Blog Post

The Hallmark System

  • By 7016640727
  • •
  • 08 Feb, 2018
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The Classic Concrete Overlay

The Concrete Technology Hallmark System.  This is probably our most popular application due to its beauty of course, durability and versatility.  It can be applied to any existing concrete, new or old.  It's great for outdoor use because we can achieve a few different texture options.  We can leave it rough for steep driveways or sidewalks where extra traction is required or we can use a knockdown technique for a smoother surface, ideal for pool decks or other concrete surfaces in and around the home.  It can also be applied to stairs and walls.  I'll show some examples of both down below.  

Like all of our systems, The Hallmark System is available in dozens of standard colors, but again we can also have colors custom ordered for a minimal additional cost.  Patterns are available as well.  From simple tile patterns or borders to custom hand-laid flagstone patterns.  Logos and stencils can be incorporated as well.  The design opportunities are limited only by the imagination.  
Mauna Lani pooldeck.  Hallmark knockdown with highlighted pool coping.
So what is the Hallmark System?  It's a multi layer system based on a polymerized acrylic modified concrete.  Which in simplest terms means concrete mixed with liquid plastic.  The total system is about the thickness of a dime and has a compression strength more than twice that of standard concrete.  So its stronger than normal concrete and you're not changing any elevations to thresholds and baseboards.  It is UV resistant, stain resistant, chemical resistant and even freeze/thaw resistant, though that is not much of a problem here in Hawaii.  Outside it will cut the surface temperature by 20-40% depending on color.
Holualoa driveway with tile border.
To apply we always want to start with clean, bare concrete.  Outdoor projects usually afford us the ability to acid etch and pressure wash.  However, if previous coatings, paint or heavy mineral deposits are present, we grind all that off with vacuum assisted, diamond tipped grinders.  Cracks are addressed on a case by case basis and repaired accordingly.  I plan to describe in further detail the different methods of repairing cracks and some of the reasons they occur  in a future blog post.  Saw cuts may need to be added to alleviate tension and prevent future cracking.

Once the surface is cleaned and repaired, it's time to begin the application process.  First coat is a trowelled on skim coat over the entire surface. This conceals repairs, inconsistencies in the concrete and acts as our grout color should we decide to add a pattern.  We think of it as the canvas that all the magic happens on.  We mix all the products on site.  The color itself is integrated directly into the mix.  After a short drying time, the skim coat is sanded smooth and swept clean.  
Keauhou driveway with border and highlighted stairs
Next we install the pattern using filament tape of varying widths and/or stencils.  These are laid out by hand and masked off accordingly.  Once the pattern is in place we apply the spray coat.  This is shot from a hopper in layers of typically 2 to 3 colors.  At this point we can use trowels while the coat is still wet to achieve the knockdown look or we can leave the spray with a raw texture.  Texture can be manipulated by varying air pressures and the consistency of the mix.  Borders and highlights are masked and sprayed separately.

After this coat has completely dried, we remove the masking and peel the pattern tape to reveal the skim color below the spray-coat layer, becoming our grout lines.  The surface is scraped, swept and blown clean again before receiving 2 to 3 coats of our clear acrylic sealer.  Again, this stuff will stand up to vehicle traffic as well as the furniture and chemicals around the pool or home.  Once sealed, it becomes a non-porous surface, so while mildew can form, it won't be able to root into the surface, making it much easier to clean.  
Concrete wall coated with the Hallmark System.  Random stone pattern.  
More examples of the incredible Hallmark System can be found in the "Our Work" sections on this site.  I'll also provide a link to the corporate website here http://www.designcti.com/PhotoGallery.aspx for design ideas from all over the world.  We have dealers in all 50 states and 23 different countries, last time I checked. 

We encourage all our customers to explore the many design possibilities that we offer.  Whether its matching the trim color on your house or adding some honu or palm tree stencils, we'll make your concrete something truly beautiful and unique.  We also make sample boards for our customers when coming up with new color combinations so that we get the design right, before applying to hundreds or thousands of square feet.
Kona lanai with Hallmark knockdown
Answers to a lot of questions can be found in our FAQ section. Any other questions, I'm happy to answer, so please feel free to comment below. Concrete Technology of Hawaii inc. offers Free Estimates so call 808 324-7600 today and turn your dull grey concrete into a work of art with the Hallmark System.
Kona lanai with Hallmark knockdown and tile pattern.

