FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is X Bond Seamless Stone?
X-Bond Stone is a water based, cementitious overlay system which combines natural stone and latex polymer, which is hand troweled over an existing substrate to create a concrete looking surface. It is the most premium concrete overlay on the market, that can be installed to floors, wall and other hard surface applications both internally and externally. There are many benefits of this concrete overlay system, it is the perfect option for concrete resurfacing, a great alternative to a polished concrete flooring and epoxy resin flooring. X- Bond Stone is a zero VOC hybrid of natural stone and advance cross-linking technology. It mechanically interlocks molecules of the X-Bond Stone to any solid surface enabling Remodel without Removal™.
What substrates can X-Bond Stone be applied over?
X-Bond Stone is applied in situ over a range of substrates including but not limited to:
Where can X-Bond Stone be applied?
X-Bond Stone can be applied both internally and externally in a range of projects including residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, education and public spaces. It can be applied on floors; walls; ceilings; countertops; islands; porches; pool decks; inside pools; Jacuzzis; furniture; cabinetry; basements, above and below grade. X Bond Stone is also suitable for wet area application such as showers, steam rooms & saunas.
What sealers are used for X-Bond Stone?
For internal applications we use a surface mounting sealer which forms a membrane over the X-Bond Stone. This sealer is called ‘Satin Stone’ and is used for sealing floors, walls and joinery internally.
In a wet area (showers) do I need a waterproofing membrane installed prior to X-Bond Stone installation?
Yes, when we’re applying X-Bond Stone to any wet areas, waterproof membrane is required.
Can I apply X-Bond Stone onto ceilings?
Yes. X-Bond Stone can be applied onto ceilings.
Is X-Bond Stone always applied seamlessly?
X-Bond Stone is designed to follow the existing substrate. We don't have to put breaks in if structurally it doesn't require it. Depending on the situation when X-Bond Stone is applied over concrete or sheeting, if there is an existing break or control joint in the existing floor we may need to repeat that by doing a saw cut.
Will I be able to see trowel marks?
X-Bond Stone is a hand trowelled finish which means that trowel marks, colour and tonal variation are a natural characteristic of the finish. For clients who are looking for a more uniform color we would suggest our Color Bond Finish.
Does X-Bond Stone delaminate and crack?
X-Bond Stone is a durable finish that doesn’t delaminate. However, as it is an overlay system X-Bond Stone is as good as the existing substrate and we cannot guarantee that the existing substrate will not move causing our product to crack. This is a substrate failure and the movement is beyond our control. We will take preventative measures when preparing for the X-Bond Stone installation to decrease the risk of substrate cracking however we will not be held responsible for naturally occurring subfloor or substrate cracking.
Is X-Bond Stone pourous?
As X-Bond Stone is sealed and not left in a raw state, it is not pourous.
I need to resurface an existing concrete slab. What finish can I use?
When it comes to concrete resurfacing, our X-Bond Stone overlay systems can be used to create a seamless, durable floor finish.
How do floors and walls need to be prepared for the X-Bond Stone finish?
Site Inspection - As there are too many substrate variables a site inspection needs to be conducted to see what preparations are required.
General rule for Concrete Floor - We expect a bare concrete slab in good condition perfectly smooth, flat and level, free of bumps and holes.
General rule for Bare Plastered Walls - All walls have to be prepared to a standard as if ready to be painted.
General rule for Tiled floor or walls - Damaged, loose & drummy tiles to be removed. Additional prep works may be required. A site inspection is required to ensure that tiles are in a sound condition for our products. We will not apply over tiles if we feel application is not suitable.
What's the difference between Polished Concrete and X Bond Stone flooring?
A Polished concrete floor is the process where concrete floor is mechanically ground, honed and polished in order to cut a concrete floor's surface to achieve a specified level of appearance. This is a popular if you would like to enhance the look of your existing concrete slab. X Bond Stone on the other hand is a cementitious overlay system that's hand trowelled over an existing substrate to achieve a concrete aesthetic, resulting in a new surface.
