Tutorials: Flattoos (stencils)

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How To Flattoo

DEFINITIONS:
Pre-weeded: The removal of Flattoo areas to be etched.
Hinge: The use of masking tape to hold Flattoo in place before exposing the adhesive side of Flattoo.
Burnish: Rubbing the Flattoo onto the surface.

1. Place Flattoo on the concrete surface for positioning and desired location. Flattoo backing and top masking tape remain undisturbed. Flattoo has been "pre-weeded" to expose areas to be etched.

2. Before the backing was removed, a "hinge" was formed on one side by taping Flattoo to the concrete surface. This secured it into place and allowed the applicator to safely remove the backing without disturbing Flattoo placement. The backing should be carefully removed, allowing Flattoo to adhere to the concrete surface at a controlled speed and angle. This will prevent the Flattoo from adhering to the surface unevenly.

3. "Burnish" the Flattoo onto the surface making sure there are no bubbles on any edges. A plastic trowel works well, however, thumb pressure can achieve the same results.

4. Top masking tape is removed at a 180 degree angle, making sure Flattoo does not lift up from the concrete.

5. Once the top masking tape has been completely removed, "burnish" the Flattoo again.

6. Plastic is taped off to protect any exposed surface not intended to be etched. Tek Gel for Flattooing is applied using a soft paint brush.

7. Tek Gel has been neutralized using baking soda and water solution, completely rinsed with clear water and allowed to dry.

8. The center of the leaf pattern was removed and stained with an acid stain and allowed to remain on concrete surface for approximately 4 hours. Baking soda and water is used again to neutralize the acid stain. Surface is once again rinsed with clear water.

9. Flattoo and protective plastic are removed.

10. The completed project is sealed.

11. Voila!

Application Instructions for Tek Gel Flattooing

• Set up staging area using a plastic tarp to prevent unintended etching and to provide a clean-up area.
• Surface must be dry, clean and free of grease/oil. Acid stain can be applied prior to applying product.
• Tek Gel for Flattooing is ready to use - DO NOT DILUTE.

1. Shake or stir the product completely prior to applying.

2. Apply stencil in compliance with manufacturer's recommendations.

3. Apply product using non-metallic and acid resistant paint brush. For best results and clairty, avoid disturbing the bond of the stencil to the concrete.

4. Let stand 5 - 15 minutes. When using product on polymer added surfaces, gentle agitation may be necessary. Proceed when desired etch is achieved.

5. Leaving stencil in place, collect excess product into a pail using a brush or a plastic trowel. Neutralize before discharging to drain.

6. Throughly neutralize entire stenciled area and rinse with clear water. A second clear water rinse is recommended. Re-check stencil adhesion prior to proceeding to step 7.

7. Leave stencil in place if additional colors are to be applied. Once this process is completed, stencils can be removed.

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