TIP:

 For  
batches  under  
100  lbs:  dose  1  
lb  KF-­A  per  
every  40  lbs  of  
cement  
KF-A APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
 
 
APPLICATION  TYPE   KF-­‐A  DOSE    
(lbs/cu.  yd  of  concrete  batch)  
REGULAR  MIX    
Flatworks,  medium  and  light  traffic  floors   8.5  lbs/cu.  yd  =  0.3  lb/cu.  ft  
 
PRECAST  MIX    
Precast,  liquid/gas  containing  structures,   13  lbs/cu.  yd  =  0.5  lb/cu.  ft  
high  traffic  floors    
Mortars:    
PLASTER,  STUCCO,  GUNITE  &  SHOTCRETE   17  lbs/cu.  yd  =  0.6  lb/cu.  ft  
MIXES   or  2  lbs  per  every  100  lbs  of  cement  
 
 
1.  Shake  the  bag  back  and  forth  to  re-­‐distribute  the  contents,  which  can  settle.  Take  
scoops  from  the  center  of  the  batch.  
 
2.  DO  NOT  DISSOLVE  KF-­A  WITH  WATER.  Always  add  KF-­‐A  in  its  dry  powder  
form  to  the  batch.  For  best  results,  do  not  apply  any  other  chemicals  or  
supplementary  materials.    
Recommended  mixing  sequence:  
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  don’t  add  more  water  -­‐  just  
keep  mixing.  If  after  7  minutes  of  mixing  the  batch  is  still  stiff,  add  4  oz  water  per  cu.  
yd    and  mix  for  another  5-­‐7  minutes  until  the  "Creamy  Effect"  develops.    
 
POT  LIFE:  Concrete  with  KF-­‐A  can  be  mixed  for  up  to  5  hours  without  any  loss  of  
quality  or  workability.  Don’t  stop  the  mixer  until  application  is  complete.  
 
SLUMP:        2  ½"  to  3  ½"  (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  

KALMATRON®  CORPORATION  (415)  385-­3290        www.kalmatron.com   1  

 
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.  

The  “Creamy  Effect”  of  KF-­‐A  on  a  concrete  batch  -­‐  the  batch  flow  is  smooth,  with  
high  workability:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  

KALMATRON®  CORPORATION  (415)  385-­3290        www.kalmatron.com   2  

 
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  “cathode–anode”  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.  

KALMATRON®  CORPORATION  (415)  385-­3290        www.kalmatron.com   3  

 
 LAB TRIAL INSTRUCTIONS

The trial WILL NOT WORK if these guidelines are not followed!

Minimum amount of KF-A and cement required for the trial

batch: 1 lb KF-A per 40 lbs of Ordinary Portland Cement.

Water cement ratio:

Not higher than 0.42

Slump: maximum 2 ½” up to 3 ½”
DO NOT pursue the standard slump!

! No other additives must be used with KF-A. These include

plasticizers, fibers, silica fume, etc.

! PREPARE THE CONTROL SAMPLES FIRST, or USE SEPARATE

EQUIPMENT FOR PREPARING KF-A SAMPLES TO AVOID
CROSS CONTAMINATION.

! SMALL LAB SAMPLES MUST BE CURED IN WATER BATHS,

otherwise they'll just dry out in open air without forming cement rock
structure. Keep the trial samples in their own, separate water bath.
Keep the control samples in a separate water bath. DO NOT
CHANGE THE BATH WATER at any point during the trial. Fresh
water should only be added to replace evaporated water.

Curing is not necessary if the sizes of the samples are 2' x 2' x 2' or
larger.

KALMATRON®  CORPORATION  (415)  385-­3290        www.kalmatron.com   4  

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

Materials   LB. CU. Notes

  FT    
Portland 42   .2133   Any available type, Gray or White  
Cement  
Aggregate 1/16” ÷ 1/8”   29   .1036   Varies with glass, marble, etc. 1.5 - 3 mm  

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

Water   13.9   .2318   W/C = 0.33  

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

Total:   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
1. If the mix is still stiff, add 6 oz of water per cu ft and mix it for another 5
minutes.
2. Slump should be 1 ½” to 2”, which creates a creamy concrete batch.
3.
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.  
 

