ESTonetex Art Rock FI

Applications

•  Thin-layer coating of volumetric pieces, surfaces and figures made of EPS and XPS, in a short time and with very natural finishes

•  Detailed reproduction of stones, rocks, wood, sculptures and theme park elements

•  Stucco on smooth vertical walls, in a 2 to 3 mm layer

•  Decorative textures of up to 10 mm directly on plasterboard or difficult-to-bond surfaces

•  Decorative finishes such as travertine, concrete, microcement and rock texture in black

•  Finishes for large surfaces without the need for great thicknesses

Technical specifications

Data verified in the official technical data sheet. Full technical documentation and certificates are available on request through the contact form.

Supports

Clean EPS or XPS polystyrene, free of loose or poorly bonded parts, dust, dirt or other substances that hinder adhesion; also plasterboard and difficult-to-bond surfaces, with high adhesion on EPS, XPS and mineral wool (MW). Making small holes in the EPS or XPS is recommended for a mechanical anchoring of the mortar layer that improves adhesion. The substrate must be clean, sound, compact and dimensionally stable. Do not apply on plastic, metal or wood.

How is ESTonetex Art Rock FI mixed?

Mix with 7.25 to 8.25 litres of water per 25 kg bucket, by hand or with an electric mixer, until a homogeneous, creamy, lump-free paste is obtained. Let it rest for 5 minutes before applying.

How is it applied?

Spread the mortar with a spatula, trowel or spray gun (depending on viscosity), pressing over the entire surface, and build up to the desired thickness: 2 to 10 mm, or up to 15 mm on volumetric pieces. It is recommended to place fibreglass mesh (145 g/m² or 160 g/m²) in the first 2-5 mm of thickness to improve the strength of the application. Spread over areas of approximately 1 m², so that the time between spreading and theming the piece is shorter than the open time (30 minutes under normal conditions, less in high temperatures or wind), and make the textures with moulds or by hand before hardening is complete. While the mortar is still wet, it is advisable to sprinkle EST-Decor colour patinas to create more realism. Tools are cleaned with water before the mortar hardens.

Observations and precautions

Do not apply below 5 °C or above 30 °C, or with risk of frost, rain, strong wind or direct sunlight. In hot weather, cover freshly applied mortar with shade cloth and moisten it, monitoring drying times. Contains cement: wear gloves, goggles and a mask. Professional product: always consult the safety data sheet.

Pigmentation

Available in black. For colour finishes (natural glazes), apply EST-26 Multilite, EST-Multipol or EST-Monocrom, pigmented with Mixol oxides or factory-coloured, with sprayers. Once the work is finished, the EST-3 Plus mineral water repellent can be applied for extra protection.

Complementary materials

•  Fibreglass mesh (145 or 160 g/m²): recommended in the first 2-5 mm of thickness to improve strength

•  EST-Decor: powder colour patinas to sprinkle on while wet for more realism

•  EST-26 Multilite / EST-Multipol / EST-Monocrom: natural glazes for the colour finish

•  EST-3 Plus: mineral water repellent to protect the finish

Frequently asked questions

What is ESTonetex Art Rock FI mortar used for?
To coat volumetric pieces, surfaces and figures made of EPS and XPS in a thin layer with stucco, travertine, concrete, microcement and rock-texture finishes in black, and for textures of up to 10 mm on plasterboard or difficult-to-bond surfaces. It works as primer and fine finishing coat and is applied by spray gun or by hand.

What is the difference between ESTonetex Art Rock FI and Art Rock GR?
Both are black, but they are used differently. Art Rock FI is a thin-layer mortar (2 to 10 mm, up to 15 mm on volumetric pieces) applied directly on EPS or XPS with a spatula, trowel or spray gun. ESTonetex Art Rock GR is a highly thixotropic grey-cement mortar for moulding and stamping, applied in a single layer of 10 to 60 mm (yield approx. 14 kg/m² at 10 mm thickness).

What is the difference between ESTonetex Art Rock FI and ESTonetex Forte?
Both are thin-layer decorative mortars for EPS/XPS, but with different data according to their technical data sheets. Art Rock FI is black, packaged in 25 kg plastic buckets (pallet of 27), applied between 5 and 30 °C, mixed with 7.25-8.25 L per bucket and holds European Technical Assessment ETE 21/0061. ESTonetex Forte is white, packaged in 25 kg paper bags (pallet of 48), applied between 5 and 35 °C, mixed with 6-6.5 L per bag and classified as GP CSIV W2.

Is fibreglass mesh needed with ESTonetex Art Rock FI?
The technical data sheet recommends it: 145 g/m² or 160 g/m² fibreglass mesh in the first 2-5 mm of thickness, to improve the strength of the application.

What thickness does ESTonetex Art Rock FI allow?
From 2 to 10 mm, and up to 15 mm on volumetric pieces. As stucco on smooth surfaces it is applied in a 2 to 3 mm layer, and for decorative textures up to 10 mm directly on plasterboard or difficult-to-bond surfaces.

How much ESTonetex Art Rock FI mortar is needed per m²?
Approximately 1.5 to 2.0 kg/m² per mm of thickness, according to the technical data sheet. At 3 mm thickness that is about 4.5 to 6 kg/m², so a 25 kg bucket covers approximately 4.2 to 5.6 m².

How long can the mortar be worked once mixed?
The open time is about 30 minutes under normal conditions and may be reduced in high temperatures or wind. That is why it is spread over areas of approximately 1 m² and textured before hardening is complete.

What temperature can ESTonetex Art Rock FI be applied at?
Between 5 °C and 30 °C. Do not apply with risk of frost, rain, strong wind or direct sunlight; in hot weather, cover it with shade cloth and moisten it.

How long can ESTonetex Art Rock FI be stored?
Up to 24 months from the manufacturing date, in the original closed packaging, under cover and in a dry place.

Is ESTonetex Art Rock FI mortar water resistant?
It is waterproof to rainwater and permeable to water vapour. Once the work is finished, EST-3 Plus mineral water repellent can be applied for extra protection.