Leveling Mix for Concrete Floors"

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KF-A for STUCCO & PLASTER

KF-A for STUCCO - NO SCRATCH & BROWN COATS NEEDED!

Breathable, 100% waterproof stucco
Ready for painting on the 4th day after application
Only a single-layer stucco application is needed
No time-consuming scratch and brown coats
High adhesion, no sliding
Initial setting time is 4-6 hours
No curing is needed in temperatures up to 104 F

The creamy effect of KF-A on concrete batch - the batch flow is smooth, with high workability



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 DRIVEWAYS, ROADS, PAVEMENTS & FLOORS

SHIELDCRETE - Mix design for High Strength Concrete for high traffic areas
1. Clean the surface by washing it with water; remove any loose materials, paint or oil spots.
2. Let the surface dry for at least 45 minutes, until there is no water left standing on the surface. Apply
SHIELDCRETE after 45 minutes, with layer thickness starting from " up to 2" or thicker.
3. Do not cure.
SHIELDCRETE MIX DESIGN
Mass Volume NOTES:
minimal thickness of the
Material layer is " or 20 mm.
Lbs Kg CF m3
1 Kg/m3 = 0.0623 Lbs/CF

Ordinary Portland Cement 345 205 1.75 0.065

Pea Gravel 780 465 5.31 0.184 4 mm 6.0 mm

Coarse Sand #16 600 362 4.29 0.156

100
Kalmatron KF-A 7 4.25 0.071 0.00279 Or K by 37 OZ = 1 Liter

Water 159 96 2.65 0.0924 W/C = 0.468

3
Total 1,891 1132.25 14.07 0.500 D = 134 LB/CF o r 2265 Kg/m

SHIELDCRETE BATCH INSTALLATION

18. Batch must be no smaller than 200 lbs (91 Kg).
19. Turn on mixer for 3 minutes.
20. In a case of the batch stiffness do not add water. Continue mixing for another 2 minutes.
21. Continue mixing during application. Do not stop mixer.
22. Vibrate until coarse aggregate appears on the surface.
ESSENTIALS:
7. After application, do not provide curing and do not use any curing compounds.
8. Do not cover fresh SHIELDCRETE with any films or blankets and do not spray water onto the
surface.
9. Expected results: - Compressive Strength at 50 MPa
- Tensile Strength at 8 MPa
- Water impermeability at W12

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Frequently asked questions:

1) The slump is very low - will the mix workability be lower as a result?
No. Slump in a KF-A mix should be 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches, no higher. At this slump the mix can be
pumped over 150 feet.

2) What will happen if I add Silica Fume?
The mixture will thicken to a clay-like state, with a loss of workability.

3) What about using retarders with KF-A? Can the process of curing be slowed down?
Technically, retarders are compatible with KF-A. However, it's better to use less cement and more
water, which will increase hardening time without causing any harm to the concrete.

4) Why is the dose of KF-A smaller for large batches and bigger for small batches?
The recommended dose of KF-A for batches under 100 lbs is 1 lb up to 2.5 lb of KF-A for every 40 lbs
of cement. The amount of KF-A is increased to ensure a complete reaction with the cement in a small
batch volume.

5) What happens if too much KF-A admixture is used?
"Overdosing" will cause batch stiffness and complicate workability, but compressive strength, density,
resistance to aggressive mediums, impermeability, etc. will be close to that of natural rock. So, just add
a reasonable amount of water to avoid batch stiffness and the concrete batch will perform like HPC
again.

6) If concrete driveways were poured side-by-side, one with KALMATRON KF-A and one
without, would they be the same color and shade?
The concrete with KF-A will be darker by 1/16 to 1/8 of a shade or so, since there is no lime-calcite
exposure.

7) Does KALMATRON KF-A decrease the drying time?
Yes, it does because there is no water bleeding on the surface. It saves time on concrete hardening
without shrinkage and without defects such as cracking and slab curling.

8) How can dust on colors be used with KF-A? ("Dust on colors" are absorbed by the bleed
water). Since there is no bleed water, how can the color be added to the top layer of the
concrete? (when coloring the entire slab would be too expensive with liquid colors.)
Spray the slab with water before dry-shake application. Or, apply a solution of pigment and water onto
the fresh concrete surface. Polish the pigment solution onto the surface and it will give it stable
coloration.

9) How does KF-A react to ferrous materials such as copper? For example, if a swimming pool is
grounded with copper wire, would KF-A affect the grounding effect?
The usual cathodeanode catalyses between metal and concrete will be reduced significantly by KF-
A. KF-A will bring electric corrosion resistance to any metal by visible film-oxide.

10) Can an acid wash be used as a finish on the pool deck? Since KF-A is resistant/impervious to
acids, how could this be achieved?

Acid wash is needed to remove free lime from the concrete surface. There is no free lime on the surface
of concrete with KALMATRON KF-A, so acid wash is not needed.
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Packaging options - 10 lb, 20 lb, 30 lb, and 50 lb plastic bags.
We ship within the US and worldwide.
Sold in individual bags and in bulk (64 bags per pallet). Volume discounts are applied.

Kalmatron Corporation
276 Michelle Court South
San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
Questions or Comments? Please contact us:
Contact us: Email: helen@kalmatron.com Cell: (415) 385-3290


Other Kalmatron Products:

K100 - The liquid version of KF-A. K100 has all of the benefits of KF-A, and can also
be used with unwashed salt sand and aggregates.

KF-B - Waterproofing, corrosion and mildew resistant coating, ideal for constantly damp
environments like elevator pits, basements, garages, underground tanks and storage rooms.
KF-B is a one-component, cold-applied mortar. It is safe and simple to use (no special tools or
equipment is needed, just mix the powder with water) and it is 100% waterproof. Usually, KF-
B is applied by a metal trowel or roller directly onto the wet surface, with no need to dry it
before application.

KF-C - Fast-setting, leak stopping patching material. Just mix KF-C powder with water and
apply by hand, trowel or spray gun. Instantly stops even high pressure leaks. KF-C can also
be used for patching leaks underwater.

PATCHCRETE - Ready Mix overlay with no shrinkage and no cracking. Apply it over
concrete or asphalt - no priming needed, just wash the surface with water and allow to dry
for 45 minutes before Patchcrete application. High adhesion, no cracks, very durable under
regular and industrial traffic. Please visit www.drivewayoverlay.com for more information!

KF-G - Heals shrinkage cracks and provides surface waterproofing.

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