Vertical Mix™
Buddy Rhodes Vertical Mix™ is an easy-to-use cement-based overlay that is easy to mix and apply onto vertical surfaces for creating various textures by carving, sculpting or stamping. This lightweight, zero slump formula is used for creating themed environments, zoos & aquarium displays, decorative panels and public sculpture. With Buddy Rhodes’ extensive line of pigments, the color possibilities are endless. Buddy Rhodes Glazes can also be applied to the cured concrete to achieve a variety of color effects. Buddy Rhodes offers the only Vertical Mix available that has been tested and certified E-84 Class A flame-resistant.
IMPORTANT: You Must Use RAMP™ Adhesion and Cure Promoter with the Buddy Rhodes Vertical Mix™.
Features
- Non-Toxic: Animal Friendly, No VOC’s and Water Based
- Flame Rated: Certified to the highest ASTM fire rating; E-84 Class A/1
- Easy to Use & Versatile: Mix, apply and texture quickly over a variety of surfaces; easily colored with Buddy Rhodes Pigments & Glazes
- Economical: Build large, lightweight, thin structures at a fraction of the cost
- Lightweight: Up to 30% lighter than other concrete mixes with better coverage per bag.
Instructions
Surface Preparation - Vertical Mix can be applied to a variety of surfaces, provided the surface is clean and stable. Any loose material should be repaired or removed prior to surface preparation. Priming Surfaces with Buddy Rhodes RAMP: Buddy Rhodes RAMPTM is an economical bonding primer and cure promoter. Add 100 parts of clean water to 100 parts RAMP (50/50) into a spray bottle, pump sprayer, or similar. Shake vigorously. Spray an even, thin coating of primer on all surfaces and allow to become tacky (partially dry, sticky to the touch) before applying Vertical Mix. If primer dries completely, reapply and wait until tacky before proceeding
Preparation - Getting Ready to Mix Have all ingredients assembled before you start. Wear vinyl or nitrile gloves, protective eye wear and a dust mask. Use an accurate scale for weighing components. Use materials between 50°F and 90°F (10°C - 32°C). Colder temperatures will slow the reaction and warmer temperatures will accelerate it. Preparations should be made to ensure that the applied material is not exposed to rain or temperatures below 50°F/10°C for the first 48 hours. The temperature of the Vertical Mix is also important and will affect the outcome. Once the temperature of the mix reaches 70°F/21°C, the reaction begins to accelerate. Using a laser thermometer to monitor, keeping the temperature of the mix near 60° F/15° C. In warm environments, substitute up to 50% by weight of the water with ice. Vertical Mix has a shelf life of 1 year after purchase if kept in a dry, moisture free environment. Once opened, the material should be used as soon as possible.
Recipe For Buddy Rhodes Vertical Mix
| Buddy Rhodes Vertical Mix | Buddy Rhodes RAMP | Water | |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Weight | 34 lb (15.4 kg) | 3 lb (1.36 kg) | 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) |
| By Weight | [100 Parts] | [8.82 Parts] | [22.06 Parts] |
| By Volume | 1 Bag of Vertical Mix | 42 fluid oz. (1.24 l) | 115 fluid oz (3.4 l) |
Mixing Instructions - Use clean, potable water and clean mixing vessels. Use a handheld mortar mixer to blend. If mixing on a regular basis or for a large project, investing in a larger mortar mixer may be justified. Measuring and Mixing: Combine water and RAMP into a clean mixing container. If you are adding a Buddy Rhodes color pigment, disperse the pigment into the liquid at this time. Slowly add the Vertical Mix into the liquid and blend with a mechanical mixer until homogenous. Use a margin trowel to scrape the sides of the pail to ensure there is no dry, unmixed material remaining. Continue mixing, adding up to 16 fluid oz. (475 ml) of additional water per bag to reach desired consistency. Applying: Spread the blended Vertical Mix onto the chosen surface. Material can be applied by hand, by trowel, or with a mortar sprayer. To ensure the strongest bond it is often best to spread a thin layer onto the surface first, followed immediately by a thicker build. Maintain a minimum thickness of 0.75" (19 mm). Stamping/Texturing: While the mix is in the plastic state, it can be easily stamped with texture mats or rollers. A liquid release should be applied to the mat or roller to avoid sticking of the material. Carving/Sculpting: When used at room temperature (73°F/23°C), Vertical Mix will reach initial set in 1-2 hours (depending on environmental conditions). The material will continue to get firmer as time passes. Various techniques can be used to carve and detail the design using plastic, wood or metal sculpting tools. Note: If the entire mass of the newly applied material moves excessively while tooling, stop and allow for longer cure before proceeding. Post texturing/Coloring: Allow the material to cure for at least 16 hours. Cured Vertical Mix may be topically colored with acid stains or water-based color stains such as Buddy Rhodes Glazes. The most realistic coloring will be achieved with various layers of multiple colors and concentrations. Allow all topical colors to completely dry before applying any concrete sealer.
Sealing - Concrete is an inherently porous material and should be sealed for particular environments and uses. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 7 days before sealing. Choose the sealer that best fits the needs of the finished piece and the skill level of the person applying it. Exposures to excessive sun and water will determine the best sealer suitable for the application.
**Use of Buddy Rhodes Vertical Mix Under Water in Aquarium Displays
Cured Buddy Rhodes Vertical Mix is durable for use underwater on a long term basis. However, like any other Portland cement based material, freshly cured Vertical Mix will cause a spike in the water’s pH level. This change in pH may affect the health of wildlife in the water, and steps may be necessary to reduce risk.
Reducing Risk: Users report that pH values are easier to control if Vertical Mix is allowed to cure for at least 28 days before submerging. This is typically followed by multiple full water changes to soak and flush the Vertical Mix. Regular monitoring and adjustment of pH (and other water quality factors) are necessary to ensure a healthy habitat. Testing should be performed to determine suitability for your particular needs.
†Useful Temperature Range of Cured Vertical Mix
Fully cured, Buddy Rhodes Vertical Mix has a useful temperature range of -40°F/-40°C to 200°F/93°C. Vertical Mix has excellent freeze/thaw resistance. Applying a sealer is recommended to further reduce water penetration and enhance durability in freeze/thaw environments.
Although Vertical Mix is flame rated, certified to E-84/Class A, the rules for heat resistance are generally the same as other Portland Cement based concrete materials. If the concrete is rapidly exposed to heat above 93°C/200°F, the moisture trapped in the concrete may quickly expand and crack or spall the surface. We do not recommend Vertical Mix for direct flame contact for extended periods for this reason.