Patent Publication Number: US-2011052790-A1

Title: Kits for and methods of repair, maintenance and substantial color match of cementitious materials

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Technology 
     The present application relates generally to stucco and other cementitious materials, and more particularly to kits for and methods of repair, maintenance and substantial color-match of those materials. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Portland cementitious plaster, or stucco, is widely used all over the world as an exterior cladding because of its aesthetic appeal, durability, fire resistance, design flexibility, low cost and ease of maintenance. 
     Cracks and voids in stucco may vary considerably in width or gap of opening. Frequently the cause of the cracks and voids may determine whether they are hair-line or are wider in gap, which dictate suggested remedial treatment. In each case the crack or void must be properly cleaned. Industry practice for small cracks (cracks which the user cannot insert a dime) is to brush with an acrylic bonding resin then thinly apply a patching material while large cracks and voids should be filled with paste. When repairing large cracks and voids industry practice is to brush with an acrylic bonding resin then apply a blended filler material to a level at above the level of adjacent plaster. Significant time for such large crack and void repairs should be anticipated because the filler will likely shrink below the level of adjacent plaster, upon which another application is necessary. Further filler material likely will not match the color of the existing cementitious material. 
     Color non-uniformity in stucco and other cementitious material often results from: unfavorable weather conditions—fog, rain, low temperature or other adverse drying conditions—existing during application; dirt washed from roofs; soil clinging to and staining the base of walls at and above the weep screed; darkening of pigment oxides from the passage of time; non-removable efflorescence; and repair of the existing material. Industry practice is to spray fog coat evenly over the entire surface of the existing material to achieve uniform and attractive color. Indeed no method of substantially matching a user-selected color of an existing cementitious material exists. 
     Fog coat, produced by stucco manufacturers, is composed of fine portland cement powder, mineral pigments and other ingredients, like acrylic bonders or lime, but lacks the aggregate, like sand, perlite, etc. found in stucco. Fog coating is the application, by sprayer or brush, of a thin, very fluid mixture of water and fog coat of similar color as the existing material. Fog coat conforms to the finish of trowel-applied existing material. 
     Spray application of fog coat requires a thin consistency—that of milk—which often results in inadequate coverage and hiding capability. Industry practice dictates that fog coat must be prepared below 20 wt. % cement powder to water to spray apply. This thin consistency allows application via a sprayer but necessitates that at least two thin coats be applied, allowing sufficient drying time between applications. 
     Industry practice for stucco maintenance and repair is limited and inefficient. Results of accepted crack and void repair in existing stucco are cosmetically obvious. Fog coat must be applied over an entire existing stucco surface to deal with color non-uniformity as there are no viable methods of color matching the existing stucco. Furthermore fog coat must be prepared below 20 wt. % cement powder to water—a milky consistency—to apply via a sprayer. Thus two spray applications of fog coat are needed for sufficient coverage. 
     Accordingly, what are needed are kits for and methods of repair, maintenance and substantial color-match of existing stucco which overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     Kits for and methods of repair, maintenance and substantial color-match of existing cementitious materials are disclosed. A kit for repair, maintenance and substantial color-match of existing cementitious material includes a plurality of materials including: a plurality of cementitious powders for preparing a base cementitious mixture comparable to a base of the existing material either for substantially matching a user-selected color of or for repairing the existing material; a plurality of pigment oxides for refining the base mixture into a refined pigmented cementitious mixture having color attributes which substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color; a quick-setting mortar repair caulk for repairing large cracks in the existing material; a urethane sealant for repairing voids in the existing material; and a catalyzed cementitious powder for preparing a catalyzed cementitious mixture for repairing voids in the existing material. The kit for repair, maintenance and substantial color-match also includes a plurality of implements including: a plurality of applying and removing means for applying and removing either the materials, mixtures or both; a plurality of containing means for containing either the materials, mixtures or both; a plurality of measuring means for measuring the materials; and a plurality of accessories. 
     A kit for substantial color-match of a user-selected color of an existing cementitious material includes a plurality of materials including: a plurality of cementitious powders for preparing a base cementitious mixture comparable to a base of the existing material; and a plurality of pigment oxides for refining the base mixture into a refined pigmented cementitious mixture having color attributes which substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color. The kit for substantial color-match of the user-selected color of the existing material also includes a plurality of implements including: a plurality of applying and removing means for applying and removing the mixtures; a plurality of containing means for containing either the materials, mixtures or both; a plurality of measuring means for measuring the materials; and a plurality of accessories. 
     A method of repair, maintenance and substantial color-match of existing cementitious material includes: determining whether a repair is needed to the existing material: if so, performing a step of determining a type of repair needed to the existing material; if not, performing a step of substantially matching a user-selected color of the existing material; determining the type of repair needed to the existing material including: if the repair is a small crack: applying a cementitious mixture in the small crack; allowing the base mixture to partially set; removing excess base mixture on the existing material around the small crack; if the repair is a large crack: applying a quick-setting mortar repair caulk in the large crack; rubbing the caulk into the large crack; removing excess caulk around and protruding from the large crack, so that the caulk is flush with a surface of the existing material; if the repair is a void: applying a urethane sealant to an interior surface of the void; applying a catalyzed cementitious mixture over the sealant so that excess catalyzed mixture protrudes from a surface of the existing material; allowing the catalyzed mixture to partially set; removing the excess catalyzed mixture around and protruding from the void, so that the catalyzed mixture is flush with the surface of the existing material; substantially matching a user-selected color of the existing material including: preparing a pigmented cementitious mixture having a hue similar to the user-selected color; refining color attributes of the pigmented mixture to substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color; confirming that the color attributes of the refined pigmented mixture substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color; applying, via a sprayer, the refined mixture including: tuning the sprayer for user-selected refined mixture discharge characteristics; and selectively spraying the refined mixture over part of the existing material. 
