Application Instruction - Milestone Milestone Finishes

Application Instructions

For Interior Vertical Surfaces

DOWNLOADABLE VERSION (.pdf)

Note: Label and Brochure Instructions are abbreviated. Read and follow all directions in this instruction booklet before using this product. Milestone is a cementitious overlay system for interior walls that gives you a variety of looks and finishes in quick time. The Milestone System may be applied over a wide range of surfaces in a variety of textures and countless color options. This booklet offers two finish techniques. The Aggregate finish utilizes post consumer glass to show through the subtle, smooth or textured finish, leaving an organic look to the final finish. The Milestone Powder finish incorporates White Cement Powder in the finish coat, revealing a Venetian plaster look.

NOTICE: MILESTONE PRODUCTS ARE FORMULATED FOR USE AS A SYSTEM. ANY MIXTURE WILL HAVE THE HAZARDS OF ALL COMPONENTS. READ THIS INSTRUCTION BOOKLET AND ALL OF THE PRODUCT LABELS BEFORE USING. FOLLOW ALL PRECAUTIONS.

01. Surface Preparation

New Construction - Interior Drywall Surface Preparation

  • All surfaces must be clean and free of loose material (dirt and debris), oil, grease, glues or other contaminants.
  • Interior drywall should be prepared to a level 4 (very smooth with no tape lines showing)
  • Prime the wall using Milestone Quick Dry Primer or an acrylic paint primer
  • Allow surface to dry completely, about 1 - 2 hours depending on weather and humidity.
  • Tape off or mask adjoining areas and baseboards to protect against contact with Milestone. Use a low adhesive painter's tape on painted surfaces. Tape down drop cloths on the floors to protect them from contact with Milestone.

Existing Construction - Interior Drywall Surface Preparation

  • All surfaces must be clean and free of loose material (dirt and debris), oil, grease, glues or other contaminants.
  • For previously painted walls, make sure all paint is in good condition without peeling or flaking.
  • If the wall is painted with high-gloss or oil-base paint, de-gloss the surface using 220 grit sandpaper.
  • Remove all sanding dust.
  • Tape off or mask adjoining areas and baseboards to protect against contact with Milestone. Use a low adhesive painter's tape on painted surfaces. Tape down drop cloths on the floors to protect them from contact with Milestone.

Other Vertical Surfaces - Brick, cement, etc.

  • All surfaces must be clean and free of loose material (dirt and debris), oil, grease, glues or other contaminants.
  • For previously painted surfaces, make sure all paint is in good condition without peeling or flaking.
  • When working over brick surfaces, make sure all bricks are in good structural condition. Any loose bricks need to be reset prior to beginning a Milestone project.
  • Tape off or mask adjoining areas and baseboards to protect against contact with Milestone. Use a low adhesive painter's tape on painted surfaces. Tape down drop cloths on the floors to protect them from contact with Milestone.
  • On non-porous surfaces such as glazed tile or marble, apply a coat of SkimStone Bonding Primer to the surface (See SkimStone Bonding Primer Technical Data Sheet for application instructions) prior to beginning a Milestone application.

02. Primary Coat(s)

Primary Coat(s) are optional when working on smooth, properly prepared surfaces. A Primary Coat may be necessary when working over SkimStone Bonding Primer, on very uneven surfaces, or when more build is desired. Several Primary Coats will be necessary when working over brick or tile with deep grout lines. Other reasons to apply a Primary Coat(s) include:

  • A Primary Coat allows you to bury a certain amount of unevenness in your existing surface.
  • Applying a Primary Coat will leave you with an "even canvas" for your subsequent coats.
  • If your surface has residue stains from previous materials, you can bury those with a Primary Coat(s).

Follow all Surface Preparation instructions prior to applying a Primary Coat.

Calculating Product Quantities - Primary Coat(s)

All quantities are measured by volume. Colorant is optional for the Primary Coat(s).

  • 1 oz. Fusion Acrylic Solution per square foot of surface area to be covered.
  • 2 oz. (approximately) Base Coat Dry Mix per square foot of surface area to be covered.

