We recommend using a five-gallon general-purpose construction bucket for mixing concrete. When working in batches, use the same amount of water for each round of mixing to promote consistency.
Start by pouring one gallon of water into your bucket. Then, slowly begin pouring the contents of a 50 lb box of concrete overlay into the bucket while mixing continuously with a drill mixer. Use a “birdcage,” high-shear paddle when bucket-mixing for best results. This ensures the water will hydrate the dry polymer cement mixture and properly disperse all essential elements.
Use less water for a thicker consistency, or thin the overlay during application by adding water “as needed,” up to a maximum of one additional gallon. If using colored concrete pigment, it is essential that the water amount be kept uniform for every box of overlay to avoid color discrepancies.
The “pot life” for the overlay is approximately 45 minutes. Overlay will not perform to the potential beyond this window, but may be extended 15 minutes by using ice-cold water during the mixing process. Ambient temperature will also affect pot life, with cooler temperatures marginally extending it and hotter conditions shortening it.
