Konstrukt Construction Chemicals is the trusted brand for surface preparation products. Need to prep a wall for painting? They’ve got you covered with their skimcoats, renders, and more. But while a painted wall is the norm for living spaces, there’s just something about a modern concrete look that gives the space the added oomph that it needs. This is where Konstrukt Lunar Series comes in. It’s a collection of 9 decorative cement finishes that you can achieve by using standard Konstrukt products. Here’s a link where you can read up on the other finishes. But for this post, let’s focus on the Korona Finish.
What is Korona?
First of all, it’s not what you think! It wasn’t named after the pandemic, I swear. The finishes were named waaaay before the lockdown. The design was named “Korona” because it looks, well, regal. The ridges from the application creates dips which creates a nice contrast on any surface. Also, while it looks great bare, the Korona finish really shines with a little bit of color.
Before we dive into the how-tos of this modern concrete finish, always remember that Konstrukt Lunar Series designs are best applied by a seasoned professional.
The Project Checklist
To recreate this modern concrete look, you’ll need the following products:
- Konstrukt Permaplast K-210 2K Skimcoat Part A (liquid)
- Konstrukt Permaplast K-210 2K Skimcoat Part B (powder): K-210 B for Off-White or K-210 B1 for Gray
To protect your finish, you have the following options:
- Boysen Matte Shield B-4600
- Boysen Latex Colors (optional)
Aside from the usual renovation items like rags and ladders, you’ll need these as well:
Prep the Surface
Before you start, always make sure that the walls you’ll be applying this look to is prepped properly. Remove any honeycomb and loose concrete. Check and repair all surface defects such as cracks or gaps with corrective civil works. Waterproof as necessary. Make sure to dust off any dirt and that the surface is dry.
Check the weather forecast before starting any construction project. Nice sunny days help with the product’s cure time and is good for the overall ventilation during the whole process. Always remember that this product should be applied over bare concrete. The Korona finish in particular is only for interiors.
How to Achieve the Korona Finish
Step 01: Mix a gallon of K-210 2K Skimcoat Part A (liquid) and 8 Liters of fresh water in a clean plastic or aluminum container. Divide the contents into two containers after thorough mixing. We’re going to be adding more products into the mix so it’s better to use 2 containers for this one!
Step 02: Pour the 28 kilogram bag of K-210 2K Skimcoat Part B (powder) into both containers in equal parts. Stir both mixtures separately using a mixing device until they’re free from any lumps. The mixture can be used within a 1 to 2 hour working time. No other material should be added into the mixture.
Step 03: Apply the mixture thinly on the surface by pressing the edge of the steel trowel firmly on the concrete until all areas are covered. Let the first coat dry for at least an hour before applying the second coat. Let the second coat dry for another hour before applying the third coat.
Step 04: For the final coat, apply the mixture in arbitrary strokes to achieve your desired look. No need to neutralize the surface. Let the application cure for at least 7 days before applying a protective coat over the design.
How to Protect your Korona Finish
If you used the K-210 B1 (gray), just apply 2 coats of Boysen Matte Shield B-4600 onto the design to protect it from the wear and tear of indoor living. This maintains the modern concrete look of the finish by just applying Matte Shield straight from the can.
But, what if you used K-210 B in Off-White instead? You definitely can retain this off-white cement color. However, this could also be the perfect background for a tinted Matte Shield to let some color pop through the Korona Finish. Use the water-based colorants Boysen Latex Colors for this. Just remember that the colorants can only be mixed with Matte Shield at a maximum ratio of 1:16 respectively. That’s a maximum of 1/4 Liter of colorant for every gallon of the protective topcoat. Use a sponge to apply the product to achieve a more faded look.
If you have any questions about Konstrukt Lunar Series or the Korona finish, never hesitate to send us an email at ask@myboysen.com. Don’t be shy. We’re always happy to help!