     A method of repairing existing cementitious material includes: determining a type of repair needed to the existing material: if the repair needed is a small crack: applying a cementitious mixture in the small crack; allowing the base mixture to partially set; removing excess base mixture on the existing material around the small crack; if the repair needed is a large crack: applying a quick-setting mortar repair caulk in the large crack; rubbing the caulk into the large crack; removing excess caulk around and protruding from the large crack, so that the caulk is flush with a surface of the existing material; if the repair needed is a void: applying a urethane sealant to an interior surface of the void; applying a catalyzed cementitious mixture over the sealant so that excess catalyzed mixture protrudes from a surface of the existing material; allowing the catalyzed mixture to partially set; and removing the excess catalyzed mixture around and protruding from the void, so that the catalyzed mixture is flush with the surface of the existing material. 
     A method of substantially matching a user-selected color of an existing cementitious material includes: preparing a pigmented cementitious mixture having a hue similar to the user-selected color; refining color attributes of the pigmented mixture to substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color; and confirming that the color attributes of the refined pigmented mixture substantially match the color attributes of the-user-selected color. 
     A method of applying, via a sprayer, a refined pigmented cementitious mixture having color attributes which substantially match color attributes of a user-selected color of an existing cementitious material includes: pouring the mixture through a strainer into the sprayer; tuning the sprayer for user-selected mixture discharge characteristics; and selectively spraying the mixture over part of the existing material. 
     Advantageously, crack and void repairs in the existing material are cosmetically unnoticeable. The refined pigmented mixture need only be applied over discolored or repaired portions of the existing material as the color attributes of the refined pigmented mixture substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color. A majority of the existing material remains untouched thereby reducing user time and expense and increasing user efficiency in stucco repair and maintenance. Furthermore the refined pigmented mixture is prepared above 25 wt. % base cementitious powder to water—a paint consistency—to spray apply. Only one spray application of the refined pigmented mixture is needed for adequate coverage. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present application, as well as the preferred mode of use, reference should be made to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a photograph of components of a kit for repair, maintenance and substantial color-match of existing cementitious materials; 
         FIG. 2 . is a flowchart which describes a general exemplary method of maintenance of the existing material; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart which describes an exemplary method of repair of the existing material; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart which describes a general exemplary method of substantially matching a user-selected color of the existing material; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart which describes a more detailed exemplary method of substantially matching the user-selected color of the existing material; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart which describes an exemplary method of applying, via a sprayer, a refined mixture having color attributes which substantially match color attributes of the user-selected color over discolored portions of the existing material. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description incorporates the best embodiment presently contemplated for carrying out the present application. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the present application and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. 
     Kits for and methods of repair, maintenance and substantial color-match of existing cementitious materials are disclosed. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a kit  1  for repair, maintenance and substantial color-match of a user-selected color of an existing cementitious material may include a plurality of materials  10  which may include: a plurality of base cementitious powders  20  for preparing a base cementitious mixture comparable to a base of the existing material either for substantially matching a user-selected color of, repairing the existing material or both; a plurality of pigment oxides  30  for refining the base mixture into a refined pigmented cementitious mixture having color attributes which substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color; a quick-setting mortar repair caulk  40  for repairing large cracks in the existing material; a urethane sealant  41  for repairing voids in the existing material; and a catalyzed cementitious powder  42  for preparing a catalyzed cementitious mixture for repairing voids in the existing material. Repair, maintenance and substantial color-match kit  1  also includes a plurality of implements  50  including: a plurality of applying and removing means  60  for applying and removing either the materials, mixtures or both; a plurality of containing means  70  for containing either the materials, mixtures or both; a plurality of measuring means  80  for measuring the materials; and a plurality of accessories  90 . 
     Powders  20  may include a gray base cementitious powder  21  or a white base cementitious powder  22  composed of Portland cement, hydrated lime and other additives. Manufacturers may formulate cementitious products like stucco and fog coat from either gray powder  21 , white powder  22  or both gray and white powders  21  and  22 . 
     Pigment oxides  30  may be made from metal oxides and other inorganic compounds and minerals. Those with the longest history of proven performance in cementitious products are made from oxidized metals including: iron which form red, brown, orange, tan, yellow, purple and black; chrome which forms green; and cobalt which forms blue. With this basic pallet of colors nearly all common stucco colors may be created by proportional mixing of the oxidixed metals. Manufacturers market stucco and other cementitious materials including fog coat with color charts which display their possible colors. 
