FAQ’s on ALTAMIRA MINERAL PAINT
Last Updated 20 October 2009
1) Where are the products from?
2) Can the Altamira finishes be used for both interior and exterior application?
3) Are there AMPs specifically for floors or for walls?
4) Where can we apply Altamira Mineral Finishes?
5) Can we apply AMP on previously painted substrates?
6) Can you apply AMP over freshly laid concrete topping or plaster?
7) What stage of the construction process is it recommended for AMP application?
8) Can you mix various Altamira Mineral Paint colors to come up with a different shade or color?
9) Is the Altamira Mineral Finish water resistant?
10) What will happen if it rains during or a few hours after application?
11) If there is an error in application, how do we patch/repair?
12) May I add water to the AMP mixture in the pail if it is no longer soft or tacky, and it’s past it’s potlife?
SCORRIA
1) How many textures or designs are available for Scorria?
2) What is the difference between AMP Scorria and other stucco products?
3) What tools or equipment are needed when applying Scorria?
4) Can AMP Scorria be used for both interior and exterior application?
5) Can AMP Scorria be used for both walls and floors?
6) Do you need to add a top coat or protective sealer to Scorria Finish?
7) The Scorria has an uneven texture. Why is that?
8) Why does Scorria finish darken when it rains or gets wet?
9) There are some white streaks on my Scorria finish applied exterior?
10) How do you clean or maintain Scorria finish.
RYOLITE
1) What is the difference between AMP Ryolitte and other roller-applied flat paints?
2) Is Ryolitte acceptable for garage floors?
3) When Ryolitte was applied on flooring, some areas were light, some were dark. Why did this happen?
4) Do you need to a water repellant sealer for Ryolitte?
5) Do you need to add a top coat or protective sealer to Ryolitte Finish?
TOSCANNA
1) What tools are needed in applying Toscanna?
2) Can you make other designs other than the four presented designs (Rodillo, Plugged, Marmoreal, Fused)?
3) What sandpaper is used in sanding?
4) What to do when you want it to be smooth and glossy without adding any topcoat/sealer?
5) Is the water to powder ratio important?
GENERAL ALTAMIRA INFO
1) Where are the products from?
Altamira Mineral Paint (AMP) products are locally manufactured, proudly Philippine made. However, Altamira is a combination of the best materials from Europe, Asia, and the Philippines to produce a quality product.
2) Can the Altamira finishes be used for both interior and exterior application?
Yes, the final finish is both UV and weather resistant. However, special precautions have to be undertaken when installing in exterior. Avoid direct sunlight or extreme weather conditions. This may cause the paint to dry too quickly.
3) Are there AMPs specifically for floors or for walls?
Not in terms of floors being horizontal and walls vertical but more in exposure to pedestrian traffic, wear and tear. We recommend the use of Scorria Wall Finish and Toscanna Wall Finish for walls, and Ryolitte Finish for ceiling, walls, and floor.
4) Where can we apply Altamira Mineral Finishes?
AMP can be applied on substrates of Fully Cured Concrete, Old / New Concrete, Masonry / Plaster finish, Smooth / Rough Finish, Concrete blocks / bricks, Concrete precast units, Fiber Cement boards, Gypsum Boards, and EIFS. The substrate must be fully cured, structurally sound, clean and free from dirt, loose materials, oils and other chemicals.
It is not recommended for wood, steel sheets or non-solid surfaces (distempers, lime washers, oil paints and varnishes).
5) Can we apply AMP on previously painted substrates?
For previously painted walls, it is recommended to remove or sand down old paint to expose the substrate underneath. Remove loose paint by scraping off with a wire brush or spatula. Wash or wipe clean powder residue. Allow to dry.
6) Can you apply AMP over freshly laid concrete topping or plaster?
Ideally, it is best to wait till the substrate has fully cured (28 days) prior to installation. However, we may recommend waiting at least seven (7), to allow plaster to settle and potential problems to come out such as cracking. Cracks in the plaster need to be repaired and allowed to cure before applying AMP. For plaster repair, we recommend using Bison Tile Adhesive.
7) What stage of the construction process is it recommended for AMP application?
The system of application of AMP is very quick, so to prevent downtime, we recommend that application of AMP start when the structure is about 90% complete, painting works only job left on-site. All electricals, water systems, etc are already in place, and plastered over.
8) Can you mix various Altamira Mineral Paint colors to come up with a different shade or color?
We do not recommend it. AMP are blended and mixed using highly sophisticated factory mixing and dispersing equipment. To manually mix AMP will not disperse pigments properly and may result in inconsistent shades and color migration.
9) Is the Altamira Mineral Finish water resistant?
Yes, it is. It has incorporated water resistance properties that protect it from algae growth. However, expect the finish to darken when exposed to water, but will revert back to its original color once dried.
10) What will happen if it rains during or a few hours after application?
When applying in EXTERIOR: Exposure to rain must be avoided preferably for at least 24 hours. If unavoidable, be ready with a tarp to cover or protect your newly applied AMP. When applying in INTERIOR: AMP performance will not be affected by weather conditions. However, expect that drying time may take longer.
11) If there is an error in application, how do we patch/repair?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to patch / repair a section of the wall. Apply a fresh coat over the entire panel / wall. We strongly recommend that the structure must be about 90% complete prior to applying AMP
12) May I add water to the AMP mixture in the pail if it is no longer soft or tacky, and it’s past it’s potlife?
