MaterialsA. Frontier Desert DeckB. White CementC. Marble Sand (clean, white, 20

mesh -or- pool plaster sand)

Special Tools &EquipmentA. Cantilever Flexible EdgerB. Foam Profile Edging Tool*C. Pool Plaster TrowelD. Dash Brush*E. Walking Trowel*F. Paddle Type Plaster Mixer

*These tools are available from your nearestStegmeier Dealer.

before placing the base concrete,the subsoil should be thoroughlydampened. This moisture allowsconcrete to set more uniformly bypreventing excessive water loss tothe subsoil.

Ordering theReadymixThe right concrete design:

1. 3,000 psi concrete, no fly ash(5 bag mix)

2. 6% air entrainment3. 4 to 4-1/2 inch slump

Instructions for Application of

FRONTIER DESERT DECK

PreparationsForming and grading should beprepared as for an ordinary broomfinish, allowing for proper drainage,etc. Since the finished FrontierDesert Deck (FDD) is very thin,pre-set expansion joints should beset flush with the top of the forms.Mask areas directly adjacent towork, as FDD is applied by dashingit on with a brush. Pay specialattention to aluminum because thecement in the FDD will corrodeand blacken it. It is a good practice,as with other concrete finishes, tohave formworkcompletely preparedand all materials and special tools atthe job site in advance. Immediately

Although this mix works well forother finishes (broomed concrete,etc.), this design provides especiallydesirable properties for FDD. Flyash is eliminated because this tendsto rise to the surface, producing aparting agent, unsuitable for FDDapplication. The addition of 6% airentrainment provides a uniformand predictable pour by trappingmoisture. This retained moisturestops water rise, eliminating hotspots and uneven suction. It alsohelps prevent shrinkage cracks onhot, dry or windy days.

A B

C

D

E

F

Placing theConcreteThere are a number of tools andcombinations of tools used inplacing concrete. We recommendusing the methods the contractorhas been most successful with in thepast, providing the concrete isplaced in a minimal amount oftime.

Preparing theBase Concrete forFrontier DesertDeckAfter the base concrete is placedand has set sufficiently to permitfinishing, it should be floated ortroweled to produce a true, evensurface. As the finished FDD isvery thin, care should be taken toavoid water holes and drainageproblems. Flaws in concrete placement and finish cannot be coveredwith FDD.

Coverage andGood MixingPracticeOne unit of FDD covers from 300to 400 sq. ft., depending on thedash man’s skills, concrete condition,and type of deck (cantilever orother). The proportions for mixingFDD are (1) unit FDD to (1) sackof white cement to (1) 100 lb. bagof white marble sand. Mixing isperformed in a paddle type mixeronly. Depending upon the size ofthe mixer used, it is often advisableto mix enough FDD to completethe entire slab at once. This practiceensures uniform color throughoutby eliminating the chance of errorcaused by a hastily prepared mix-ture. Avoid mixing partial batchesunless measured very carefully.

Brooming theBase ConcreteA broom finish should be appliedusing a wide nylon or cementfinisher’s broom. The broom shouldbe damp only and not wet, produc-ing a uniform, rough texture. Careshould be taken to broom all edges,leaving them with an open, coarsetexture, yet free of debris.Brooming is required for thefollowing reasons:

1. To ensure a mechanical bond.2. To break up any impurities in

the concrete that may haverisen to the surface.

Since FDD is applied while theconcrete is still damp, it attains achemical as well as a mechanicalbond.

8 a.m. Concrete is placed

1 p.m.

8 a.m. Concrete is placed

1 p.m.

Final Pass

Second Pass

First Pass

FDD Application begins*Coarse broom finish

Troweling begins

Brooming

FinishedTroweling*

Troweling begins

Fron

tier D

eser

t Dec

k

Broo

m Fi

nish

*Note crucial point inFDD application asopposed to broomfinished concrete

(Graphsindicate

approximatetiming)

Time ofApplicationFDD is applied when the concreteis set up enough to support the dashman’s weight, yet damp enough tocause moisture to come to thesurface when walked upon.

Application ofFrontier DesertDeckThe dash stroke is achieved byraising the brush shoulder height,bringing it forward (extending thearm completely) and snapping thewrist. This causes the material torain onto the concrete in a uniformpattern. The best texture is attainedwhen standing at least seven (7) feetfrom the area to be covered (whenpractical). The dash man shouldalways work with a full brush,laying even, parallel rows (approx.6 inches wide). The first dash stroke

MixingInstructionsBelt driven rental mixerUsing a paddle type mixer (wiperblades preferred), blend the marblesand, white cement and FDD witha tarp over the mixer to avoid loss ofmaterial for about 3 minutes.The FDD unit should be added last.Add 4-1/2 gallons of water at onetime to the paddle* side of the mixer.This will produce a thick paste consistency, mix until no smears of theFDD color are seen. Additional water is then added to produce a creamy, liquid state. This last stage ofmixing should be done by the dashman , as the final water contentdetermines the coverage and texture.-

Caution: It is very important to keepthe amount of water the same for each mix to avoid color variances(uneven color).

