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Use Planitop Fine Finish for: Creating a flawless, ultra-fine skim coat on concrete to hide minor imperfections, bug holes, and surface defects for a premium exposed finish.
Achieve the architectural concrete finish you demand with Planitop Fine Finish. This one-component, ultra fine-textured cementitious skimming mortar is expertly designed for correcting minor defects and creating a perfectly smooth, uniform surface on both internal and external concrete structures. Its special composition provides exceptional adhesion directly to concrete, allowing you to trowel down to a seamless feather edge. For remedial builders, precasters, and painters who need to deliver a flawless exposed finish, Planitop Fine Finish is the key to elevating your work from standard to architectural-grade.
Product Details:
Primer Information: For most applications on sound, clean concrete, a primer is not required, saving you time and material costs. However, if the concrete substrate remains powdery after thorough cleaning, this indicates a lack of surface cohesion. In this case, a suitable Mapei consolidating primer must be applied before the skim coat.
Cure Time: This is a rapid-hardening mortar. The mix has a pot life of approximately 45 minutes, with a final set time of around 70 minutes at 23°C. This allows for efficient application and finishing. Critically, surfaces can be painted with compatible finishes like the Elastocolor or Colorite lines just 7 days after application.
Coverage Rate: Planitop Fine Finish offers excellent coverage at approximately 1.2 kg/m² per millimetre of thickness. This allows for accurate project costing and minimises material wastage.
Application Temperature Range: You can apply Planitop Fine Finish in a broad range of conditions, with a workable temperature range from +5°C to +35°C. This makes it a reliable choice for projects across Australia's diverse climates.
Adhesion Strength: The key to a durable finish is the bond to the substrate. Planitop Fine Finish delivers exceptional performance, achieving an adhesion strength of 21 MPa to concrete after 28 days. This powerful, monolithic bond ensures the finish will not peel or delaminate.
Key Features of Planitop Fine Finish & What They Mean For You
- Ultra-Fine Texture: With a maximum aggregate size of just 0.2mm, it delivers a glass-smooth surface, effectively hiding minor imperfections like bug holes and pour lines for a true architectural look.
- Feather Edge Capability: Can be expertly trowelled down to a feather edge without cracking or losing adhesion, allowing you to create seamless, invisible repairs that blend perfectly with the surrounding concrete.
- Exceptional Adhesion: Forms a powerful chemical bond directly to prepared concrete substrates without the need for a bonding promoter, guaranteeing a durable finish that resists delamination.
- Rapid-Hardening for Faster Finishing: The quick setting time and paint-ready surface in just one week allows you to fast-track subsequent trades like painters, compressing your overall project schedule.
Why Choose Planitop Fine Finish:
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Problem: Minor surface defects like honeycombing or pour lines ruining an architectural concrete feature?
Solution with Planitop Fine Finish: Its ultra-fine composition is specifically designed to fill and smooth these cosmetic flaws, resulting in a flawless, monolithic appearance ready for any high-specification finish. -
Problem: Skim coats that are difficult to apply and finish smoothly?
Solution with Planitop Fine Finish: Formulated for excellent workability, it is easy to apply with a spreader and makes finishing with a sponge float simpler, allowing you to achieve a professional result with less effort. -
Problem: Wasting time and money on multi-step processes with separate bonding primers?
Solution with Planitop Fine Finish: On sound concrete, this high-adhesion mortar can be applied directly to the prepared substrate, saving a complete step in the application process and reducing material costs.
When to Choose Planitop Fine Finish Over Other Options:
- Choose Planitop Fine Finish over general-purpose sand/cement renders when: An exceptionally smooth, architectural-grade finish is non-negotiable. Its 0.2mm aggregate provides a far superior surface texture that standard renders cannot match.
- Choose Planitop Fine Finish over epoxy or acrylic fillers when: You need a cementitious finish that matches the texture, appearance, and breathability of the parent concrete. It ensures a natural, integrated repair, not a plastic-looking patch.
- Planitop Fine Finish is particularly effective for: Skimming precast panels, columns, and beams; repairing surface defects in off-form walls; and providing a high-quality, paint-ready surface for commercial and residential projects.
- Consider other Mapei solutions when: You need to repair hydraulic structures or surfaces subject to high abrasion, where Mapefinish or Mapefinish HD are recommended.
Trade-Specific Applications & Pro Tips for Planitop Fine Finish:
For Concrete Repair Specialists & Remedial Builders:
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Application Focus: Repairing surface defects (gravel clusters, bug holes) on off-form concrete walls.
- Micro-Guide: 1. Remove any loose material and clean the surface with water. 2. Ensure the substrate is saturated surface dry (SSD) with no standing water. 3. Apply a tight coat of Planitop Fine Finish with a metal spreader, pressing it firmly into the defects. 4. Skim the broader area, tying into the repair and feathering the edges.
- Material Compatibility Notes: Designed for porous or uneven concrete structures. Will not adhere correctly to dusty surfaces.
