WORKING INSTRUCTIONS 

Storage

Protect from heat and keep below 400C (1040 F) during storage, in transit and on site. Containers should be kept airtight.

Preparation 

All surfaces should be free from organic growth, sound and clean. It is recommended that a priming coat and Santex Matt is used; this is essential when application is made to non absorbent surfaces, backings of varying colour, or where the backing is different in colour from the finish. 

Asbestos Cement Panels 

Immediately prior to applying Sandtex Trowel, the asbestos cement panel should have a damp brush taken over the surface to remove surface dust and set suction. No other priming is necessary. Seal back surfaces and edges prior to fixing: Sandtex Trowel should nor be applied over joints. Provide each panel with watertight cover strips on all sides after the Sandtex Trowel has hardened. In the detailing of the cover strips provide maximum protection against moisture creep. In the case of fully compressed sheeting it is necessary to prime the surface with Sandtex Matt, which should be allowed to dry for 24hours. 

Smooth Concrete 

Sandtex Trowel will not eliminate surface defects in the concrete, which should be bagged in and allowed to harden. 
Note: For exterior work the detailed design of the construction should be such that no moisture can penetrate behind the coating of Sandtex Trowel, e.g. copings should have adequate overhang and a DPC, and open edges should be avoided. To avoid discoloration at ground level, a plinth should be provided wherever possible. 

MIXING 

To ensure uniformity of the finish, mix together in a clean bucket or in a plastic container, the contents of the number of containers and cover with polythene sheeting if possible. Sufficient materials should be mixed at one time to complete an elevation or feature. Otherwise, the quantity of prepared material should not be allowed to fall below half before it is replenished by mixing in further Sandtex Trowel. Remix on damp spot board. No thinners should be used except a splash of water if needed to obtain full workability. Unused material should be returned to the container immediately and the lid replaced and kept airtight to prevent skinning. Intermixing of different colour on site is not recommended. 
 APPLICATION 
Scaffolding should be independent. Apply with a clean trowel using sufficient pressure to make as tight a coat as possible to the thickness of aggregate; maintain a flowing edge to ensure a uniform finish. Trowel flat with a wet trowel as the work proceeds but never apply water to the face. Break up large rendered areas into feature panels using joining strips. Sandtex Trowel is an air-drying material and to avoid blistering, due to trapped moisture. It is important that it should be applied to a dry surface to correct thickness. Use water to clean tools and equipment. 
      WHEATER 
The surface should be dry and free from dust; Sandtex Trowel should not be applied when temperature below 1000C (500 0F) are expected, nor in wet weather. In conditions of high temperature, apply in the shade where possible. 
      PROTECTION 
Protect from rain until dry and hard, but maintain airflow. Drying time depends upon humidity, temperature and exposure; a minimum of 48hrs under favorable conditions may be taken as guide. In the early stages after hardening. Sandtex Trowel tends to soften when wetted but this is not determined to its ultimate hardness.
      COVERAGE 
The correct thickness is obtained when the material is applied as a single coat to a fair-faced backing at the rate of between 4-5m2 for mottled colours and 6-8m2 for other colours. The variation is due to the aggregate size and shape; mono colours require more material than mottled.
PACKING 
Supplied in 20litre plastic container.