New Products: Hot new releases that are turning heads
QC releases water-based stains
Renew by QC is a new line of nonhazardous, water-based penetrating concrete stain products that are free of acids or acrylics.
The line consists of: Renew by QC Solid Color Concrete Stain, Renew by QC Translucent Stain, Renew by QC Primer, and Renew by QC Color Additive. Offered by QC Construction Products, these products rejuvenate colored surfaces or plain gray concrete by minimizing discolorations without altering surface texture. Made for use with existing concrete, unsealed concrete, interior or exterior concrete and other cementitious surfaces, Renew by QC products are easy to use and low-maintenance with excellent recoatability. Renew can be used to create specialty stencil designs with stencils and can be specially ordered in any standard QC product color.
www.qcconstructionproducts.com
A self-leveling concrete topping
Ardex Engineered Cements has launched a new self-leveling concrete for outdoor applications - Ardex K 301 Exterior Self-Leveling Concrete Topping and Underlayment. Ardex K 301 is a portland cement-based product for fast-track resurfacing and smoothing of concrete. The product is an ideal concrete wear surface or underlayment for commercial, light industrial and residential applications such as sidewalks, loading docks, parking garages, driveways, plazas, balconies and many other applications. It is freeze-thaw resistant, sets quickly, and can be walked on in just two to three hours.
(888) 512-7339
www.ardex.com
Sto Corp. meets low VOC regulations
Sto Corp., a leader in cladding, coating and restoration systems, has announced that the majority of its coatings line of building products has been adjusted to meet new low-VOC regulations that went into effect in southern California this past summer. There are a number of Sto products affected by the change. They include Sto Metallic Coating, StoCoat Color, Stolastic Sand, and Sto Concrete Coating Smooth. The adjustments to these coatings products fit with Sto Corp.'s upcoming implementation of its ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.
(888) 786-2955
www.stocorp.com
Scofield debuts dye concentrate, traction aggregate
New from L.M. Scofield Co., Scofield Formula One Liquid Dye Concentrate is a penetrating, translucent liquid dye concentrate designed for use in the production of colored, ground and polished interior architectural concrete.
Developed as a fast-track alternative to existing conventional dyes, Scofield Formula One Liquid Dye Concentrate includes both dye and the extender solvent. When added to acetone at the job site, it is ready to use after mixing. After dilution, the Concentrate can be used in conjunction with Scofield Formula One Lithium Densifier and Scofield Formula One Finish Coat. The Concentrate is available in 20 standard colors.
Also new from L.M. Scofield Co., Scofield Traction Additive is a clear, lightweight synthetic aggregate developed for use with Scofield concrete curing and sealing materials to produce textured surfaces with improved slip resistance.
Scofield Traction Additive consists of lightweight polypropylene spheres that remain suspended in the curing and sealing compounds, creating a textured surface without sharp edges. The small, clear particles are not readily noticeable on the finished floor and they will not discolor the surface.
www.scofield.com
Sealant designed for tilt-ups
Pecora has introduced Tilt-Seal, a high-quality weatherproofing sealant specifically formulated for the unique needs of tilt-up professionals.
An advanced acrylic latex sealant, Tilt-Seal provides the movement flexibility necessary for use with concrete panels. It also requires no mixing and offers a fast cure time. Tilt-Seal is a one-component, water-based sealant with color stability and resistance to ultraviolet rays, ozone and airborne contaminants. This product is a solvent-free, nontoxic, environmentally friendly product with a very low VOC content. No solvents need to be employed in cleanup either - the applicator simply uses water to remove excess sealant and to clean tools.
Because this product was designed for being painted over by professionals, Tilt-Seal is manufactured in one color and configuration: limestone 5-gallon units.
www.pecora.com
Cohills releases water-based stains
Manufactured by Cohills Building Specialties Inc., Pro Series Enviro Stain is a line of water-based, nonacid polymer-bonded stains that penetrate into a concrete surface to produce long-lasting UV-resistant stains that enhance any concrete surface.
