Vermitex^® '7'

Hard Coating

Product Description

Vermitex^® ‘7’ is a Vermiculite cement blend plus trace chemical additives, formulated for use with Vermitex^® ‘AF’ and other LAF proprietary cementitious coatings, as a ‘bond coat’ and where a hard finish is required. It does not contain asbestos or other forms of fibre.

Whenever applying Vermitex^® type materials to primed or unprimed structural steel, concrete or similarly smooth backgrounds without the aid of mechanical reinforcement a Vermitex^® ‘7’ ‘Bond Coat’ must be applied. No specific thickness is required when spraying Vermitex^® ‘7’, however coverage of between 50% and 75% of the area is required. Vermitex^® ‘7’ will provide a tough, textured and strongly adherent mechanical key to enhance the adhesion of any Vermitex^® product to the substrate as well as facilitate application by reducing ‘slippage’.

In trafficable areas a hard finishing compound of Vermitex^® ‘7’ is spray applied directly over the completed coatings of Vermitex^®. In this application, Vermitex^® ‘7’ is utilised solely for the purpose of providing protection to the Vermitex^®.

Recommended Uses

Application may be carried out by mechanical means to the full range of Vermitex^® products, generally without the aid of mechanical reinforcement (1). This Data Sheet addresses application of Vermitex^® ‘7’ Bond/Primer & Hard Coat when used in conjunction with the full range of Vermitex^® materials.

Product Characteristics

Tested Properties

Application Instructions

Vermitex^® ‘7’ is a mill-mixed compound that can be sprayed onto substrates requiring protection at the corresponding thickness stipulated by the Manufacturer (refer to LAF for more details). The element being protected should be free from: material scales, any rust, oil, excessive dust or any other substance which may impair proper adhesion of the Vermitex^® ‘7’ to the substrate.

When using Vermitex^® ‘7’, mechanical reinforcement is not generally necessary, however if the following conditions are likely to be encountered then LAF strongly recommends the installation of mechanical reinforcement to follow the contour of the element, with the mesh located approximately 2/3 through the spray thickness:

• continuous surfaces that are smooth (in both vertical and horizontal planes) which do not provide an adequate key, or are painted.
  
• exposure to continuous vibrations, thermal or construction movement.
  
• the substrate is unstable or subject to flexural stresses.
  
• the presence of continuous personnel as well as vehicular traffic is likely

In trafficable areas a hard finishing compound of Vermitex^® ‘7’ is spray-applied directly over the completed coatings of Vermitex^® purely as a sacrificial coating for the purpose of providing protection to the fire-proofing material below. This method of top-coating has been fully tested in accordance with AS 2185 - Appendix A2, Surface Hardness, and approved for use under section C1.8 of the Australian Building Code.

Vermitex^® ‘7’, when applied in ventilated areas to a thickness of 10 mm, will dry in 1-2 weeks. Note that Vermitex^® ‘7’ is prone to frost damage and temperatures surrounding the areas being sprayed should not be allowed to fall below 4°C for up to a week, after installation. To prevent over drying of the Vermitex^® ‘7’ the substrate must be watered down, failure to carry out proper wetting of the substrate will result in excessive cracking of the Vermitex^® ‘7’ surface.

Multiple coatings will achieve a smooth and even textured finish, however a new coating should only be applied over one that has partially set. Where this is not possible the last coating surface should be left with a ‘deep & rough texture’ or purposefully scratched. When ‘Trowelling’ or ‘Ruling’ is unavoidable the applicator should not ‘overwork’ or ‘polish’ the sprayed material.

Vermitex^® ‘7’ may be painted however suitable sealers and paints are required. (2)

Bond Coat, Primer Compatibility and Corrosion prevention

When applying products in the Vermitex^® range to primed or unprimed structural steel, concrete or the like without the aid of mechanical reinforcement a ‘Bond Coat’ equal to Vermitex^® ‘7’ is to be applied. No specific thickness is required when spraying Vermitex^® ‘7’, however coverage of between 50% and 75% of the area is required. Vermitex^®‘7’ will enhance the adhesion of the subsequent Vermitex^® materials to the substrate as well as facilitate application by reducing its ‘slippage’.

Where primers are required alkali resistant zinc-rich primers are recommended, however the paint manufacturer should be consulted to ensure compatibility with Vermitex^® materials (Please consult LAF for a comprehensive list of compatible primers).

In high humidity and in wet areas Vermitex^® ‘7’ should not be relied upon as a rust preventative coating. Vermitex^® ‘7’ is porous and may allow the passage of moisture through to the substrate. If a concern exists about moisture levels, the substrate should be suitably primed with an approved rust preventative primer. Chemicals that have an impact on cement will have an impact on Vermitex^® ‘7’, in these circumstances (when used as a Hardcoat) the Vermitex^® ‘7’ must be sealed and painted for protection. (2)

Vermitex^® ‘7’ may react with Aluminium and Aluminium alloys and a suitable primer is recommended.

One 50 litre bag of Vermitex^® ‘7’ will cover approximately 5 m² at a nominal thickness of 10 mm (without wastage considerations).

Vermitex^® ‘7’ Bond/Primer Coat Specification (Broad Form)

Prior to commencing the Vermitex^® ‘7’ Bond/Primer Coat application, the substrate shall be inspected by the Main Contractor to ensure all elements to be sprayed are free from any substances which impair proper adhesion of the spray material. (2) All adjacent areas not requiring treatment shall be suitably protected against droppings and overspray.

Vermitex^® ‘7’ as manufactured by L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd shall be installed by approved Specialist Contractor covering approximately 50% to 75% of the substrate to provide a rough Bond/Primer coat ready for subsequent coatings of ..Vermitex^® ‘xx’.. Fire Retarding material to achieve the FRL of ..aaa / bbb / ccc ..(insert required Material & FRL).. .

OR

Vermitex^® ‘7’ as manufactured by L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd shall be installed to a thickness of minimum 5 mm to 10 mm, by approved Specialist Contractor to cover previous application of Vermitex^® to provide a Hard wearing surface,

The Specialist Contractor shall provide all materials, accessories, spray equipment, tools, inspection services and Labour to satisfactorily carry out the works in best trade practice. All workmanship and installation techniques shall comply with the Manufacturers ‘Application Instructions’, relevant Building Code Statutory requirements and applicable ASTM, BS or AS Standards.

Health Statement

Vermitex^® ‘7’ contains no asbestos and presents no known health hazard before, during or after application. Normal precautions relevant to the handling of cement products apply: dust mask, eye protection and covering of sensitive skin.

NOTES:
1. Refer to LAF for mesh requirement details and for other Vermitex^® ‘7’ applications
2. Refer to LAF for further detail and information

For more information or MSDS on Vermitex^® ‘7’ or any other products,

please see the technical data page, or contact: L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd

Email:sales@lafgroup.com