ELI-CHEM AQUA CAST® TEXTURE WATER ACTIVATED CASTING COMPOUND

Mixing

Adding colour

Use Eli-Chem dry powder pigments. Any solid can be added (sand, mica, quartzite, dried shards of Aqua Cast® etc) but only in small amounts. Excess solids addition weakens the cured strength and can result in the article breaking when being demoulded.

Mixing the powder

The desired viscosity & consistency can be controlled to suit the application. Alterations to the guide powder to water ratio will affect the cured performance, particularly e.g. drying time and ultimate strength. Measure the desired amount of water, add the corresponding quantity of powder gradually during mixing. For example:

• 100g powder to 20g/ml water
• 150g powder to 30g/ml water
• 500g powder to 100g/ml water

Use the handy online calculator tool on this page, all you need to know (or calculate) is the volume of your mould in grams or millilitres.

Mix Aqua Cast® TEXTURE by hand or with an electric mixing blade for 2-4 minutes until uniform and smooth. Add pigments at the mixing stage to obtain the desired colour shade. The mixed solution will rapidly become creamy and lump free. Tap mixing vessel to assist air release, pour and allow to settle.

Application

Immediately pour into your mould and allow to settle, any residual bubbles can be popped by agitating or tapping the mould. Allow to harden for 2-3 hours before demoulding. Allow to dry for 24-48 hours to reach optimum cured strength. To obtain a rough/textured finish you can simply sand the surface with a coarse grade sandpaper or abrasive pad (40, 80, 100 or 120 grit) after 24hours. Wet sanding is particularly effective.