Mixing and Application Instructions - Primary Coat(s)

  • Measure out the amount of Fusion Acrylic Solution you will need for one Primary Coat into a clean 5-gal mixing bucket.
  • In small increments add the Base Coat dry Mix to the Fusion Acrylic Solution until you get the consistency of honey. Important Note: Because you are measuring by volume, you may not use all of the Base Coat Dry Mix called for in your calculations. Alternately, when the Base Coat Dry Mix is measured too loosely, more Base Coat Dry Mix than called for may be necessary. It is important to mix the product to the correct consistency. For the Primary Coats you want a consistency similar to honey. Always add powdered ingredients in small increments to avoid making the mixture unworkable.
  • For larger jobs, mix only half of a 5-gal bucket of Primary Coat mix at a time. As you use the product, you can add fresh mix batches to your mix bucket or thin out your product using Fusion Acrylic Solution. This will ensure an even, consistent mix and finish.
  • Stir often during use.
  • Using a hawk and a straight-edge metal finishing trowel, start at a top corner of the wall and apply a thin, even coat to the wall surface.
  • If your existing surface is level, apply enough pressure to trowel only to the thickness of the aggregate in the mix. This allows you to use the existing surface as a guide, reducing the need for further leveling.
  • When working over surfaces with grout lines, make sure to push the product into the grout allowing it to completely wet the deepest surface ensuring a strong bond.
  • Once the entire surface is covered, begin watching for the optimal sanding, shaping and leveling stage (see below). On large surface areas the sanding, shaping and leveling may need to begin prior to the entire surface being covered with the Primary Coat. Extra person(s) may be needed to complete the two steps simultaneously.
  • Allow the surface to dry completely, about 4 - 8 hours, depending on weather and humidity.
  • Follow instructions for additional Primary Coats or continue on with your selected finish.

Sanding, Shaping and Leveling Primary Coat(s)

One of Milestone's unique properties is the way that it can be sanded. As it sets up, it reaches a stage where it can be easily manipulated with sandpaper, the edge of your trowel, a straight edge or a framer's square. Usually, you will see some color changes in your surface, indicating the beginning of the sanding state. Another way of checking to see if the Primary Coat(s) is ready to be manipulated is to use a sheet of 80 grit sandpaper and begin sanding with light pressure. If your sandpaper clogs up right away, it is still too early. At the proper time, you will be able to sand a 100 sq ft area with one sheet of sandpaper without it ever clogging up. There are many advantages to this property of Milestone's. For example, when applying the base coat, you don't have to worry about ridges left behind by the edge of your trowel, as long as you come back at the right time and carve them down with a straightedge or even with the edge of your trowel. You must come back at the right time to use this technique. Allowing the Primary Coat(s) to over-dry or dry completely will make sanding, shaping and leveling progressively more difficult. The carving technique works great for leveling large areas as well. Straightedges are available in many sizes. Use a straightedge, from 4' � 10' depending on the size of your project, in conjunction with a level to carve the drying Milestone and get the most level surface possible. This is especially helpful when building several Primary Coats over brick with deep grout lines. Using a framer's square will allow you to shape the front and side edge at the same time.

03.Aggregate Finish

The Milestone Aggregate Finish is a multiple coat finish that achieves a quieter, less mottled, more subtle look with minimum "movement". It can be troweled to a smooth or textured finish. This finish can allow glass aggregate to show through in the final coat creating a shimmer or sparkle. Artisans asked to create a concrete or stucco look can use the Aggregate Finish or variations of the Aggregate Finish to exceed customers' expectations. An Aggregate Finish can be complimented with a low or high sheen protective sealer appropriate for the use/environment that the finish will be in, or with a more subtle sealer/wax combination. For instructions on sealing and waxing a wall finish, please refer to the Sealers and Waxes section below.

Calculating Product Quantities - Aggregate Finish

All quantities are measured by volume. Both coats in the Aggregate Finish use the Base Coat Dry Mix. No White Powder Cement is used.

1st Coat:

  • 1 oz. Fusion Acrylic Solution per square foot of surface area to be covered.
  • 2 oz. (approximately) Base Coat Dry Mix per square foot of surface area to be covered.
  • 1 each 4 oz. Milestone ColorPak per gallon of Fusion Acrylic Solution (other colors can be achieved using different mix ratios). For a full list of colors and mix ratios, please see Color Chart below.

2nd Coat:

  • 1oz. Fusion Acrylic Solution per square foot of surface area to be covered
  • 2 oz. (approximately) Base Coat Dry Mix per square foot of surface area to be covered.
  • 1 each 4 oz. Milestone ColorPak per gallon of Fusion Acrylic Solution (other colors can be achieved using different mix ratios). For a full list of colors and mix ratios, please see Color Chart below.