Pro Series Enviro Stains contain no arsenic, lead or mercury and only a small number of organic solvents to conform to all VOC regulations. One gallon of stain covers up to 200 square feet.
www.cohills.com
Sonoma unveils MetalCrete
Sonoma Cast Stone has unveiled a new option for concrete countertops and sinks: MetalCrete.
MetalCrete concrete countertops and sinks do not ring hollow like molded metal. They have the feel of solid stone, and each has been permanently plated with a genuine metal finish. Fixtures can be completely or partially plated for a variety of effects. Copper, nickel, brass, bronze or steel finishes are available.
www.sonomacaststone.com
Concrete tub mold from Expressions Ltd.
Expressions Ltd. is now selling the Urbane, a concrete tub mold.
The Urbane is constructed out of fiberglass and can be reused. Measuring 52 inches long and 25 1/2 inches wide, the mold can be used for both precast and cast-in-place concrete tubs.
The Urbane is currently the only mold available from Expressions, but other tub designs will be available soon.
www.Expressions-LTD.com
An underlayment that self-seals
USG has introduced a new cementitious underlayment. Levelrock brand 4500 NXG floor underlayment is a high-performance underlayment designed for interior use in a wide variety of projects. It turns out a smooth, hard surface that provides long life over concrete slabs, prestressed concrete and concrete planks at thicknesses from featheredge (with proper sand) to 2 inches.
Suitable for use with a variety of floor coverings, the underlayment offers compressive strengths of up to 5,500 psi. Quick application and setting times, combined with high production rates, permit the resumption of trade traffic within hours of the underlayment pour.
(800) 874-4968
www.levelrock.com
Blastrac develops the Eco-Shroud
Blastrac, a leader in surface preparation technologies, has announced the development of the Eco-Shroud.
The Eco-Shroud is a vacuum shroud designed and engineered for use on a wide variety of grinders to provide maximum results from hand-held grinding and polishing tools.
The shroud aids in reducing dust during grinding and polishing procedures, which increases visibility and helps maintain air quality in the work area.
(800) 256-3440
www.blastrac.com
Stoneage offers kneel board, mesh dispenser
Stoneage Concrete Tools has released two new tools for the trade - Quickdisc and E-Z Mesh.
The Quickdisc allows a person to slide effortlessly when floating or troweling concrete. The kneeling board has a wide, 22-inch-diameter base to avoid sinking, and a bowed aluminum bottom helps keep edges out of the cement.
The E-Z Mesh is a wire-mesh dispenser and straightener, reportedly the first one on the market. Made out of aluminum and PVC, it is lightweight and can by applied to a trailer hitch by one person. As an alternative, it can be placed on the ground using its incorporated legs. In addition, it can be made into a sturdy work platform by removing the mesh roller and adding a custom piece of plywood.
www.stoneageconcretetools.com
A coating blend from Anvil Anvil
Paints & Coatings Inc. has introduced Anvil 1700 High Performance Epoxy Show Coat concrete and garage floor paint for use on interior and exterior, painted or unpainted concrete surfaces. Its durable acrylic and epoxy formula delivers a solid-color satin finish that is highly resistant to hot automobile tires as well as fading, scuffing, cracking, peeling and blistering. For a super-gloss showroom finish, Anvil's 2350 Wet Look Sealer can be used as a topcoat.
(800) 822-6776
www.anvilpaints.com
Alpha adds nine
Alpha Professional Tools has expanded its line of products by developing nine new tools for the concrete industry.
The list includes the Ecogrinder, a high-performance grinder with a built-in vacuum system. Its unique slide cover allows the Ecogrinder grinding wheel to grind all the way up to a wall. The other products are: Grinding Cup Wheels, Dust Bag Carriage, Concrete Profiling Wheel, Ecocutter (ECC-125), Ecocutter Carriage Extension, a 3/16-inch Hot Rod Blade, and Corner Nippers.
www.alpha-tools.com
A multipurpose leveling tool
Masonry and concrete workers now have access to a single tool that performs the functions needed in leveling, plumbing, squaring and measuring projects.
