Modern Masters® SkimStone® Bonding Primer is a unique, trowel applied interior/exterior acrylic primer, specially formulated to promote adhesion on sound, previously painted or sealed concrete floors. It may also be used to enhance the adhesion of SkimStone Decorative Finished to non-porous surfaces, such as plastic laminate and ceramic tile. A two-coat application produces a hazy, grey translucent film with a rough granular texture similar to raw concrete.

Surface Preparation: Concrete floors must be clean, dry, and free of glue, grease, oil, and loose paint, sealers, dirt, or debris. Particular attention should be paid to areas of peeling or blistering paint and/or sealers as it could be sign of water intrusion. Application of Bonding Primer over silicone based sealers is not recommended. On previously painted, sealed, or waxed surfaces that are sound, test a small inconspicuous area for suitability and compatibility prior to use. Laminate or ceramic countertops should be free of overspray, loose caulking, glues, grease, food-stuffs, etc. Be sure the surface is dry and smooth with all seams properly glued and smooth to the touch. For best results, remove sinks and appliances that are flush with the countertop and reinstall after SkimStone Decorative Finish is complete. Be sure to mask and cover all surrounding areas before beginning your project. Use product as is, thinning is not recommended. Avoid exposure to dust by wearing a (NIOSH approved) particulate respirator during sanding and clean up.

Application to Concrete Floors: Pour a small amount of Bonding Primer (approximately 1 cup) directly onto the floor. Using a metal finishing trowel, spread in a very thin coat. For best results, keep trowel at a 45° angle and use broad, sweeping strokes. Continue until the entire area is coated, producing a tight, level finish. When dry, remove any high spots with a putty knife and lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper. Remove sanding dust with a shop-vac, and allow the surface to dry for four (4) hours before applying SkimStone Decorative Finish.

Application to Laminate or Ceramic Countertops: Pour a small amount of Bonding Primer (approximately ½ cup) onto the surface. Using a metal trowel—such as Modern Masters’ 8-inch trowel—spread the primer to a thin coat across the entire surface. Keep application thin—less than 1/32-inch thickness. Hold the trowel at a minimum 45° angle and feather while wet to achieve a tight finish. Increase the pressure and angle of the trowel to ensure a thin application and spritz with water to maintain a wet edge. On bullnose edges or other convex curves, use a “finger trowel” or a small putty knife to apply the product, then hold a small plastic bag with both hands, twist and pull taut and lightly pass over Bonding Primer to create s smooth surface. Allow to dry for 2 to 4 hours, depending on temperature, humidity, and film thickness. Remove high spots with a putty knife and lightly sand using 220-grit sandpaper. Remove sanding dust with a shop-vac. Using the same technique, apply a second coat to fill in all scratches and voids. When dry, lightly sand with 200-grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth working surface. Remove sanding dust with a shop-vac, and allow the surface to dry for a minimum of eight (8) hours before applying SkimStone Decorative Finish. NOTE: When applying over ceramic tiles, an additional coat of Bonding Primer may be needed to minimize “telegraphing” of the grout lines.

Dry Time: Average dry time is three (3) hours between coats, depending on temperature, humidity, and film thickness. Allow four (4) hours dry time before applying SkimStone Decorative Finish.

Coverage: Typical coverage is 120 square feet per gallon (11.1 square meters per 3.78 liters) at approximately 1/32-inch (0.8 millimeters) thickness on a non-porous surface.

Clean Up: Scrape excess material off trowel and rinse with warm water. To clean trowel thoroughly, we recommend using a Scotch-Brite® sponge or pad to reduce the risk of hand injuries on the sharp edges of the trowel. Allow left over material to dry and dispose in the garbage. IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT pour liquid down sink, toilet, or drain.