KaleidoCrete Systems‘ Barracuda doesn’t hang out in the ocean, but is right at home in the decorative concrete toolbox.

Weighing in at a handy six pounds and rated as a mid-sized concrete engraver, the Barracuda is adept at cutting designs with fine detail.

The specially designed head permits access to most small openings.

Decorative concrete engravers have been known to use the Barracuda for freehand cutting, but it shines the brightest when working with template patterns. Single templates teamed with the Barracuda are the topic of this short video.

Barracuda was involved in restoration projects at Alcatraz after being invited to “offer expertise on mechanical texturing of concrete” according to Chip Cheagle. The goal was to create patches of concrete during the restoration activity, then texture their surface to match the old concrete. Learn more about the days when we thought Chip Cheagle might be behind bars.

KaleidoCrete Barracuda bites the concrete to reveal the chosen design. This whole system of tools is useful when working with old, ugly concrete because the 2000 tiny bites per minute delivered by the Barracuda reveal the low maintenance beauty of existing concrete. The results are delightful floors and dramatic walls.

Barracuda has two handy accessories. The Barracuda Vacuum Attachment and the Barracuda Stand Up Conversion. Dust control is an important selling point for your engraving work — appealing to the customers, the neighbors and your lungs. The Stand Up Conversion accessory will draw appreciation from your back.

Barracuda joins Shark and Wasp in the KaleidoCrete System to offer these benefits…

• economical – great for horizontal or vertical applications and multiple surfaces. Easy to learn and easy to use so you get the job done quickly.
• green – uses the concrete that’s already there so there’s no ripping out and replacing existing concrete or covering with an expensive overlay.
• efficient – quickly engraves designs with fine detail regardless of the weather.

Call 800-884-2114 today to learn more about Barracuda and what it has to offer decorative concrete.

This includes the KaleidoCrete system.

KaleidoCrete can be used indoors or out, commercial or residential. The process includes changing the color of the concrete, then a pattern is actually engraved and cut into the hard concrete with a the Shark or Barracuda, and touch-up is done with the Wasp.

Concrete of any age can be changed to thousands of patterns and designs. Hundreds of borders and custom logos can be engraved into the concrete.

Existing concrete can look like glossy hexagon shaped marble tile, dull old clay bricks, or multi-hued flagstone.

An existing concrete entry way look like a southwestern rug. Carve a Celtic knot centerpiece in a circular driveway or accent borders with Egyptian hieroglyphs. The possibilities are virtually unlimited.

You’ll learn how to use:

• Stylus Shark
• Barracuda
• Wasp
• Templates

We’re slashing prices to clear our warehouse. Take advantage of these year-end deals that are too good to pass up. Plus, all new equipment is Section 179 2011 TAX REDUCTION QUALIFIED, meaning you get a 100% tax write-off if the equipment is up and running by the end of 2011. Quantities are limited, so act now.

See what’s still available by having a look at our “live” updated spreadsheet.

Then place your order by calling us at 1-800-884-2114.

If you’re going to decorate concrete, you gotta deal with a little dirt — as in get rid of it.

One of the dirtiest things that can happen to concrete is oil or grease.  Oily spills penetrate the porous surface of the concrete — literally penetrate right down among the particles making up the concrete, and resist transformation efforts of stains and sealers.

Whether the oily spots are mechanical leaks from lawnmowers, cars, trucks, or from messy spills around grills, smokers, garbage cans or recycling buckets, a grease spot will affect the final result if left untreated.  You must clean and treat the surface of the concrete before attempting to stain or seal.

Concrete Resurrection Degreaser CR-580 is the perfect product for treating surface oily spots on concrete, and is just as effective for interior and exterior use.

For maximum effectiveness, use CR-580 at full strength.  Spray it onto the problem spot and scrub with a stiff brush or broom, then use a pressure washer to rinse. For larger areas CR-580 can be sprayed onto the surface then scrubbed with a floor machine using a nylon bristle brush attachment, black pad or sanding screen.

A great final product always depends on thorough preparation. Avoid the headache of failed stain, sealer and other potential disasters by taking the necessary preparatory steps with each decorative concrete job you perform.