Installation
Installation guide
A layer-by-layer walkthrough of the Terrazzino system, from substrate preparation through topcoat.
Tools
- Diamond floor grinder and vacuum
- Crack paste / pinhole filler
- Notched squeegees for the MVB, primer and base coat
- 50–60 mil notched squeegee for the Terrazzino layer
- Wire gauge rake (recommended), set to 1/20 in.–1/16 in.
- 18 in. looped roller
- 60–80 grit sandpaper (base coat prep)
- 100–200 grit sanding screens (before urethane topcoat)
- Microfiber cloths
- White buffing pad (Terrazzino Cera finish)
Wire gauge rake setting: 1/20 in.–1/16 in. (about 50–62 mils), targeting 60 mils. 1/20 in. = 50 mils; 1/16 in. ≈ 62.5 mils.[NEEDS DATA: confirm rake setting wording]
Substrate requirements & suitability
Terrazzino is installed over prepared concrete. Terrazzino Moisture Vapor Control (MVB) is required on all slab-on-grade work and any application directly over concrete. Terrazzino Fast Set Primer may be used instead only over eligible non-porous surfaces — it is not a moisture barrier.
Required substrate strength / surface profile (CSP):[substrate strength / CSP]
Moisture testing
Test slab moisture before installing. Two standard methods apply: ASTM F1869, the calcium chloride test that measures moisture vapor emission rate (MVER), and ASTM F2170, in-situ relative humidity (RH) probes placed in the slab.
Pass/fail moisture limits for Terrazzino: [moisture pass/fail limits]
Surface preparation
- Diamond grind the substrate — the flatter the result, the better the finished floor.
- Vacuum meticulously after grinding to remove all dust before proceeding.
Cracks, holes & joints
Open cracks and holes by grinding, fill with crack paste / pinhole filler slightly high, then grind flush with the surrounding surface — “Filled, Flush and Flat.”
Moving joint / control joint treatment: [joint treatment for moving joints]
Primer / MVB
Apply Terrazzino Moisture Vapor Control (MVB) with a notched squeegee. Prime twice — a single prime coat is a common cause of pinholes in later layers.
Over eligible non-porous surfaces only, Terrazzino Fast Set Primer may be used instead. Dry time is 1–2 hours, so the two coats can be applied back-to-back.
| Layer | Coverage | Mils |
|---|---|---|
| Terrazzino Moisture Vapor Control (MVB) | 80 sq ft/gal[NEEDS DATA: confirm] | 20 |
| Terrazzino Fast Set Primer | 300 sq ft/gal[NEEDS DATA: confirm] | Data pending |
Source: Owner-provided planning value (Oct 29, 2026) · retrieved 2026-10-29
Base coat
Inspect the base coat for pinholes and fill them before proceeding — pinholes left unfilled will telegraph through later layers. Base coat color is matched to the chosen Terrazzino blend; see theColors page for pairings.
Coverage: 80–100 sq ft/gal.[NEEDS DATA: confirm planning rate]
Source: Owner-provided planning value (Oct 29, 2026) · retrieved 2026-10-29
Mixing
Kit contents: 1 gal Part A + ½ gal Part B (1.5 gal liquid) + 18 lb Terrazzino Aggregate
Mix ratio: 1 gal Part A : ½ gal Part B : 18 lb aggregate (2:1 A:B by volume)
Pot life: 15–25 minutes at 70°F. Mix only what can be placed within pot life.
Mixing time / equipment: [mixing time and equipment]
50–90°F with relative humidity below 85%. When RH exceeds 70%, let the material induct for 15 minutes before applying (remix before use).
Application
- Sand the base coat with 60–80 grit and vacuum thoroughly.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth, then fill any remaining pinholes. It's fine to work the Terrazzino layer wet-on-wet over pinhole filler.
- Spread the mixed Terrazzino material at 60 mils (approx. 55 sq ft per kit) with a 50–60 mil notched squeegee.Note: A 3/8 in. V-notch squeegee applies too little material for Terrazzino — do not use it for this layer.
- Recommended tool: a wire gauge rake — like a cam rake, but with adjustable wires instead of cams, so the gauge height can be set precisely.Set it to 1/20 in.–1/16 in. (about 50–62 mils). Target 60 mils. (1/20 in. = 50 mils; 1/16 in. ≈ 62.5 mils.)[NEEDS DATA: confirm rake setting wording]
- Let the material settle 5–10 minutes, then loop-roll with an 18 in. looped roller.
- Notched-squeegee coverage yields vary by brand — test unfamiliar squeegees on a scrap area before committing to the floor.
Cure
| Stage | Value (at 70°F) |
|---|---|
| Pot life (1½ gal volume) | 15–25 minutes |
| Tack free (dry to touch) | 4–6 hours |
| Recoat or topcoat | 6–9 hours |
| Light foot traffic | 12–24 hours |
| Full cure (heavy traffic) | 2–5 days |
Source: Terrazzino Specification sheet (snapshot; revision/date not stated) · retrieved 2026-10-30
Topcoat
Urethane topcoat
- Sand the cured Terrazzino layer with a 100–200 grit screen.
- Vacuum thoroughly.
- Apply with a 2–3 mil notched squeegee and backroll.[NEEDS DATA: confirm mils / coverage]
Terrazzino Cera route
- No sanding: apply 3–4 coats, buffed between coats with a white pad.
- Or sand 100 grit then 200 grit and apply 5–6 coats, buffed with a white pad.
Source: Owner-provided planning value (Oct 29, 2026) · retrieved 2026-10-29
QC checklist
- Moisture testing complete (ASTM F1869 and/or F2170) before starting
- Substrate diamond ground flat and vacuumed
- Cracks and holes filled, flush, and flat
- MVB installed on all slab-on-grade / direct-to-concrete areas
- Primer or MVB applied in two coats
- Base coat inspected and all pinholes filled
- Squeegee notch size tested on a scrap area before use
- 10% extra material ordered
- Each mix placed within pot life
- Terrazzino layer applied at 60 mils (50–60 mil notched squeegee or wire gauge rake)
- Terrazzino layer loop-rolled after 5–10 minute settle
- Surface sanded and vacuumed before topcoat / Cera
- Topcoat or Cera applied per chosen route
Common mistakes
- Skipping Terrazzino Moisture Vapor Control on slab-on-grade or direct-to-concrete work.
- Single-priming instead of priming twice — a common cause of pinholes.
- Using a 3/8 in. V-notch squeegee for the Terrazzino layer — it applies too little material. Use a 50–60 mil notched squeegee or a wire gauge rake.
- Using an untested squeegee notch size and getting an unexpected yield.
- Not ordering 10% extra material.
- Poor vacuuming after grinding or sanding, leaving dust in the system.
- Not loop-rolling the Terrazzino layer flat when finishing with Terrazzino Cera.
- Exceeding the pot life of a mixed batch before placing it.
Practice on a sample board before taking on a major project. For expert advice on a specific job,contact us.