Level Best2 utilizes two opposing level bubbles, a perfect 90-degree angle, and a ruler. Masonry and concrete contractors can plumb, level and square building foundations, sidewalk and driveway forms, stairs, countertops, retaining walls and even infrastructural footings easier and faster with this tool. It is made from injection-molded high-impact polystyrene. To ensure lateral rigidity, a perfect 90-degree angle and extreme durability, Level Best2 uses a 90-second in-mold curing process. Other Level Best2 features include "dual sides," so it can be turned over and applied to all four corners of a foundation, and a pencil slot for convenient and accurate markings.
The Level Best2 is available in three different sizes.
(866) 930-5203
www.levelbest2.com
Eagle releases new burnisher
Eagle Floor Solutions has introduced what the company is calling "the first 
burnisher designed with the concrete polishing and refresh market in mind."
The cordless EnviroPro WA27 shines polished concrete, terrazzo, marble, VCT and other tile floors without leaving dust behind. The machine was engineered to apply extra head weight while refreshing the shine on polished concrete, and it can easily be adjusted to provide lighter head weight for traditional floor polishing. It increases the floor temperature as needed, and it captures airborne dust particulates with a built-in active vacuum filter system.
The EnviroPro WA27 ships with two pad drivers, including a metal pad driver for concrete surfaces.
(800) 633-0519
www.eaglefloorsolutions.com
Sakrete's recyled asphalt patch
Sakrete has launched U.S. Cold Patch, a ready-to-use recycled asphalt product that permanently repairs potholes, depressions or cracks in any asphalt or concrete surface. It meets the strictest 
California emissions standards and can be applied year-round in all regions of the country that are subject to cutback asphalt restrictions as part of an effort to reduce pollution.
U.S. Cold Patch is made from nearly 60 percent recycled asphalt pavement. It reduces VOC emissions by at least 60 percent versus medium-cure cutback asphalt patching materials and by more than 70 percent versus rapid-cure cutback asphalt patching materials. The product is odorless and cleans up with soap and water.
Sakrete U.S. Cold Patch is applied directly from the package to the problem area and is tamped down or rolled over with a vehicle wheel for good compaction. It sets up immediately and does not require curing. Patched areas are immediately available for traffic, will not need repatching over time, and can be repaved without removal of the patched area.
Sakrete U.S. Cold Patch is available in 50-pound bags and 3,000-pound bulk bags. The Sakrete brand is owned and managed by Sakrete of North America, a division of Bonsal American/Oldcastle.
(800) 738-1621
www.sakrete.com
New angle grinder from Metabo
Metabo Corp. has introduced the new Stone Master WE14-125VS 5-inch angle grinder, which is built with Metabo's VTC (Vario Tacho Constamatic) electronic speed stabilization, making the grinder ideal for 
grinding, cutting and finishing granite, marble or concrete countertops.
Metabo's VTC electronics enhance productivity by constantly monitoring the rpm of the motor and adding voltage as the load increases, enabling the grinder to maintain the same rpm from no load to full-rated load. A soft-start feature extends longevity of both the motor windings and gears. The WE14-125VS also incorporates Metabo's CoolFlow technology, with repositioned carbon brushes for unrestricted airflow and a fan that pulls more air through the tool to keep it running cooler during operation. In addition, the grinder features aluminum die-cast housing to help with heat dissipation and provide increased durability.
The grinder features a Metabo LongLife motor and offers 12.2 amps and 1,400 watts of power as well as a variable speed range of 2,800 to 10,500 rpm. Safety features include a toolless guard adjustment, a spindle lock and an S-Automatic safety slip clutch to protect the operator from kickback by absorbing the torque created if the wheel binds or snags. The power-interruption protection feature prevents restart if power is lost to the tool and the switch remains in the on position.