No, discard the AMP mortar, and mix a new batch. Adding water may affect the color of the finish. Do not mix newly prepared AMP mortar with an old mix to extend potlife. Do not add water to the old mix to extend potlife.
SCORRIA
1) How many textures or designs are available for Scorria?
Scorria is available in 2 standard textures – fine and coarse. With these textures, a variety of designs can be created
2) What is the difference between AMP Scorria and other stucco products?
AMP Scorria is integrally colored thus providing color and texture in a single application. Also, color is not merely a thin coating over stucco texture. Color is through and through providing a sharper detail and better durability.
3) What tools or equipment are needed when applying Scorria?
The only tools needed are a plastering trowel, mixing paddle, and a handheld drill. No other special equipment is needed.
4) Can AMP Scorria be used for both interior and exterior application?
Yes, the final finish is both UV and weather resistant. However, special precautions have to be undertaken when applying in exterior. Avoid direct sunlight or extreme weather conditions. This may cause the paint to dry too quickly. Schedule application during the time of day when the sun is not directly shining on the area. Exposure to rain or excessive sunshine must be avoided in the first few hours.
5) Can AMP Scorria be used for both walls and floors?
We recommend the use of Scorria Wall Finish walls, also for ceilings. We do not recommend Scorria for floors unless protected by a durable clear topcoat.
6) Do you need to add a top coat or protective sealer to Scorria Finish?
Scorria is formulated with water resistance properties that protect it from mold and mildew growth. However, the finish may darken when exposed to water, but will revert back to its original color once dried. This aids in its washability. It is the customer’s preference for a topcoat or sealer for added protection.
7) The Scorria has an uneven texture. Why is that?
This phenomenon can be seen when two different workers apply on an area. The direction or method of application should be the same to get a consistent texture or design. We recommend trained or accredited applicators for this job. However, Scorria can be applied in a variety of designs and uneven texture, and it may be part of the design.
8) Why does Scorria finish darken when it rains or gets wet?
This is a result of Scorria’s breathable, washable finish. Even though the substrate darkens when wet, it will return to its original color when dry. The Scorria finish is still water resistant, and less prone to algae growth. If the owner does not want this to happen, we recommend applying Betonit MattSeal. When applied, it provides a matt finish, maintaining the natural look of AMP. Allow Scorria to cure 24 hours before applying BMS.
9) There are some white streaks on my Scorria finish applied exterior?
Yes. Areas constantly exposed to water or in a constant water path may show white streaks that are watermarks, which may often be misinterpreted as efflorescence. We recommend sealing the surface with Betonit MattSeal to protect against water marks.
10) How do you clean or maintain Scorria finish.
Scorria is formulated with water resistance properties that aids in its washability. First, try water and scrub with a soft, non-metallic brush to see if this removes the surface dirt. If this is not acceptable, step up to water with a mild soap, then water with a stronger soap, then water with a stronger soap plus ammonia. Alternatively, a low pressure water(3000 p.s.i.) cleaning can be used where dirt has not been ground into the surface. Use a flat-fan nozzle so the water shoots out in a fan shape to help pry off surface dirt.
RYOLITTE
1) What is the difference between AMP Ryolitte and other roller-applied flat paints?
AMP Ryolitte is highly recommended for exterior floor application, ideal for floor toppings with designs. It is a flat finish that contours to architectural designs of the concrete topping. However, it can also be applied on walls and ceilings.
2) Is Ryolitte acceptable for garage floors?
Yes it can, since the material is basically inert, so it will not react with gasoline and oil in case it drips on the floor.
3) When Ryolitte was applied on flooring, some areas were light, some were dark. Why did this happen?
This is a result of uneven application. The light areas had a thicker coating than the dark area. To prevent this from occurring, it is important that the worker be an experienced painter so that he knows how to apply an even coating of paint.
4) Do you need to a water repellant sealer for Ryolitte?
There is no need to add a water repellant sealer to Ryolitte
5) Do you need to add a top coat or protective sealer to Ryolitte Finish?
Ryolitte is formulated with water resistance properties that protect it from mold and mildew growth. However, the finish may darken when exposed to water, but will revert back to its original color once dried. This aids in its washability. It is the customer’s preference for a topcoat or sealer for added protection. However, when Ryolitte is used for floor applications, a topcoat is necessary for ease in maintenance.
TOSCANNA
1) What tools are needed in applying Toscanna?
Finishing trowel, spatula or roller can be used in applying Toscanna. Tools to be used depend on the design desired.
2) Can you make other designs other than the four presented designs (Rodillo, Plugged, Marmoreal, Fused)?
Yes. Other designs can be done.
3) What sandpaper is used in sanding?
#400 or #600 can be used.
4) What to do when you want it to be smooth and glossy without adding any topcoat/sealer?
Burnish it using the trowel when it is starting to dry up. Be careful when burnishing because trowel might make scratches when not done correctly.
5) Is the water to powder ratio important?
Yes, it is best to maintain the recommended water to powder ratio of the Toscanna. Every 5 kg bag requires 2.1L of water. Changes in the water to powder ratio may affect working properties, physical properties, and possibly color as well.
ACCESSORIES
1) Is Betonit MattSeal soil & stain resistant?
Betonit MattSeal is a water repellant sealer. It will protect the finish from water borne dirt and stains. However, not oil based stains.