- Performance Benefits: Delivers a seamless, high-adhesion repair that perfectly matches the concrete's texture, making it ideal for visible and architectural applications.
- Pro Tip: In hot or windy Australian conditions, it is critical to prevent the mortar from drying too quickly. Lightly spray the surface with water as it begins to set and for a few days after to ensure proper hydration and prevent shrinkage cracks.
- Common Pitfall to Avoid: Applying to a dirty, dusty, or unsound substrate. Thorough surface preparation is essential for achieving the product's exceptional bond strength.
For Painters & Architectural Finishers:
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Application Focus: Skimming and finishing concrete walls before painting.
- Micro-Guide: 1. Prepare the entire concrete surface, ensuring it is clean and sound. 2. Mix the mortar mechanically at a low speed to a lump-free consistency. 3. Apply a thin, even layer up to 3mm thick over the wall with a smooth spreader. 4. A few minutes later, finish the surface with a damp sponge float for a uniform texture.
- Material Compatibility Notes: Designed to be finished with Mapei's Elastocolor or Colorite paint systems after a minimum of 7 days.
- Performance Benefits: Creates a high-quality, stable, and perfectly smooth substrate, ensuring a premium result for your final paint finish and reducing paint consumption on uneven surfaces.
- Pro Tip: For a semi-transparent finish that evens out colour but preserves the concrete look, use Colorite Beton paint over the fully cured Planitop Fine Finish.
- Common Pitfall to Avoid: Adding more water to the mix once it has started to set. This will weaken the mortar. Mix only what you can use within the 45-minute pot life.
How to use Planitop Fine Finish
- Essential Tools & Setup: A low-speed mechanical mixer is highly recommended to ensure a lump-free mix without entrapping air. You will also need a clean mixing container, a rubber or smooth metal spreader for application, and a sponge float for finishing.
- Surface Preparation – The Key to Success: Surfaces must be perfectly clean, sound, and free of any loose particles or dust. Saturate the concrete with water, then remove all excess or standing water before application so the surface is in a saturated surface dry (SSD) condition.
- Trade-Specific Pro Tips for Optimal Results: Do not mix by hand. For the best finish, use a damp sponge float a few minutes after application to smooth the surface. In cold weather, use lukewarm water to mix; in hot weather, use cold water.
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Troubleshooting Common On-Site Issues:
- Issue: Flash setting or surface cracking. Solution: The surface was likely too dry, or the ambient conditions are hot and windy. Ensure the substrate is SSD and protect the surface after application by misting with water to prevent rapid evaporation.
- Issue: Poor adhesion or delamination. Solution: The substrate was likely not prepared correctly. Ensure all dust, loose material, and contaminants are completely removed before application.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Handling
- Optimal Storage Conditions: Planitop Fine Finish must be stored in its original, unopened packaging in a dry place to protect it from moisture.
- Shelf Life and Batch Information: The product has a shelf life of 12 months when stored correctly. If stored for longer, setting times may be extended, but the final performance characteristics will not be affected.
- Temperature Considerations for Application & Storage: Do not apply if the temperature is below +5°C. In hot weather, store the bags in a cool area away from direct sunlight. In cold weather, store at approx. +20°C and protect from frost.
- Handling & Disposal: This is a cement-based product. After hardening, it must be removed mechanically. Dispose of contents and containers in accordance with local regulations.
Certifications and Compliance
- EN 1504-2 & EN 1504-9: Complies with European standards for the protection and repair of concrete structures, confirming its quality and suitability as a surface protection coating.
- Class I Water Vapour Permeability: The cured mortar is permeable to water vapour ($S_D$ < 0.5 m), meaning it is breathable and allows moisture vapour to escape from the substrate.
- Reaction to Fire: Euroclass A2-s1, d0: This indicates a very limited contribution to fire, making it a safe choice for a wide range of building applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planitop Fine Finish
Q: Do I always need to use a primer before applying Planitop Fine Finish?
A: Not always. On a sound, solid, and properly cleaned concrete surface, a bonding promoter or primer is not required. However, if after cleaning the substrate is still weak or powdery, you must consolidate it with a suitable Mapei primer first to ensure a strong bond[cite: 232, 233].
Q: What is the maximum thickness I can apply in one coat?
A: The maximum recommended thickness for Planitop Fine Finish is 3 mm per layer[cite: 212, 240, 276]. It is an ultra-fine skimming mortar designed for thin applications to correct surface defects, not for thick-section repairs.
Q: Can I use Planitop Fine Finish on floors or other trafficked surfaces?
A: No, Planitop Fine Finish is not recommended for surfaces subjected to abrasion, such as floors or hydraulic structures. For those applications, you should use a more abrasion-resistant product like Mapefinish or Mapefinish HD[cite: 220].
Q: How long do I have to work with the product once it's mixed?
A: The pot life of the mixed mortar is approximately 45 minutes at +23°C and 50% relative humidity. It's important to only mix an amount that you can comfortably apply and finish within this timeframe. Do not add more water to try and extend the pot life[cite: 217].