Wood Look

By 7016640727 • 01 Mar, 2019
No warp, no rot and no splinters.  That's right, this is all created using Concrete Technology of Hawaii's modified concrete systems.  Its all custom textured and colored by hand.  The wood look is available indoors and out.  It can be applied with a rough texture or a smooth high gloss finish.  With all the durability of our custom concrete systems and available in countless color combinations, the wood look is an exciting new addition to our line of applications.  

Reflective Floor System

By 7016640727 • 13 Jun, 2018
Concrete Technology of Hawaii's Reflective Floor System is a relatively new product in our line of floor coatings.  Ideal for home, commercial and industrial interiors, this super fast curing epoxy coating is highly durable and absolutely stunning.   

Utilizing our Rapid Armor (soon to be EZ Armor) epoxy, the Reflective Floor System achieves a smooth, high gloss finish with a beautiful 3 dimensional effect within.  The pictures don't really do it justice, but I'll do my best to explain the product, some benefits, a little about the application process and show you a few examples along the way.  Be sure to check out the video at the end of this post.

Stone Classics

By 7016640727 • 07 Mar, 2018
This week we have Concrete Technology of Hawaii's Stone Classics System.  This one is similar to the Acrylistain system in its application with some differences in the coloring techniques.  We utilize the same materials as the previous 2 systems; Hallmark and Acrylistain, so once again you get all the benefits of our polymerized acrylic concrete coatings without the cost and headaches of actual stone.  All of CTi's colors are available as well as custom colors so we can compliment some of the colors in and around the home or business or we can come up with something totally unique and custom.  Twice the strength of standard concrete and resistant to UV, fade, chemicals and staining.  This alternative to stone stands the test of time.

Acrylistain

By 7016640727 • 17 Feb, 2018
Next up is the Acrylistain system.  This is Concrete Technology of Hawaii's take on stained concrete, but taken to a higher level.  Unlike lithochrome or acid staining, we're not staining the original grey concrete, nor does the slab need to be new or fresh to accept the color.  We actually use our polymerized acrylic concrete as a canvas for staining.  All of CTi's colors are available, as well as custom ordered colors.

Garages and Durafleck 5000

By 7016640727 • 08 Feb, 2018
Over the coming weeks, I plan to outline our different products here in this blog.  Seeing as we've started this year with a number of garages, I thought I'd begin this series with a few of them and our Durafleck 5000 product line.   

We can apply any one of our different products to a garage floor, but I usually recommend the Durafleck 5000 system for its ease of cleaning, resistance to chemicals and obviously visually pleasing, granite-like appearance.  Like many of our other products, it is great in other parts of the home and commercial areas as well.  Kitchens, basements, hospitals and workshops can all benefit from this durable coating.  Its available in about 30 different standard color combinations, but custom colors are available upon request as well.

Hawaii Island Living + Design Show

By Alika • 20 Jan, 2018
Welcome to the newly designed Concrete Technology of Hawaii Inc. website.  We're excited about the new look and hopefully a more streamlined experience navigating our site.  I'm still in the process of migrating over some of our best content from the old site as well as updating some of our more recent work. 

 I plan to use this space to share information regarding our specific overlay systems, new products and current jobs.  Feel free to comment with any questions and I'll do my best to answer in a timely manner.  A lot of questions can be answered in our FAQ's section, so be sure to check that out.   

Finally, we will once again be attending The Kona-Kohala Building and Design expo at the Sheraton Hotel in Keauhou.  However, said expo has been renamed as The Hawai'i Island Living + Design Show.  It takes place on February 17 & 18.  I hope to have a few new sample boards for the show and its a great chance to get hands on with our amazing products.  So stop by, talk story and see how Concrete Technology of Hawaii Inc. can transform your dull, grey concrete into a work of art.
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