FAQs

Providing the Latest in Concrete Technology in all of Hawaii

808-324-7600

Providing the Latest in Concrete Technology in all of Hawaii

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Concrete Technology of Hawaii Inc?

Concrete Technology of Hawaii Inc is a concrete resurfacing business with the Hallmark System as its main product line. Hallmark System is a colored and modified acrylic cement product consisting of Portland cement, silica sand, and modified acrylic resin as its bonding agent.

Do you have other products that you manufacture aside from Hallmark System?

Aside from our Hallmark System product, we also manufacture a full line of beautification and restoration products for commercial and residential use. We have products that you can use for concrete floors, existing countertops, and walls. We also manufacture tough and durable epoxy and urethane floor coatings that protect concrete even in the harshest of environments.

How thick is your Hallmark System cement?

We generally apply our systems on old concrete between 3/32" to 1/8". Our system is made up of thin-layered cements which depend on adhesion through modified acrylics.

What does it look like?

Our Hallmark System can be customized to any texture, color, or look that you want! We do this by applying a base coat to fix any imperfections in the original concrete. We then lay over the design and hopper gun shoots and the nonporous final coat is put over the system for protection and easy maintenance.

What colors does it come in?

We have lots of standard colors for you to choose from. We also accept custom colors for a minimal extra charge.

How long does it take you to finish a job?

Normally, it takes us 3-5 days to finish a job. But larger and more complex jobs may take longer. Clean foot traffic is usually allowed within the same day.

Do I have to drain my pool?

No, it should be full because a CTI system spray over an empty pool would stain the plaster. Small amounts of overspray are dealt with by allowing it to settle to the bottom, shutting off the filter, then pumping the material to waste. Bypassing all filters is recommended.

How about the treatment of control or expansion joints?

We let all existing control and expansion joints to remain in the surface so that the original concrete can expand and contract. They will not be treated with the CTI system and are masked off. Don't worry because we ensure that the joints will match the looks of the rest of the surface.

How cool is it to walk on?

Take a look at our system's heat retention:

Up to 40 degrees cooler than concrete

30%-40% cooler than epoxy stone

50% cooler than vinyl or urethane

40%-50% cooler than wood decks

Up to 40% cooler than carpet

50%-60% cooler than terrazzo

40%-50% cooler than tile

20%-30% cooler than brick

However, colors of the product and the texture chosen will affect the overall temperature of the surface.

Is it similar to Kool Deck®?

No, because Kool Deck® needs to be applied to a freshly poured concrete within 5 hours for it to bond. Our three-coat system can be applied to new or old concrete and is sealed with a finish coat to make it stain resistant. Kool Deck® is very porous, non-flexible, and has a minimal life expectancy.

Will pool water, chlorine, muriatic acid, or bleach stain the CTI system?

No. We apply to our system a sealer that is unaffected by most chemicals.

Will CTI's systems fade?

Not dramatically. Our product has approximately 2% fade factor over seven years, but is undetected by the human eye.

Can you correct drainage and low spots?

We can improve drainage, however, its success depends on the pitch of the concrete that is adjacent to the low spot. Our authorized CTI dealer should inspect the low spot personally to let you know what you can expect.

How do you treat cracks in the concrete before applying CTI products?

We use a cup grinder to grind out cracks and produce a "V." A two-part epoxy with a chopped fiberglass filament is then introduced into the crack and will re-bond it.

Can cracks reoccur?

We do everything to treat cracks and we do eliminate 90% of them, but they may reoccur in the form of a hairline and are largely hidden in texture. If a crack becomes too obvious, we repair it by proper placement of tension cuts to reduce the chance of the crack returning. Please take note that cracks naturally happen in rocks, dried-out mud flats, paints, concrete, and ceramic coatings. Cracks can be structural or surface.

Can you apply your product over already-painted concrete?

No. Concrete needs to be scarified or sandblasted to remove the paint. Our product will only bond with original concrete.

Can the CTI system be applied to steps?

Yes. It can also be applied to risers and treads.

Can it also be applied to walls?

Yes, however, multiple spray coats need to be applied for rebound and waste reduction.

Do you apply the material to cantilever faces and coping stones?

Yes. But application on coping stones is advisable only if they are new. If coating is not done, the stones will look old and dirty after our product is applied. Older coping stones that have deep lips will be filled in to be leveled with the deck giving a modernized cantilevered look.

What if the coping stones are not covered, will the CTI system be higher?

No. CTI's product is applied thinly so that the coping and decking will be on the same level.

How long has this product been in use?

We have been manufacturing coatings since 1968. Acrylic decking has been in use since the early 70s.

Can you level heaved concrete?

No. If the heaved area is in a greatly different level than the existing concrete.

How does the price of CTI's systems compare with removing and replacing old concrete?

The cost of the CTI system is normally 30%-35% less than the cost of replacing cement with a new one. It is also much better looking and easier to maintain than the original cement.

What is the cost per square foot?

It depends on a number of factors like the condition of the original concrete, the patterns chosen, etc.

How do I clean the CTI surfaces?

Normal washing with a hose is usually enough. For stubborn stains, you might need a brush with laundry detergent.

How does CTI's systems compare to concrete?

Our systems are harder than concrete. Most concretes have a compressive strength of 2000-2500 psi, CTI's system has a 7000 psi.