Q: Can I add cement or other powders to change its properties?
A: Absolutely not. You must not add lime, cement, gypsum, or any other materials to the Planitop Fine Finish mix[cite: 219]. It is a precisely formulated product, and adding other substances will negatively affect its performance and void any warranties.
Applications Where Planitop Fine Finish Excels:
- Architectural Concrete Finishing: Its primary use is for smoothing and finishing concrete walls and facades to a high standard before painting or leaving as an exposed finish[cite: 207].
- Precast Element Finishing: Perfect for creating a uniform, high-quality surface on precast elements like buffer panels, beams, and pillars, correcting any minor defects from the casting process[cite: 208].
- Levelling Minor Surface Defects: Expertly fills and levels cosmetic flaws in cast concrete, such as gravel clusters (honeycombing), bug holes, and marks from second pours[cite: 207].
Top Benefits of Using Planitop Fine Finish on Your Projects:
- Achieve Architectural Perfection: The ultra-fine texture and superior workability allow you to produce a flawlessly smooth surface, transforming standard concrete into a high-end architectural feature.
- Save Time with a Simpler Process: On sound substrates, the ability to apply directly without a bonding promoter saves a significant process step, labour, and material cost.
- Accelerate Project Timelines: The rapid-hardening formula allows for protective coatings and paints to be applied just one week after application, helping you to complete your projects faster.
- Guaranteed Long-Term Durability: With incredibly high adhesion strength and compliance with EN 1504 standards for concrete repair, you can be confident that your finish is permanent and will not fail[cite: 215, 279].
Step-by-Step Application Guide for Planitop Fine Finish:
- Preparation is Paramount: Thoroughly clean the substrate to remove all dust, loose material, and contaminants. Power tools may be needed for unsound areas[cite: 227]. Saturate the surface with water, then wait for all excess water to evaporate, leaving the surface damp but not wet (SSD condition)[cite: 228, 230].
- Mortar Mixing: Pour 8.0-8.4 litres of clean water into a clean container. Slowly add a 20 kg bag of Planitop Fine Finish while mixing with a low-speed mechanical mixer[cite: 235, 237]. Continue mixing for several minutes until the mortar is completely smooth and lump-free[cite: 237].
- Application Technique: Using a smooth metal or rubber spreader, apply a layer of mortar onto the prepared surface[cite: 240]. Apply firmly to ensure good contact and fill all minor imperfections. The maximum thickness should not exceed 3 mm[cite: 240].
- Tooling for a Professional Finish: A few minutes after application, while the mortar is still fresh, finish the surface with the same spreader or a damp sponge float to achieve the desired smoothness[cite: 241].
- Curing: In hot, sunny, or windy weather, you must protect the surface from drying too quickly. Once touch-dry, gently spray the surface with water and repeat this for the next few days to prevent shrinkage cracks[cite: 243, 244].
- Clean-Up: Wash the mortar from your tools with water before it has a chance to harden. Once cured, it must be removed mechanically[cite: 256].
Important Limitations & Safety When Using Planitop Fine Finish:
Product Limitations:
- Do not apply in temperatures below +5°C or in strong winds or direct sunlight[cite: 218, 222].
- Do not add lime, cement, or gypsum to the mix[cite: 219].
- Not for use on surfaces with rising damp [cite: 223] or on surfaces subject to abrasion[cite: 220].
- Do not add more water than recommended, and never add water to the mix once it has started to set[cite: 217].
Safety First – Protecting Yourself and Your Workspace:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This product contains cement, which is an irritant[cite: 267]. It can cause serious eye damage[cite: 317, 330]. Use of protective gloves and close-fitting safety goggles is recommended[cite: 268, 411, 421]. Wear clothing that provides comprehensive skin protection[cite: 413].
- Ventilation & Respiratory: Avoid breathing dust[cite: 334]. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area[cite: 334]. If exposure limits are exceeded or ventilation is poor, respiratory protection must be used[cite: 423, 425].
- Safe Handling Practices: Avoid contact with skin and eyes[cite: 377]. Wash hands thoroughly after handling[cite: 334]. Contaminated clothing should be taken off and washed before reuse[cite: 337]. Do not eat or drink while working[cite: 383].
- First Aid Essentials: If the product contacts skin, wash with plenty of water[cite: 334]. If it gets in the eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes and seek immediate medical attention[cite: 269, 334]. If inhaled, remove person to fresh air[cite: 334].
Planitop Fine Finish Adhesion Profile – Compatible Substrates:
- Porous or Uneven Concrete: This is the primary substrate for Planitop Fine Finish[cite: 205]. For best results, the concrete must be sound, perfectly clean, and free of all loose areas, dust, and contaminants[cite: 227]. Prepare the surface to an SSD (saturated surface dry) condition before application[cite: 230].
- Precast Concrete Elements: Ideal for providing a smooth, uniform finish to precast components such as panels, beams, and pillars[cite: 208]. Surface preparation rules remain the same.
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