KALMATRON®  CORPORATION  (415)  385-­3290        www.kalmatron.com   5  

 
 SELF  LEVELING  FLOOR  MIX  
 

Materials LB. Notes

Cement 38 Ordinary Portland Cement

Concrete Sand 42.5 Avoid very fine or dusty sands. Use

mesh #30 up to mesh #18
Water - 1.74 Gallons 14.5 W/C = 0.38
KF-A 5 Do not dissolve KF-A with water
before adding it to the batch
TOTAL: 100 lbs Density: 133 lbs/ft3

 BATCH PREPARATION
1. Prepare a batch no smaller than 20 lbs to cover about 24 sq. ft (at a layer
thickness of 0.08").
2. For small batches, use an electric drill mixer.
3. Mix for 1 minute or longer, until the batch has a slurry-like consistency.
4. 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 ½ minutes.
5. Continue mixing during application - do not stop the mixer.

 CONCRETE SURFACE PREPARATION

Wash  the  concrete  surface  with  water  to  remove  any  loose  dirt/material.  
1. 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 the fresh layer with any films or blankets.
6. Avoid drafts from doors and windows for the first 4 hours after application.

 
KALMATRON®  CORPORATION  (415)  385-­3290        www.kalmatron.com   6  
 
 STUCCO  &  PLASTER  
1 part cement : 3.75 parts sand  

Materials LB. Notes

Cement 188 Ordinary Portland Cement type I or II

Sand 705 Avoid very fine or dusty sands. Use

mesh #30 up to mesh #18
Water - 12 Gallons 103.4 W/C = 0.55
KF-A 5 Do not dissolve KF-A with water
before adding it to the batch
TOTAL: 1,001 lbs Minimum stucco layer thickness: ¾"
 
1. Do   not   dissolve   KF-­‐A   with   water   before   adding   it   to   the   mix.   For   best  
results,   do   not   apply   Fly   Ash,   Silica   Fume,   Fiber   Mesh,   Water   Reducers,  
Super   Plasticizers   or   any   other   additives   or   supplementary   materials  
except  for  Air-­‐Entrainers,  if  required.  
2. Mix   for   5   to  7   minutes  until  the  concrete  batch  becomes  workable.  If  the  
mix   is   still   stiff,   add   16   oz   water   per   cu.   yd   and   mix   for   another   5  
minutes.  Slump  should  be  2  ½”  to  3”  which  creates  a  creamy  concrete  mix,  
pumpable   over   500   feet,   with   high   adhesion   and   low   rebound.   Do   not  
cure.  
 
ONE  STEP  STUCCO  APPLICATION,  NO  SCRATCH  &  BROWN  COATS  NEEDED  
• Breathable,  100%  waterproof  stucco  at  ¾"  layer  thickness  
• Ready  for  painting  on  the  4th  day  after  application  
• Only  a  single-­‐layer  stucco  application  is  needed,  
• No  time-­‐consuming  scratch  and  brown  coats  
• Initial  setting  time:  4-­‐6  hours  
• High  adhesion  and  virtually  no  rebound  =  less  material  lost  
• No  curing  needed  in  temperatures  up  to  104°  F  
 
FOR  APPLICATION  OVER  EXISTING  PLASTER  OR  CONCRETE:  
1. Before  shotcrete  application,  the  surface  should  be  damp  but  not  wet.  It  means  
that  a  very  wet  surface  should  be  dried  by  spraying  it  with  sand  or  cement.  A  
very  dry  surface  must  be  slightly  wetted  with  water  until  it  looks  a  bit  darker,  
but  without  water  drops  or  stable  damp  spots.        
2. Do  not  wash  or  sandblast  the  old  concrete.  Spray  water  lightly  on  very  dry  areas  
before  shotcrete  application  to  avoid  dehydration  of  the  applied  concrete.  
Usually,  1  Gallon  of  water  per  9  sq.  ft  is  sufficient.    
3. No  dilatation  seams  or  construction  joints  are  required  for  directionally  
continuous  areas,  without  turns,  intersections  or  interruptions.    After  
application,  do  not  cure  or  apply  any  chemical  compounds.

KALMATRON®  CORPORATION  (415)  385-­3290        www.kalmatron.com   7