     Caulk  40  may be made from a limestone, marble or other sanded acrylic polymer. One example of such caulk  40  is sold under the trade name Quikrete Mortar Repair Caulk. Sealant  41  may be made from polyurethane polymers, plasticizers, fillers and other additives. One such sealant is sold under the trade name Sikaflex® Construction Sealant. Catalyzed powder  42  is quick setting and may be made from hydraulic cement and sand. One such catalyzed powder is sold under the trade name Rapid Set® Mortar Mix. 
     Applying and removing means  60  may include: a trowel  61  for applying and removing prepared catalyzed powder  42 ; a wire brush  62  for cleaning the existing material, removing excess caulk  40  and removing excess prepared catalyzed powder  42 ; an exploded nylon brush  63  for removing and cleaning excess prepared powders  20  (various cementitious mixtures including a base cementitious mixture, a pigmented cementitious mixture, a refined cementitious mixture) and feathering prepared and substantially color-matched prepared powders  20  (the refined mixture); a nylon brush  64  for applying and removing excess caulk  40  and for removing and cleaning excess various mixtures; a plurality of sprayers  65  for spraying the refined mixture and cleaning implements  50  and surrounding areas); a compressor with an air gun  66  for pressurizing sprayers  65 ; a whisk  67  for mixing the various mixtures; a paint brush  68  for applying sealant  41  and applying and mixing the various mixtures; and a rag  69  for applying and removing excess caulk  40  and for removing and cleaning excess various mixtures. Containing means  70  may include: a plurality of resealable containers  71  of various sizes including several oz. sized containers for containing pigment oxides  30  and qt. sized containers for containing and mixing various materials and mixtures; a plurality of buckets  72  for mixing and containing various mixtures and water for cleaning; and a plurality of bottles  73  for containing water for various mixtures. Measuring means  80  may include: a strainer funnel  81  for pouring the and straining particulate from the refined mixture; a plurality of measuring spoons  82  of various sizes for measuring various materials; a plurality of scales  83  of various sizes for weighing various materials and mixtures; and a scoop  84  for transferring various materials and mixtures. Accessories  90  may include: gloves  91  for user hand protection and applying caulk  40 ; a spray shield  92  for accurately applying the refined mixture; a plurality of tarps  93  for covering surrounding areas; a color chart  94  for substantially color matching the existing material which may include formulas for obtaining the exhibited colors; a writing utensil  95  for recording user additions of various materials; and paper  96  for recording user additions of various materials. 
     Note that the purposes, uses and sizes indicated for materials  10  and implements  50  of kit  1  are merely examples and should not be interpreted as exclusive or limiting. 
     A kit  1 ′ (not shown in the FIGS.) for substantial color-match of the user-selected color of the existing material may include a plurality of materials  10 ′ which may include: powders  20 ′; and pigment oxides  30 ′ for refining the base mixture into a refined pigmented cementitious mixture having color attributes which substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color. Kit  1 ′ also may include a plurality of implements  50 ′ which may include: elements of applying and removing means  60 ′; elements of containing means  70 ′; elements of measuring means  80 ′; and elements of accessories  90 ′. 
     Note that the elements, purposes, uses and sizes indicated for materials  10  and implements  50  of kit  1  and for materials  10 ′ and implements  50 ′ of kit  1 ′ are merely exemplary and should not be interpreted as exclusive or limiting. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-6 , exemplary methods of repair, maintenance and substantial color-match of the existing cementitious material are disclosed. Components of kit  1  of  FIG. 1  will be referenced with the flowchart steps of  FIGS. 2-6 . 
     In  FIG. 2  a general exemplary method of maintenance of the existing material is disclosed. Step  202  corresponds to repair of the existing material. Step  204  corresponds to substantial color-match of the existing material. Step  206  corresponds to selective application of the color-matched material over the existing cementitious material. Flowchart steps of  FIGS. 3-6  will be referenced with the flowchart steps of  FIG. 2 . 
     In  FIG. 3  a method of repair of the existing material is disclosed which corresponds to step  202  of  FIG. 2 . In step  302  the user determines whether repair is needed to the existing material. If so the user determines what type of repair is needed to the existing material which corresponds to step  304 . If not the user substantially matches the user-selected color of the existing material which corresponds to step  204  of  FIG. 2 . 
     If the repair needed is a small crack the user applies a cementitious mixture using brush  68  which corresponds to step  306 . The cementitious mixture consists of about 10 to about 20 wt. % powders  20  and about 80 to about 90 wt. % water. The milky consistency of the cementitious mixture allows it to flow with capillary action and fill the small crack. In step  308  the user allows the applied cementitious mixture to partially set—about 30 sec. to about 2 min. In step  310  the user removes excess cementitious mixture on the existing material around the small crack with brushes  63  and  64 . The remaining cementitious mixture sets in the small crack and hardens flush with the surface of the existing material thereby creating a cosmetically unnoticeable repair. Note that steps  306 ,  308  and  310  of  FIG. 3  may be repeated either once or a plurality of times either on the same or another small crack. 