What's the difference between GFRConcrete and X Bond Seamless Stone?
GFRC is both the acronym and industry term for glass-fiber reinforced concrete. This type of concrete comprises the vast majority of our work. Templates are taken onsite and highly refined molds are made at our studio; concrete is cast into the molds and allowed to cure for 2 weeks - the resulting pieces are vary hard and have an almost glass like finish. X-Bond Stone on the other hand is a cementitious overlay system that's hand trowelled or sprayed over an existing substrate to achieve a concrete aesthetic, resulting in a new surface. Both are available in a wide variety of color options.
What does “Remodel Without Removal” mean? With SEMCO’s unique REMODEL WITHOUT REMOVAL™ system you can remodel any solid surface without the cost, inconvenience and potential environmental damage associated with the removal of the existing surface. SEMCO surface engineers have perfected this method through the use of the X-Bond Seamless Stone, which chemically adheres to any existing surface. This system saves clients time and cost on their projects, while offering significant “GREEN” benefits.
Can I see a sample?
We have samples available for viewing, but due to the wide variety of colors possible with Semco X-Bond Seamless Stone, it is impossible for us to have them all in stock/ as samples. If Custom color samples are required, they can be produced and will be charged at a cost of $400.00 per single color/ single finish sample board. Samples boards are 3’ x4’. Colours chosen from SEMCO colour charts are subject to variation dependent upon lighting in which it is viewed and/ or the substrate in which it is applied. SEMCO Modern Seamless Surface applies the stains by hand. Colour variations and patterns within the colour coat are natural and we believe this adds to the natural, original and beautiful look of the final product. Substrate texture, hand troweling of an overlay, poured concrete, substrate angles, substrate thickness; stain mixture; humidity; climate and aftercare also cause variations in the final product. Samples should only be used as a general representation of the material. Tonal variations and trowel marks are natural characteristic of our surfaces which may not be apparent in your sample. Each finish is unique as our surfaces are hand applied in situ to create a continual seamless finish. Our surface in not supplied in a sheet or tile form. Please email [email protected] to set up an appointment,
What is the price per square foot of X-Bond Stone?
We look at each job individually and price each job based on a site visit or off plans as the price to install X-Bond varies depending on project location, total square footage, area of application, intricacy, height (for walls) etc. Please email [email protected] with dimensions, drawings or photos so that we can provide you with a quote.
Is there a minimum quantity order for X-Bond Stone?
No there is no minimum. Projects are usually priced on a $/sq. ft. basis. Smaller project are priced on a project-by-project basis.
At what stage of my project should your products be applied?
We prefer to install towards the very end of a project.
How long does it take for you to install X-Bond Stone?
This depends on the size of the project and the finish.
What is your lead time?
We recommend booking us in 8-12 weeks in advance to ensure we are available on your selected installation date. For smaller jobs 4-6 weeks is recommended.
What products do you recommend using to maintain my X-Bond Stone floor?
Please email [email protected] for more details.
How do I protect my new X-BOND Seamless Stone floor?
Please email [email protected] for more details.
I have damaged my surface?
One of the benefits of Satin Stone sealer is that in most cases, it is repairable if something were to happen to your surface. Please email [email protected] to set up an appointment,
What's with all the jargon?
There are many different terms used to describe X-Bond Seamless Stone. You may have heard the words Microcement, Microtopping, Cementicious Coating, Cementicious Topping and Concrete Overlay. X-Bond falls into all the above categories. As it is a cement based product, it's cementicious properties allow it to be used in a range of different applications to create a concrete looking aesthetic but at a minimal depth. Microtoppings & Cementicious coatings are applied over an existing substrate at approximately 3mm thick, making it much easier to install and cost effective then pouring actual concrete, not to mention there are no weight issues!