(800) 638-2264
www.metabousa.com
Hammer features antivibration technology
Metabo Corp. has introduced the MHE 96 SDS-Max Demolition Hammer, a demolition hammer that combines a powerful 15-amp motor with Metabo VibraTech technology. MVT reduces vibration and user 
fatigue due to its integrated damping system incorporated into the main and side handles.
The MHE 96's 15-amp motor provides up to 1,950 bpm and 27 joules of single-blow energy. Metabo's Vario Tacho Constamatic electronic speed control enables the tool to maintain a virtually constant number of blows per minute between load and no-load, maximizing the productivity of the operator. The large D-type rear handle is vibration-dampened, and the antivibration side handle can be mounted in three different positions for maximum comfort. The oversized function switch enables the operator to easily position the chisel face in 16 different positions, and a lockable switch enables comfortable operation for long periods. Other integral features that increase the tool's durability include tough aluminum die-cast gearbox housing, a protected service display, a safety clutch, and auto-stop carbon brushes. The MHE 96 measures 27 3/4 inches in length and weighs 26.5 pounds.
(800) 638-2264
www.metabousa.com
Portable heater gets upgrade
Allmand Bros. Inc. has upgraded its Maxi-Heat portable heater with higher static pressure.
Incorporating a new fan-motor combination and increasing the static pressure from 0.5 wg to 1.5 wg, the upgraded Maxi-Heat is able to accommodate up to 110 feet of 16-inch ducting, as opposed to 40 feet with the previous model.
The Maxi-Heat features twin heater units that produce a maximum of 1,010,000 btu and may be operated independently, depending on heating requirements. A standard 1,800-rpm liquid-cooled Isuzu diesel engine with regulated generator provides power for the heaters and electrical accessories. A 191-gallon fuel tank provides more than 24 hours of operation without refueling.
In addition to the static pressure and ducting upgrades, Allmand has added an in-line fuel heater and prefilter to the Maxi-Heat's fuel system to improve heater performance and durability.
(800) 562-1373
www.allmand.com
New colors available for garage floor coating
Shield-Crete Epoxy Concrete Garage Floor Coating from H&C Concrete Coatings is now available in four new finish colors.
The new colors are safety yellow, royal blue, jade green and night sky. They join the current lineup of pewter, beige, ivory and firebrick red.
H&C also added new pentagon-shaped holographic flakes to the Shield-Crete line-up. These can be mixed with Shield-Crete's existing deco flakes to create a unique effect.
The Shield-Crete line is easy to apply and long-lasting. It protects against gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, road salt and hot-tire pickup. Garage floors are just the beginning - Shield-Crete is also ideal for use on basement floors, walkways, stairs, patios, porches and concrete walls.
(800) 867-8246
www.hcconcrete.com
Electronic sensor feature included on new vacuum
The new Pulse-Bac PB-2150 vacuum from CDCLarue Industries is reportedly the first portable vacuum to use an electronic sensor that detects when the collection tank is full. The sensor is designed to alert the user by way of a flashing LED on the control panel and an audible alarm.
The PB-2150 allows the user to empty dust and debris into a 6 mm plastic bag while the vacuum continually operates, without the bag collapsing in on itself or being sucked up into the collection chamber. After emptying the debris into the bag, the user seals the upper vacuum chamber, removes the bag and replaces it with a new one, without ever needing to turn off the vacuum or stop production.
The PB-2150 comes equipped with conical-shaped twist-on filters capable of capturing dust particles as small as .1 micron in size.
(866) 954-9700
www.cdclarue.com
Media News Free online education at ArchitectCES.com
W. R. Meadows Inc. is offering free and easily accessible AIA/CSI approved training at ArchitectCES.com. W. R. Meadows' program, "Controlling Moisture Movement In Buildings: The Complete Air & Vapor Barrier Approach," is approximately one hour long and will earn participants one learning unit credit upon successful completion. The course provides an overview of the benefits and advantages of air, vapor and moisture barriers designed to protect buildings. It also includes a discussion on moisture sources and travel and their negative impact upon the building.
ArchitectCES.com is an American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Services (AIA/CES) provider.
www.architectces.com