     If the repair needed is a large crack the user applies caulk  40  which corresponds to step  312 . The user places an angled tip of the caulk  40  tube against the surface of the existing material and applies a flat bead of caulk  40  along portions of the large crack at a time. In step  314  the user quickly rubs the applied caulk  40  into the crack with a gloved  91  hand. In step  316  the user removes excess caulk  40  around and protruding from the large crack with brush  64  or rag  69  so that the applied caulk  40  is flush with the surface of the existing material thereby creating a cosmetically unnoticeable repair. Note that steps  312 ,  314  and  316  of  FIG. 3  may be repeated either once or a plurality of times either on the same or another large crack. 
     If the repair needed is a void the user applies sealant  44  to an interior surface of the void which corresponds to step  318 . In step  320  the user applies a catalyzed cementitious mixture over the sealant using trowel  61  so that excess catalyzed mixture protrudes by about ⅛″ to about ½″ from the surface of the existing material. The catalyzed mixture consists of about 40 to about 60 wt. % catalyzed powder  42  and about 40 to about 60 wt. % water. The clay-like consistency of the catalyzed mixture, which is substantially thicker than manufacturer instructed, allows for single application to full depth, no shrinkage during curing unlike industry filler and quicker set time due to less water. In step  322  the user allows the applied catalyzed mixture to partially set for about 3 to about 10 minutes. In step  324  the user removes the excess catalyzed mixture around and protruding from the void with wire brush  62  so that the catalyzed mixture is flush with the surface of the existing material thereby creating a cosmetically unnoticeable repair. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  a general exemplary method of substantially matching the user-selected color of the existing material is disclosed which corresponds to step  204  of  FIG. 2 . Advantageously the refined pigmented mixture need only be applied over discolored or repaired portions of the existing material as the color attributes of the refined mixture substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color. A majority of the existing material remains untouched thereby reducing user time and expense and increasing user efficiency in stucco repair and maintenance. 
     In step  402  the user prepares the base cementitious mixture comparable to the base of the existing material. In step  404  the user prepares the pigmented cementitious mixture from the base mixture having a hue similar to the user-selected color of the existing material. In step  406  the user refines color attributes of the pigmented mixture to substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color. In step  408  the user confirms that the color attributes of the refined pigmented mixture substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color. Ideally with the method of  FIG. 4  the user substantially matches the color attributes of the user-selected color to within about ±5%. 
     The user-selected color of the existing material has average color attribute values of properly colored portions of the existing material. That is the user-selected color is chosen as the average color of all non-stained and non-damaged portions of the existing material. These color attributes include hue, colorfulness, chroma, saturation, lightness and brightness. With three color attributes—colorfulness (or chroma or saturation), lightness (or brightness), and hue—any color can be described. 
     In color theory, a hue refers to a pure color and is defined as the degree to which a stimulus can be described as similar to or different from stimuli that are described as red, green, blue, and yellow—the unique hues. Colors with the same hue are distinguished with adjectives referring to their lightness and/or chroma, such as with light blue, pastel blue, etc. Exceptions include brown, which is a dark orange, and pink, a light red with reduced chroma. 
     In color theory, colorfulness, chroma, and saturation are related but distinct concepts referring to the perceived intensity of a specific color. Colorfulness is the difference between a color against gray. A highly colorful stimulus is vivid and intense, while a less colorful stimulus appears more muted, closer to gray. With no colorfulness at all, a color is a neutral gray. Chroma is the difference of a color against the brightness of another color which appears white under similar viewing conditions. Saturation is the difference of a color against its own brightness. The saturation of a color is determined by a combination of light intensity and how much it is distributed across the spectrum of different wavelengths. The purest color is achieved by using just one wavelength at a high intensity. If the intensity drops, so does the saturation. To desaturate a color the user may add white, black, gray, or the hue&#39;s complement. 
     It is common among painters to darken a color by adding black paint—producing colors called shades with reduced lightness—or lighten a color by adding white—producing colors called tints with increased lightness. Tints are also produced by mixing gray shades. Mixing with any neutral color, including black and white, reduces chroma or colorfulness and shifts its hue. For instance darkening a color by adding black can cause colors such as yellows, reds and oranges to shift toward the greenish or bluish part of the color light spectrum. Lightening a color by adding white can cause a shift towards blue when mixed with reds and oranges. Another practice when darkening a color is to use its opposite, or complementary, color in order to neutralize it without a shift in hue, and darken it if the additive color is darker than the parent color. When lightening Is a color the hue shift can be corrected with the addition of a small amount of an adjacent color to bring the hue of the mixture back in line with the parent color. 
     Gloss is an optical property of material appearance, which is based on the interaction of light with physical characteristics, or topography, of a surface—the ability of a surface to reflect light into a specular direction. Factors that affects gloss are the refractive index of the material, the angle of incident light and the surface topography. Material with smooth surface appears glossy while very rough surfaces, like stucco, reflect no specular light and therefore appear matte. 
     Additional color theories affect how the user-selected color of the existing material is chosen and how the user matches that color including: subjective color perception (color vision, perception in the eye and brain and deficiency); physics of light (wavelength, frequency interval, and energy of the spectral colors); surface properties of the existing material; transmission properties of the various mixtures (reflectivity, opaqueness, translucency and transparency); emission properties of the various mixtures (absorption and emission); dichromatism—where the hue of the refined mixture is dependent on concentration and thickness of the existing material; weather and ambient conditions (shade or direct sunlight, temperature, time of day and time of year); and color properties of other nearby objects. 