X-Bond Stone is a water based, cementitious overlay system which combines natural stone and latex polymer, which is hand troweled over an existing substrate to create a concrete looking surface. It is the most premium concrete overlay on the market, that can be installed to floors, wall and other hard surface applications both internally and externally. There are many benefits of this concrete overlay system, it is the perfect option for concrete resurfacing, a great alternative to a polished concrete flooring and epoxy resin flooring. X- Bond Stone is a zero VOC hybrid of natural stone and advance cross-linking technology. It mechanically interlocks molecules of the X-Bond Stone to any solid surface enabling Remodel without Removal™.
What substrates can X-Bond Stone be applied over?
X-Bond Stone is applied in situ over a range of substrates including but not limited to:
- Floors: Concrete, Tiles,
- Walls: Plaster, Concrete, Concrete Block, Tiles, Brick, Plywood & MDF
Other Hard surfaces: MDF, Concrete Block, Concrete Laminate & Marine Plywood
Where can X-Bond Stone be applied?
X-Bond Stone can be applied both internally and externally in a range of projects including residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, education and public spaces. It can be applied on floors; walls; ceilings; countertops; islands; porches; pool decks; inside pools; Jacuzzis; furniture; cabinetry; basements, above and below grade. X Bond Stone is also suitable for wet area application such as showers, steam rooms & saunas.
What sealers are used for X-Bond Stone?
For internal applications we use a surface mounting sealer which forms a membrane over the X-Bond Stone. This sealer is called ‘Satin Stone’ and is used for sealing floors, walls and joinery internally.
In a wet area (showers) do I need a waterproofing membrane installed prior to X-Bond Stone installation?
Yes, when we’re applying X-Bond Stone to any wet areas, waterproof membrane is required.
Can I apply X-Bond Stone onto ceilings?
Yes. X-Bond Stone can be applied onto ceilings.
Is X-Bond Stone always applied seamlessly?
X-Bond Stone is designed to follow the existing substrate. We don't have to put breaks in if structurally it doesn't require it. Depending on the situation when X-Bond Stone is applied over concrete or sheeting, if there is an existing break or control joint in the existing floor we may need to repeat that by doing a saw cut.
Will I be able to see trowel marks?
X-Bond Stone is a hand trowelled finish which means that trowel marks, colour and tonal variation are a natural characteristic of the finish. For clients who are looking for a more uniform color we would suggest our Color Bond Finish.
Does X-Bond Stone delaminate and crack?
X-Bond Stone is a durable finish that doesn’t delaminate. However, as it is an overlay system X-Bond Stone is as good as the existing substrate and we cannot guarantee that the existing substrate will not move causing our product to crack. This is a substrate failure and the movement is beyond our control. We will take preventative measures when preparing for the X-Bond Stone installation to decrease the risk of substrate cracking however we will not be held responsible for naturally occurring subfloor or substrate cracking.
Is X-Bond Stone pourous?
As X-Bond Stone is sealed and not left in a raw state, it is not pourous.
I need to resurface an existing concrete slab. What finish can I use?
When it comes to concrete resurfacing, our X-Bond Stone overlay systems can be used to create a seamless, durable floor finish.
How do floors and walls need to be prepared for the X-Bond Stone finish?
Site Inspection - As there are too many substrate variables a site inspection needs to be conducted to see what preparations are required.
General rule for Concrete Floor - We expect a bare concrete slab in good condition perfectly smooth, flat and level, free of bumps and holes.
General rule for Bare Plastered Walls - All walls have to be prepared to a standard as if ready to be painted.
General rule for Tiled floor or walls - Damaged, loose & drummy tiles to be removed. Additional prep works may be required. A site inspection is required to ensure that tiles are in a sound condition for our products. We will not apply over tiles if we feel application is not suitable.
What's the difference between Polished Concrete and X Bond Stone flooring?
A Polished concrete floor is the process where concrete floor is mechanically ground, honed and polished in order to cut a concrete floor's surface to achieve a specified level of appearance. This is a popular if you would like to enhance the look of your existing concrete slab. X Bond Stone on the other hand is a cementitious overlay system that's hand trowelled over an existing substrate to achieve a concrete aesthetic, resulting in a new surface.
