First Flagstone Job

[ECI]

I am biding on my first outdoor and first flagstone job, not real big
around 600 sq ft and they want small stones and thinner grout
lines so it might take as long as a big job! I am using H&C colored
solvent sealer. I am trying to get the variegated look with this product. I have been playing around on some concrete I am tearing out at my house. This has been fun and frustrating at the same time. I will cut the stones tomorrow if it doesn't rain and then I can see how it looks as it is hard to picture finished.
Maybe I can master the H&C like Joe and be grasshopper!!
I think it will take awhile. Has anybody mixed a diluted color with
lots of solvent and sprayed it to get the highlights and how did it work?

[vanman27]

Dennis,

Just wondering why you are using H&C pigmented stain for flagstone.When I do a flagstone I use 3 to 4 different colors of acid stain.I have them each in there own sprayers and do one at a time.Spraying them out like a spotted cow.I use the lightest color for last and cover any area that did not get stained.Once dried I then use soapstone and draw out the stones around the various colors.Bring out the shark and start chipping away.I used the flagstone template twice and have since tossed it.It is much easier and realist looking when you do it freestyle.Charge accordingly,I have done about 20 to 25 stone jobs over the last few years and my price keeps increasing.Its a workout

[NS'Creter]

Yessir Mr. Vanman ... I do my random flagstone in the same manner. No template for me on that one. They just don't capture the realism for me either. I know why our buddy is using the H&C, but I'll let him answer for himself.
As far as that job of his goes with the small stones and thin joints...whew! Labor intensive, man!! It's my most popular pattern and 4 years into it I still can't get what it's truly worth. Frickin' demographics.

[ECI]

Sorry I didn't give all the facts, NS knew why so I will tell the rest of the story.
About half of the patio is 8 years old with color added from ready mix plant (REDISHBROWN)
and the other half is fresh crete , they want the color to be a chestnut with darker highlights
and I will have to do something with the grout lines to make them the same. The doctor
can't help if not given all the info!!!

[ECI]

How do you guys do the grout lines after you draw them in?
I mean control the shark or barracuda to follow your drawn lines and keep a uniform grout line width if thats what is wanted?

[NS'Creter]

I like to use the 'Cuda...I find it's easier to control and it will give a narrower joint like you're wanting. If I'm doin' one that needs wider joints I hog 'em out with the Shark.

[alexwright]

Something for all to think about is to cut flag stone with crack chaser. It's an option that is way faster, thin lines, and is another option that some customers like that will add some more pocket change to our pockets. I price this at $1.00 per sq ft. (additional of course to our base price, whatever that is for you).The layout goes in line somewhat with the random ashlar slate pattern but in flagstone size obviously. I did my back patio and I love it. Little minor adjustment on my design but it is awesome. I actually try to offer this more than my tile pattern now. The design is what can be time consuming but remember it was the first one I did so I was making sure design lay out was going to be good for this particular blade. Because of crack chaser design is V-shaped the cuts can be deep so something to consider. Once blade is well worn you'll have a wide blade and can cut at any depth. Have not tried EAC blades on hand grinder but could possibly be an option I believe.

[NS'Creter]

I have tried the EAC blade on my hand grinder for flagstone. I could easily "draw" the pattern and it was quite fast. The problem I had was the appearance of the lines. I was trying it out as an alternative to K-Crete tools. The lines were too smooth. The 'Cuda leaves a bumpy surface as you peck out the lines and it looks more natural.

[alexwright]

Then in that case I will say that the crack chaser is the way to go because since its a v shape cut that it makes you can adjust the depth of cut by pulling up on blade and so on. Giving you a more uneven cut and dioff. widths.