     The user must factor color attributes and additional color theories of the various mixtures and the existing material during substantial color-match because, for example, a plurality of shades and tints of color are exhibited on texture of as well as sun-exposed and shade-exposed portions of the existing material and the various applied mixtures. The pigment oxides in stucco may tint (have lower colorfulness, chroma and saturation values and higher brightness and lightness values) on sun-exposed and shade (have higher colorfulness, chroma and saturation values and lower brightness and lightness values) on shade-exposed portions of the existing material both over time and during the drying process. Also the pigment oxides in stucco may tint on higher portions of the existing material and shade on lower portions of the existing material over time. If the user is to substantially color match the existing material on an entire structure several areas of the existing material will need to be tested. Thus the refined mixture will likely have a higher lightness color attribute value than the user-selected color—the user&#39;s target color. This ensures that application(s) of the refined mixture(s) age(s) properly with the existing material. 
     Flowchart steps of  FIG. 4  will be referenced with the flowchart steps of  FIG. 5 . Flowchart steps  502 ,  504 ,  506  and  508  correspond to flowchart step  402 . Flowchart steps  510 ,  512 ,  514  and  516  correspond to flowchart step  404 . Flowchart steps  518 ,  520  and  522  correspond to flowchart step  406 . Flowchart steps  524  and  526  correspond to flowchart step  408 . 
     Step  402  of  FIG. 4  (steps  502 ,  504 ,  506  and  508  of  FIG. 5 ) may not need to be performed because the user either knows or can determine what the base of the existing material is by observation. If not step  402  of  FIG. 4  must be performed. 
     In step  502  of  FIG. 5  the user selects from powders  20  a powder comparable to the base of the existing material (either gray powder  21 , white powder  22  or both gray and white powders  21  and  22 ). In step  504  the user mixes water and the selected powder  20  in a qt. size container  71  to form the base mixture, or Stucco Cream™. The base mixture has about 25 to about 40 wt. % selected powder  20  and about 60 to about 75 wt. % water—substantially more viscous than the milky consistency of industry standards. In step  506  the user applies the base mixture with paint brush  68  to part of the existing material which exhibits the user-selected color. After applying, in a step not shown in  FIG. 5 , the user allows the base mixture to substantially dry on the existing material. This drying step may take between about 5 min. to about 20 min. depending on ambient conditions. 
     In step  508  the user determines whether the base mixture is similar to the base of the existing material. The user must factor color attributes and additional color theories of the various mixtures and the existing material in this determination. If so the user prepares the pigmented cementitious mixture having hue similar to the user-selected color, which corresponds to step  404  of  FIG. 4 . If not the user repeats the step of preparing the base mixture with a different powder  20  which corresponds to step  402  of  FIG. 4 . 
     Note that steps  502 ,  504 ,  506  and  508  may be repeated either once or a plurality of times. Additionally steps  502 ,  504  and  506  may be performed simultaneously with a plurality of base powders  20  to increase efficiency. If any tested base mixture is discarded the user should clean used qt. container  71 . The user should clean brush  68  as well. 
     In step  404  of  FIG. 4  the user prepares the pigmented mixture from the base mixture having hue similar to the user-selected color. Flowchart steps  510 ,  512 ,  514  and  516  of  FIG. 5  correspond to flowchart step  404 . 
     In step  510  of  FIG. 5  the user selects a pigment oxide from the plurality of pigment oxides  30  having hue comparable to the user-selected color. In practice the user selects a color having the selected base and comparable hue from color chart  94 , but may proceed without use of color chart  94 . In step  512  the user mixes selected pigment oxide  30  with the base mixture in qt. size container  71  to form the pigmented mixture having about 25 to about 40 wt. % selected powder  20 , about 60 to about 75 wt. % water and about 1 to about 10 wt. % selected pigment oxide  30 . In step  514  the user applies the pigmented mixture with paint brush  68  to part of the existing material which exhibits the user-selected color. Ideally the user applies the pigmented mixture by brushing with graded intensity to observe incremental color changes. In other words the brush stroke should be about 3 to about 6 in. long that starts off firm and ends soft. Further the brush stroke should be applied to a flat portion of the existing material with minimal texture for greater visual clarity. 
     After applying, in. a step not shown in  FIG. 5 , the user allows the pigmented mixture to substantially dry on the existing material. This drying step may take between about 5 min. to about 20 min. depending on ambient conditions. Note that the user will observe the lightly brushed end of the brush stroke begin to dry before the firmly brushed end. 
     In step  516  the user determines whether the hue of the pigmented mixture is similar to the hue of the user-selected color. The user must factor color attributes and additional color theories of the various mixtures and the existing material in this determination. If so the user refines the color attributes of the pigmented mixture to substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color which corresponds to step  406  of  FIG. 4 . If not the user repeats the step of either preparing a base mixture with a different powder  20  which corresponds to step  402  or preparing a pigmented mixture with a different pigment oxide  30  which corresponds to step  404 . 
     Note that steps  510 ,  512 ,  514  and  516  of  FIG. 5  may be repeated either once or a plurality of times. Additionally steps  510 ,  512 ,  514  and  516  may be performed simultaneously with a plurality of pigment oxides  30  to increase efficiency. If any pigmented mixture is discarded the user should clean used container  71 . 