Mixing and Application Instructions - Aggregate Finish

  • Measure and pour the amount of Fusion Acrylic Solution you will need for the first coat into a clean 5-gal mixing bucket.
  • Add the ColorPak amount needed for the first coat and mix thoroughly until all the colorant is dispersed. Note: If using the same color for subsequent coats, measure and tint the amount of Milestone Fusion Acrylic Solution to be used on the whole job. Pour off the amount needed for each coat before adding dry ingredients.
  • In small increments add enough of the Base Coat dry Mix to the tinted Fusion Acrylic Solution until you get the consistency of honey.
  • Stir often during use.
  • Using a hawk and a trowel, start at a top corner of the wall and apply a thin, even coat to the wall surface.
  • Trowel evenly, with enough pressure to have your trowel follow the underlying surface.
  • Comet trails are not as much of a concern with this finish. The aggregate in the Base Coat Mix will fill them in and they will not show through.
  • Cover the whole surface with an even coat.
  • Let the surface dry completely (4 hours to overnight depending on weather and humidity).
  • Sand lightly with 100 grit sandpaper.
  • Remove sanding dust and any loose aggregate with a soft bristle hand broom or vacuum.
  • Follow instructions 1 � 4 of this section for mixing the product for the second coat.
  • Apply small amounts with enough pressure to fill the porosities of the first coat.
  • Smooth out or texture this coat as desired.
  • Make sure to maintain a wet edge, especially when you want a smooth finish.
  • Let the surface dry overnight before applying a sealer.

04.Powder Finish

The Milestone Powder Finish is reminiscent of Venetian Plaster in its appearance. It has a moderate to strong monochromatic mottling as its signature character. Multiple coats of the same color will result in areas of light, medium and dark color to the point of looking like several colors have been blended during the troweling process. The Milestone Powder Finish consists of one Base Coat and one Finish Coat. A Powder Finish can be complimented with a low or high sheen protective sealer appropriate for the use/environment that the finish will be in, or with a more subtle sealer/wax combination. For instructions on sealing and waxing a wall finish, please refer to the Sealers and Waxes section below.

Calculating Product Quantities - Powder Finish

All quantities are measured by volume. The Milestone Powder Finish consists of one Base Coat and one or two Finish Coats.

1st Coat (Base Coat):

  • 1 oz. Fusion Acrylic Solution per square foot of surface area to be covered.
  • 2 oz. (approximately) Base Coat Dry Mix per square foot of surface area to be covered.
  • 1 each 4 oz. Milestone ColorPak per gallon of Fusion Acrylic Solution (other colors can be achieved using different mix ratios). For a full list of colors and mix ratios, please see the Milestone Color Chart.

2nd Coat (Finish Coat):

  • .5 oz. Fusion Acrylic Solution per square foot of surface area to be covered
  • 1.8 oz. (approximately) White Powder Cement per square foot of surface area to be covered.
  • 1 each 4 oz. Milestone ColorPak per gallon of Fusion Acrylic Solution (other colors can be achieved using different mix ratios). For a full list of colors and mix ratios, please see the Milestone Color Chart.

Open Time and Re-TemperingOne of the advantages of Milestone is that it can be re-tempered. While it will thicken rather quickly after the initial mixing, you can add Fusion Acrylic Solution to the mix and return it to the desired consistency without losing any of its properties. This process can be repeated numerous times over a period of several hours. Depending on how warm it is, you will want to set aside some of your tinted Fusion Acrylic Solution for this purpose. This will ensure color consistency throughout the entire coat. Tip: Tape a stir stick onto a clean chip brush to make a long handled chip brush. Keep it near your tinted Fusion Acrylic Solution and use it to stir the Fusion and any settled colorant before you pour it out for mixing with the dry ingredients or for re-tempering your mix.Variation on the Aggregate Finish: For an even smoother finish, try mixing your Base Coat Dry Mix with the White Powder Cement at a 1:1 ratio. Use this new powder mixture instead of the Base Coat Dry Mix on the second coat. The addition of the White Powder Cement will fill ALL of the microscopic voids left behind by the first coat giving you a smooth, textile finish.

