Hey Rick --- My personal favorite is a combination bonding agent/latex admix by Sika (SikaLatex). They are a top-of-the-line manufacturer of high-tech adhesives and admixes and have been around for quite a while. Good news is, this product is cheaper than the junk from Quikrete or even Elmers. SikaLatex runs about $8 bucks a gallon here as opposed to around $14 for the Quikrete. They also make some pricier, more specialized products that are similar, but even those are priced at about what lesser knowns are.

They make tons of specialty mixes and even produce their own silica. Take a look. Very good stuff. I have also used their SikaFlex. A glue for bonding metal that is even stronger than welding. Cool.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sika...All kinds of stuff for 'crete & more...

In Canada Steele markets the best admix product I have ever used under their own brand name.
The amount of pure latex in the product is far above the watered down crap sold by HD.
Great stuff!

David-I'm not sure what Latex from HD you're talking about.I'm using and acrylic admix from Custom Building Products.It's listed as a liquid polymer,and I've had no problems with it and others who have more experience than I say the same.
Which one are you referring to as"crap"?

I don't recall the name Rick.
That jug is long gone. As I recall it was the only admix they had at the time. It was not nearly as 'sticky' as the Steele product.
The stuff from Steele is a premium product made for pros in the concrete industry and a little goes a long way.

How do you use the paints, i have been painting my house and have lots of leftovers.

Carey

Latex paint can be used by mixing it in water or by itself.
It gives concrete a nice smooth patina along with adding strength.
I use it 50/50 with water but it doesn't much matter.
Latex paints vary in the actual amount of latex in the paint. More expensive paints seem to be more admix like than cheap paint.
In my experiments you can't hurt concrete with latex paint. More seems to always be better so experiment away.
It's easier to get a good mix if you thin the paint with water.

David-Both the products that Tango suggested and those of
Custom Building Products do the job.Since,as you state,that you used the product so long ago,how can you state with such certainty that Steeles is superior?Have you done a chemical analysis?Have you done,as I have,literally hundreds of pieces before confirming your findings of, as you call it,crap from HD?I would suggest that you "suggest"your findings as those of you alone,based on your research.We each have our own preferences,those of us with experience.And,we do NOT denegrate those findings of others!As I stated earlier,I'll not post photos,but I'd like to continue to provide info,but it is my own opinion.I don't diss anyone else's likes or findings.That shows,to me(note that this is ONLY my opinion)a lack of respect for other concrete artists and their work when opinionated statements are phrased as such.
Go forth and be mellow in comments.

Long live Home Depot! :)

Rick I'm not a concrete artist, far from it in fact.
You however do.
What have we seen from you in the year your have bragged about you high priced work.
a mask. You poured some concrete in a mold you bought on Ebay and your wife painted it.
Many here have asked and I'm asking again. It's time you put your money where your mouth is.
Let's see ONE picture of your high priced work.:)
Until you do you just aren't that credible.

And,you are...?
Again,this forum's policies preventme from posting photos.However,should you be in Sechelt,BC in August,at the JURIED show that we were in last year,I'll be there.And,we cannot publish our website here,either.
As to credibility,well,David,I've sold many pieces to happy buyers.No justification needed on my part.See,David,I'm not ragging on you.You have your way of doing things,and I,mine.And,for your info,we now make our own molds,as well as using selected molds from E-Bay.One of our pieces(and,yes,I'm very happy to share the stage with my very creative wife!)now hangs at the home of one of Canada's most influential women.Our clients buy them as well here at our B&B.So,I'm content with what I'm doing,photos or no.If you're ever on the Sunshine coast,you're welcome to drop in.
Cheers from here

I'm very interested in what you're saying about latex paints. Are you saying that you could add a coloured latex paint to the concrete mix, and it would show up (slightly) in both the colour and texture of the finished product?

Running Dog,I'll let others who have worked with this additive comment.I'm not working with it at this time.

Suffice to say,the"Rick and David"show is over.Tune in each week as,in the middle of a discussion,an argument breaks out!
Who will win the next one?Who will fall on his sword?Who really cares...?
So,moving on..................

Hi Dog
Yep you can use color. I don't mention it much because I'm not sure how it lasts out in the sun.
There is a terrific website with a beautiful green ferro cement fountain where the color comes from green latex paint.
I have the link but misplaced it. I'm sure someone here has it. It is a terrific fountain all hand cast.
The texture is very nice with a soft looking smooth patina.
I'm not using the paint for color because mostly all the stuff I find at garage sales is mostly eggshells and very light colored pastels. I'm stiicking with tried and true concrete pigments.
The best thing you can do is hit the paint store and look for some Oops cans in dark designer colors and try it.

The pigmentation in latex paint is rated as "fugitive" relative to the oxides produced for use in concrete. How fugitive is the big question. Generally speaking, the darker and stronger the hue, the more fugitive it is. And the question of compatibility with the minerals and high alkalinity of cement-based mixtures is a "whole 'nuther question". One that no one I know could answer intelligently. Yes, some will last longer than others, but if you are "going pro"...what you need is predictability. Which is precisely why I would recommend staying with oxide colorants designed for the purpose.

A year or so ago, I posted a fairly extensive Color Guide for cementious materials here, but with all the changes that have taken place, I don't think it is still available on this site. If you would like to take a look at it, Email me and I'll get it to you.

Best of luck and may the road rise to meet you.

Hey Dog
Here is the link to a very cool green fountain.
Some very good how to info as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cool green fountain

OK it's a birdbath. I had a late night and just started my morning coffee.
But it is a very cool birdbath.

I found this recipe to be facinating. I have tried similar ones that have cracked on me. I would love to hear Tango's
poinion on this recipe.

* 6 to 8 cups Portland cement (depending on weather)
* 1 cup liquid bonding admixture
* 1 cup latex house paint for color & hardness (we used Ace Rain Forest Green)
* 1/4 cup Nycon Multi-mesh Reinforcing Fibers (3/4 inch length)
* 2 cups water