     In step  406  of  FIG. 4  the user refines color attributes of the pigmented mixture to substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color thereby forming the refined mixture. Flowchart steps  518 ,  520  and  522  of  FIG. 5  correspond to flowchart step  406 . 
     In step  518  of  FIG. 5  the user modifies, if necessary, color attributes of the pigmented mixture. The user determines whether differences in color attributes including hue, colorfulness, chroma, saturation, lightness and brightness either individually, separately or in combination exist between the pigmented mixture and the existing material. If the color attributes of the pigmented mixture substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color the user performs the step of confirming which corresponds to step  408  of  FIG. 4 . 
     Generally if the color attributes of the pigmented mixture vary from the color attributes of the user-selected color the user mixes white, black, gray and complementary-colored pigment oxides of pigment oxides  30  and gray, white and both gray and white powders  21  and  22 , either individually, separately or in combination with the pigmented mixture. The user mixes the additional refining pigment oxides  30  or base powders  20  with the pigmented mixture in qt. size container  71  to form the refined pigmented mixture having about 25 to about 40 wt. % selected powder  20 , about 60 to about 75 wt. % water and about 1 to about 10 wt. % selected and refining pigment oxides  30 . 
     Examples of modifications include mixing with the pigmented mixture: a neutral pigment oxide if the pigmented mixture is more saturated; additional user-selected pigment oxide  30  or black pigment oxide if the pigmented mixture is lighter; or additional user-selected base powder  20  if the pigmented mixture is darker. The user must factor color attributes and additional color theories of the various mixtures and the existing material in this determination. 
     In step  520  the user applies the modified pigmented mixture with paint brush  68  to part of the existing material which exhibits the user-selected color. Ideally the user applies the modified mixture by brushing with graded intensity to observe incremental color changes. In other words the brush stroke should be about 3 to about 6 in. long that starts off firm and ends soft. Further the brush stroke should be applied to a flat portion of the existing material with minimal texture for greater visual clarity. 
     After applying, in a step not shown in  FIG. 5 , the user allows the modified mixture to substantially dry on the existing material. This drying step may take between about 5 min. to about 20 min. depending on ambient conditions. Note that the user will observe the lightly brushed end of the brush stroke begin to dry before the firmly brushed end. 
     In step  522  the user determines whether the color attributes of the modified mixture substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color. The user must factor color attributes and additional color theories of the various mixtures and the existing material in this determination. If so the user confirms that the color attributes of the modified mixture substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color which corresponds to step  408  of  FIG. 4 . If not the user repeats the step of either refining with the modified mixture which corresponds to step  406 , preparing a pigmented mixture with a different pigment oxide  30  which corresponds to step  404 , or preparing a base mixture with a different base powder  20  which corresponds to step  402 , depending on the situation. 
     Note that steps  518 ,  520  and  522  of  FIG. 5  may be repeated either once or a plurality of times. Additionally steps  518 ,  520  and  522  may be performed simultaneously with a plurality of modifications to increase efficiency. If any modified mixture is discarded the user should clean used container  71 . 
     In step  408  of  FIG. 4  the user confirms that the color attributes of the refined pigmented mixture substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color. Flowchart steps  524  and  522  of  FIG. 5  correspond to flowchart step  408 . 
     In step  524  of  FIG. 5  the user selectively applies the refined mixture over a range of discolored portions of the existing material. The range of discolored portions of the existing material is variations in its color attributes. 
     Ideally the user selectively applies the refined mixture by spraying with sprayer  65  and spray shield  92  using a feathering application technique to observe incremental color changes. In other words the spray application should be about 3 to about 6 ft. long that starts just above the weep screed and travels vertically up the existing material through both discolored and properly colored areas along an edge of spray shield  92 . The user should observe the spray application of the refined mixture blend in completely with the existing material. This application provides a gauge by which the user is able to determine how substantial, or cosmetically credible, the color match of the refined mixture is. See discussion related to step  206  of  FIG. 2  below for further information on applying the refined mixture via sprayer  65  and feathering techniques. 
     After applying, in a step not shown in  FIG. 5 , the user allows the refined mixture to substantially dry on the existing material. This drying step may take between about 5 min. to about 20 min. depending on the weather and ambient conditions during application. 
     In step  526  the user determines whether the color attributes of the refined mixture substantially conforms the range of discolored portions to the user-selected color. The user must factor color attributes and additional color theories of the various mixtures and the existing material in this determination. If so the user has substantially matched the user-selected color of the existing material, may mix an acrylic bonder material with the refined mixture and may prepare a larger batch of refined mixture with the bonder using the same ratios of materials to complete the method of maintenance of the existing material disclosed in  FIG. 2 . Thus the refined mixture may have about 25 to about 40 wt. % selected powder  20 , about 60 to about 75 wt. % water, about 1 to about 10 wt. % selected and refining pigment oxide(s)  30  and about 0.3 to about 3 wt. % bonder material. Ideally with the method of  FIG. 4  the user substantially matches the color attributes of the user-selected color to within about ±5%. If not the user repeats the step of either refining with the modified mixture which corresponds to step  406  of  FIG. 4 , or preparing a pigmented mixture with a different pigment oxide  30  which corresponds to step  404 , or preparing a base mixture with a different base powder  20  which corresponds to step  402 , depending on the situation. 