* the downward paddle stroke is opposite the pour spout.

applies the bulk of the material,overlapping slightly for completecoverage. The remaining material inthe brush is used to even-out thetexture of the work already dashed.

Because FDD is in a dry,powdered state, excessive drymixing would lose valuableadditives to the air, while mixingwet would cause FDD to float.Total water content (per unit)should not exceed 8 gallons. Ifadditional water is necessary,the sand is too fine. Caution:the use of sand other thanmarble sand will cause thefinished FDD to be hot.

Note the use of a tall bucket to relieve back strain.

Note sideways position of brush in dash man’shand.

TrowelingFrontier DesertDeckThe finished FDD should expose a50% flat-50% void surface. Thisflat-void pattern is achieved begin-ning with a very light troweling(which sets the initial pattern), and

The knolls produced with thispattern should be approximately3/16" in height. After the first fewdash strokes, the dash man maywant to add a little more water tothe mixer to achieve the desiredcoverage and texture (see diagram).In hot weather, additional heightmay be desired. This is done by re-dashing a slight amount of FDDonto the work before it has lost itsshiny appearance (water glaze). Theobject of this second dash is not toincrease the amount of material , butto make the material stand uphigher. Use the same dash strokedescribed above, but apply verylittle material.

progressing to a finishedtroweling (which producesa hard, dense surface).The First Pass begins as thedashed surface starts tolose its water glaze. Trow-eling may be done with apool plaster trowel orwalking trowel.

Hand Troweling: To set thepattern by hand, use a well-broken-in pool plastertrowel. The trowel shouldbe held flat, using a verylight hand.The Walking Trowel: Thistool consists of a wide,limber blade which attachesto extension handles. To set

the pattern, suspend the trowel overthe work and lower it until a slightamount of pressure is exerted.Always use a pulling motion. Thelimber blade follows the contour ofthe slab, producing a very light flat-void pattern. Although the walkingtrowel may be used on a verynarrow slab, it is especially usefulfor its speed and long reach.

Too much water:Pattern will notstand up

Not enough water:Does not flow

and/or cover wellProper balanceof water content

dashes easily dashes harder

The Second Pass follows closelybehind the first, finishing out thetexture set with the walking trowel.Holding the trowel flat, correct anyuneven pattern, while attaining thedesired 50-50 flat-void pattern.

The Final Pass is a sharp trowelingnecessary to clean away any “fussmarks” left from flat troweling.This process may involve a separatetroweling, but is often combinedwith the Second Pass in warmweather conditions.

Edging FrontierDesert DeckShould edging be desired, use a 1/2"tool for the base concrete and 3/8"tool for the FDD finish.

The Flat-VoidPatternAttractive and FunctionalSince the FDD mixture is very rich(approx. 1 part sand to 1 partcement), the 50-50 pattern is

necessary to control craze-cracking.With the proper finish, the flatsections can expand and contractfrom the void sections, whileattaining a hard, durable cementfinish.

Soft plastic bags allow the finisher to apply the final pass without leaving foot prints.

Application to a Cantilevered Deck

6. The flat-voidpattern can be pro-duced with a handtrowel as previouslydescribed, but shouldbe finished with aCantilever FlexibleEdger. This tool canbe made by cutting a4” x 6” piece ofplastic from a dis-carded bleach bottle(polyethelene) orlaminated plasticsheeting availablefrom copy stores.

5. The cantilever edge should be dashed one section ata time, just prior to dashing the top slab.

4. In the event that patching is required, use a smallamount of the FDD material. This material should betaken from the mixer before the final wetting-upprocess. The Foam Profile Edging Tools are available tomatch each Stegmeier deck form profile.

3. The cantilever form should be stripped at approx.the same time the brooming process is taking place.

2. While pouring the base slab, care should be taken topat or vibrate the cantilever form well, ensuring againstrock pockets (honey comb). Place and finish concrete aspreviously described.

1. Whether the cantilever forms are set the day beforeor the morning of the pour, care should be taken to becompletely ready when the concrete truck arrives.

WARRANTY: All statements, technical information, and recommendations contained herein are based on tests webelieve to be reliable, but the accuracy thereof is not guaranteed, expressed or implied incident to the sale of any Stegmeierproduct proved to be defective. User shall determine the suitability of the product for his intended use and assume all riskand liability in connection therewith. Since Stegmeier products are used under conditions beyond the control of themanufacturer, neither the seller nor Stegmeier Corporation can assume any liability for results obtained or damagesincurred.

WARNING: Wash skin or hands immediately upon contact. In case of eye contact, flush with water for 15 minutes andcall physician.

As conditions and method of use of our products are beyond our control, we offer this product in good faith but withoutguarantee, either expressed or implied.

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