Mixing and Application Instructions - Powder Finish

  • Measure out the amount of Fusion Acrylic Solution you will need for the first coat into a clean 5-gal mixing bucket.
  • Add the ColorPak amount needed for the first coat and mix thoroughly until all the colorant is dispersed. Note: If using the same color for subsequent coats, measure and tint the amount of Milestone Fusion Acrylic Solution to be used on the whole job. Pour off the amount needed for each coat before adding dry ingredients.
  • In small increments add enough of the Base Coat dry Mix to the tinted Fusion Acrylic Solution until you get the consistency of honey.
  • Stir often during use.
  • Using a hawk and a trowel, start at a top corner of the wall and apply a thin, even coat to the wall surface.
  • Trowel evenly, with enough pressure to have your trowel follow the underlying surface.
  • Keep "comet trails" to a minimum. Since the Finish Coat has no aggregate to fill them in they may reappear as dark lines after you install the Finish Coat. To fix a "comet trail", trowel across its line without adding new material.
  • Cover the whole surface with an even coat.
  • Let the surface dry completely (4 hours to overnight depending on weather and humidity).
  • Sand lightly with 100 grit sandpaper.
  • Remove sanding dust and any loose aggregate with a soft bristle hand broom or vacuum.
  • Follow instructions 1 and 2 of this section for mixing the product for the second coat.
  • In small increments, add enough White Powder Cement to the tinted Fusion Acrylic Solution until you get the consistency of honey.
  • Apply small amounts at a time, slightly overlapping previously covered areas.
  • The aforementioned mottling will happen more or less automatically; your concern as the installer is to apply the mix in such a way that the resulting finish looks natural and organic. Avoid "mechanical" looking marks such as vertical or horizontal lines as well as the "arches" frequently seen in traditional stucco plastering.
  • You'll want to work on about one to two square feet of surface at a time. This will allow you to avoid mechanical lines, make it easier to maintain a wet edge and let you control your color movement.
  • Allow the surface dry overnight before applying a sealer.

05.Sealers And Waxes

Milestone is a cement based product and does not necessarily need any sealers. Unsealed Milestone will darken any time it is exposed to moisture and lighten as it dries out. It is also subject to staining, which is why applying an appropriate sealer is recommended for almost every installation. There are several sealer/wax options and combinations. Which one you choose will depend on the ambient environment and intended use of a surface. Below are our recommendations:

2 - 3 coats of Milestone Sealer

The Milestone Sealer will protect the surface from staining and allow it to be cleaned/maintained using a non abrasive cleaner and a lint free cloth. Use this system for:

  • Residential applications
  • Commercial applications
  • Any application where the surface will come into contact with food, water, etc.
  • High traffic areas

2 Coats of Milestone Sealer and 1 or 2 coats of Milestone Amber Wall Wax

Aside from protecting the surface, you can add a soft, natural looking sheen with a coat or two of Amber Wall Wax. The Amber Wall Wax will give you an antiquing effect and add a soft textile feel.

  • High-end residential and commercial applications
  • Anywhere the Waxed "look" is desired.

Milestone Sealer Application Instructions

  • Sand the final finish coat with a 120 - 150 grit sandpaper.
  • Remove sanding dust with a vacuum and a dry-damp tack mop or rag.
  • Allow surface to dry completely. (Since you are using a dry-damp rag the dry time should be minimal, about 20 - 45 min.)
  • When applying sealer, start at the bottom of the wall and work your way up to avoid dripping onto the unsealed surface. If drips occur, wipe them up as soon as possible.
  • Apply a thin coat of Milestone Sealer with a Painter's Pad using a circular motion.
  • After it has had a chance to be absorbed by the surface, rag the remaining urethane in using clean, lint free rags and circular motions.
  • Frequently change the side of the rag being used. Change out the rag as needed so that you are always working with a fairly clean rag.
  • Continue until the entire surface is sealed.
  • Allow surface to dry completely, about 2 hours depending on weather and humidity.
  • Follow application instructions for 2nd and 3rd Coat.

Milestone Amber Wall Wax Application Instructions

  • Apply 2 coats of Milestone Sealer following the application instructions above.
  • Mix Milestone Amber Wall Wax with clean, room-temperature water at a ratio of 1:1.
  • Stir thoroughly.
  • Start at the bottom of the wall; apply the Amber Wall Wax with a lint free, clean painters' pad using a circular motion. If drips occur, wipe them up as soon as possible.
  • Allow the wax to dry for a few minutes then rag in excess wax with a clean rag.
  • Frequently change the side of the rag being used. Change out the rag as needed so that you are always working with a fairly clean rag.
  • Repeat the process until two coats of Amber Wall wax have been applied to the surface.
  • After the second coat has dried completely, use a clean, dry rag to buff the surface to a soft sheen.
  • A mechanical buffer with a clean, dry cover may also be used.