     Note that steps  524  and  526  of  FIG. 5  may be repeated either once or a plurality of times. Additionally steps  524  and  526  may be performed simultaneously with a plurality of refined mixtures to increase efficiency. If any refined mixture is discarded, the user should clean used container  71 . 
     In  FIG. 2  the general exemplary method of maintenance of the existing material is disclosed. In step  206  the method of applying, via a sprayer, the refined mixture having color attributes which substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color over discolored portions of the existing material is disclosed. Steps  602 ,  604  and  606  of  FIG. 6  correspond to step  206  of  FIG. 2 . 
     In step  602  the user pours the refined mixture through strainer funnel  81  into sprayer  65 . The user securely tightens a top on sprayer  65 . Ideally sprayer  65  is a multi-purpose pump sprayer but may be a hand-pump, compressed air tank, professional tank or a modified painter&#39;s airless sprayer. Ideally sprayer  65  has capacity of about 50 oz. but may have capacity of about 30 oz. to about 100 oz. Sprayer  65  should be about 40% to about 70% filled with refined mixture to ensure adequate air pressure of about 40 psi to about 60 psi to discharge all of the refined mixture. Strainer funnel  81  may have sieve size of mesh #32. Note that funnel strainer  81  has a limited life span. Strainer funnel  81  should be cleaned after each use by immersion, small end first, in a 5 gal. size bucket  72  of water then thorough rinsing with water by the other sprayer  65 . It is necessary to clean strainer funnel  81  for the next refined mixture to ensure that no particulate contaminates sprayer  65  otherwise a tip of sprayer  65  will clog. 
     In step  604  the user tunes sprayer  65  to achieve user-selected refined mixture discharge characteristics. The step of tuning includes pressurizing sprayer  65  and adjusting the tip of sprayer  65  to discharge a substantially drip-free and drift-free spray of refined mixture. Sprayer  65  is pressurized by: connecting an air discharge end of compressor  66  to a mixture discharge orifice of sprayer  65 ; pulling a trigger of sprayer  65 ; activating compressor  66 ; allowing compressed air to flow into sprayer  65  from compressor  66 ; and, upon completion, simultaneously releasing the trigger of sprayer  65  and deactivating compressor  66 . This pressurizing step may take between about 15 sec. to about 1 min. depending on the specifications of sprayer  65 , compressor  66  and the refined mixture. After disconnection the user should activate the air gun to discharge any residual refined mixture which may have entered the air discharge end during pressurization. 
     Adjusting the tip of sprayer  65  to discharge a substantially drip-free and drift-free spray of the refined mixture includes lightly tightening the tip until it is fully closed and then opening it one half turn. The user should perform a test spray into bucket  72 . When the tip is over tightened it will produce a fine mist of refined mixture, which often will clog the tip. Conversely if the tip is too open the refined mixture spray will come out in droplets. When the tip is tightened correctly sprayer  65  makes a whooshing sound and handles like an airbrush and refined mixture spray is substantially drip-free and drift-free. 
     Sprayer  65  operation tips include: 1) ensuring that strainer funnel  81  is both clean and useable if sprayer  65  frequently clogs during use; 2) properly tightening the tip of sprayer  65 ; 3) timely spraying the refined mixture within about 30 min. as it tends to settle to the bottom; 4) laying tarps  93  prior to filling sprayer  65  to ensure timely spraying; 5) vibrating or agitating the refined mixture during and between applications to ensure proper mixing and avoid hardening and settling to the bottom; and 6) cleaning the mixture discharge orifice of sprayer  65  by air flow either in air, immersed in water or both. 
     In step  604  the user selectively sprays the refined mixture over part of the existing material by feathering the mixture over the range of discolored portions to substantially conform the range to the user-selected color. Applied to fog coat, feathering is an application technique of softening/blurring/smoothing edges of the applied refined mixture so that it blends into the existing material with substantially no contrast. Feathering may be achieved by: adjusting the spray intensity of the refined mixture depending on the user&#39;s factoring of refined mixture and existing material color attributes and additional color theories; or blending with brushes  63  or  64  spray remains of the refined mixture into adjacent existing material. Advantageously the refined mixture is prepared above 25 wt. % base powder  20  to water—a paint consistency—to spray apply. Only one spray application of the refined mixture is needed for adequate coverage. Further the thicker consistency of the refined mixture results in: substantially drip-free and drift-free spray—it hits the existing material and remains; faster drying time; and easier clean-up. 
     In a step not shown in  FIG. 6  the user cleans sprayer  65 , surrounding areas and other components of kit  1 . Once all of the refined mixture has been removed from sprayer  65  it must be cleaned by: filling it with clean water; pressurizing it; spraying the water through it; emptying it; refilling it with clean water; repressurizing it; partially spraying the water through it; and storing it pressurized. The user cleans the refined mixture before it hardens from surrounding areas including the ground and concrete, wood, glass and metal surfaces with nylon brushes  63  and  64 . The user also cleans other components of kit  1  with water. 