What's the difference between GFRConcrete and X Bond Seamless Stone?
GFRC is both the acronym and industry term for glass-fiber reinforced concrete. This type of concrete comprises the vast majority of our work. Templates are taken onsite and highly refined molds are made at our studio; concrete is cast into the molds and allowed to cure for 2 weeks - the resulting pieces are vary hard and have an almost glass like finish. X-Bond Stone on the other hand is a cementitious overlay system that's hand trowelled or sprayed over an existing substrate to achieve a concrete aesthetic, resulting in a new surface. Both are available in a wide variety of color options.
What does “Remodel Without Removal” mean? With SEMCO’s unique REMODEL WITHOUT REMOVAL™ system you can remodel any solid surface without the cost, inconvenience and potential environmental damage associated with the removal of the existing surface. SEMCO surface engineers have perfected this method through the use of the X-Bond Seamless Stone, which chemically adheres to any existing surface. This system saves clients time and cost on their projects, while offering significant “GREEN” benefits.
Can I see a sample?
We have samples available for viewing, but due to the wide variety of colors possible with Semco X-Bond Seamless Stone, it is impossible for us to have them all in stock/ as samples. If Custom color samples are required, they can be produced and will be charged at a cost of $400.00 per single color/ single finish sample board. Samples boards are 3’ x4’. Colours chosen from SEMCO colour charts are subject to variation dependent upon lighting in which it is viewed and/ or the substrate in which it is applied. SEMCO Modern Seamless Surface applies the stains by hand. Colour variations and patterns within the colour coat are natural and we believe this adds to the natural, original and beautiful look of the final product. Substrate texture, hand troweling of an overlay, poured concrete, substrate angles, substrate thickness; stain mixture; humidity; climate and aftercare also cause variations in the final product. Samples should only be used as a general representation of the material. Tonal variations and trowel marks are natural characteristic of our surfaces which may not be apparent in your sample. Each finish is unique as our surfaces are hand applied in situ to create a continual seamless finish. Our surface in not supplied in a sheet or tile form. Please email [email protected] to set up an appointment,
What is the price per square foot of X-Bond Stone?
We look at each job individually and price each job based on a site visit or off plans as the price to install X-Bond varies depending on project location, total square footage, area of application, intricacy, height (for walls) etc. Please email [email protected] with dimensions, drawings or photos so that we can provide you with a quote.
Is there a minimum quantity order for X-Bond Stone?
No there is no minimum. Projects are usually priced on a $/sq. ft. basis. Smaller project are priced on a project-by-project basis.
At what stage of my project should your products be applied?
We prefer to install towards the very end of a project.
How long does it take for you to install X-Bond Stone?
This depends on the size of the project and the finish.
What is your lead time?
We recommend booking us in 8-12 weeks in advance to ensure we are available on your selected installation date. For smaller jobs 4-6 weeks is recommended.
What products do you recommend using to maintain my X-Bond Stone floor?
Please email [email protected] for more details.
How do I protect my new X-BOND Seamless Stone floor?
Please email [email protected] for more details.
I have damaged my surface?
One of the benefits of Satin Stone sealer is that in most cases, it is repairable if something were to happen to your surface. Please email [email protected] to set up an appointment,
What's with all the jargon?
There are many different terms used to describe X-Bond Seamless Stone. You may have heard the words Microcement, Microtopping, Cementicious Coating, Cementicious Topping and Concrete Overlay. X-Bond falls into all the above categories. As it is a cement based product, it's cementicious properties allow it to be used in a range of different applications to create a concrete looking aesthetic but at a minimal depth. Microtoppings & Cementicious coatings are applied over an existing substrate at approximately 3mm thick, making it much easier to install and cost effective then pouring actual concrete, not to mention there are no weight issues!