     In step  204  of  FIG. 4 , the user substantially matches the user-selected color of the existing material. While preparing the base mixture, preparing the pigmented mixture and refining the pigmented mixture the user should record, either manually with pen  95  and paper  96  or electronically, any addition of materials  10  to create a formula for the refined mixture. The user needs this information to prepare a larger batch of the refined mixture using the same ratios of materials  10  to complete the method of maintenance of the existing material disclosed in  FIG. 2 . 
     Note that the user may perform the determining steps in step  204  of  FIG. 4  either analytically, electronically or visually. For example, the user may be able to analyze the existing material by mass spectroscopy which would analytically provide the relative amounts of cementitious and pigment oxide materials. Additionally paint manufacturers and distributers may use spectrophotometers to electronically match a color sample quickly and precisely, but often require a color chip or sample material with a consistent color and finish. The user may be able to combine electronic and visual techniques to substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color. For example, the user may: attach color chart  94  to the existing material; take a picture; import the picture into a graphics software program; sample the existing material; set the fill color of a square in a new document as the sampled color of the existing material; draw several small squares within the large square; sample several colors on color chart  94  in the picture; set the fill color of the small squares as the sampled colors on color chart  94  in the new document; and visually determine a starting color for the method of substantial color-match. 
     Example: Repair of an Existing Cementitious Material  
     To repair a small crack the user: mixes 33 wt. % base powder  20  with 67 wt. % water to form the Stucco Cream™; mixes additional water to form a less viscous Stucco Cream®) of 25 wt. % base powder  20  with 75 wt. % water; applies the less viscous Stucco Cream™ to the small crack with brush  68  (step  306 ); allows the less viscous Stucco Cream™ to flow into the small crack; allows the less viscous Stucco Cream™ to set for 30 sec. (step  308 ); and removes with brushes  64  then  63  the excess less viscous Stucco Cream™ from the existing material leaving behind the less viscous Stucco Cream™ in the small crack (step  310 ). 
     To repair a large crack the user: holds an angled tip of the caulk  40  tube flat against the existing material; applies a 6 in. to 1 ft. flat bead of caulk  40  along the large crack (step  312 ); immediately rubs the applied caulk  40  in the large crack with a gloved  40  hand (step  314 ); and immediately removes with brush  62  any excess caulk  40  off of the existing surface (step  316 ). 
     To repair a void the user: applies sealant  41  to an interior surface of the void (step  318 ); mixes with trowel  61  50 wt. % catalyzed powder  42  with 50 wt. % water; applies with trowel  61  the catalyzed mixture into the void leaving ¼ in. excess mixture protruding from the existing material (step  320 ); allows the catalyzed mixture to set for 5 min. (step  322 ); and removes the protruding catalyzed mixture (step  324 ). 
     Example: Substantial Color-Match of a User-Selected  Color of an Existing Cementitious Material  
     To substantially color-match a user-selected color of an existing cementitious material the user: mixes grey-base and white-base Stucco Cream™ (steps  502  and  504 ); applies with brush  68  both Stucco Creams™ to the existing material (step  506 ); allows both Stucco Creams™ to dry; determines which base the color of the existing material is (step  508 ); selects from color chart  94  the closest color having the determined base of the existing material (step  510 ); mixes 1 wt. % chosen pigment oxide  30  to the determined Stucco Cream™ (step  512 ); applies the pigmented Stucco Cream™ to the existing material (step  514 ); allows the pigmented Stucco Cream™ to dry; determines whether a hue of pigmented Stucco Cream™ is similar to the user-selected color (step  516 ); modifies, if necessary, color attributes of the pigmented Stucco Cream™ by incrementally adding selected powders  20  and various pigment oxides  30  (step  518 ); applies the modified pigmented Stucco Cream™ to the existing material (step  520 ); allows the modified pigmented Stucco Cream™ to dry; determines whether the color attributes of the modified pigmented Stucco Cream™ substantially match the color attributes of the user-selected color (step  522 ); selectively applies via sprayer  65  the refined pigmented Stucco Cream™ over a range of discolored portions of the existing material (step  524 ); and determines whether the color attributes of the refined pigmented Stucco Cream™ conform the range of discolored portions to the user-selected color (step  526 ). 
     Example: Selective Application of a Refined Cementitious Mixture Over an Existing Cementitious Material  
     To spray the refined Stucco Cream™ the user: pours the refined Stucco Cream™ through a strainer into sprayer  65  (step  602 ); tunes sprayer  65  for substantially drip-free and drift-free spray of refined Stucco Cream™ (step  604 ); and feathering the refined Stucco Cream™ over discolored and repaired portions of the existing material (step  606 ). 
     Final Comments. It is to be understood that the above is merely a description of preferred embodiments of the present application and that various changes, combinations, alterations, and variations may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as set for in the appended claims. The kits for and methods of repair, maintenance and substantial color match of cementitious materials of the present application are described in relation to stucco as examples. However, they are viable for use in other residential, commercial, and industrial applications, as well as other cementitious materials all together. Few if any of the terms or phrases in the specification and claims have been given any special meaning different from their plain language meaning, and therefore the specification is not to be used to define terms in an unduly narrow sense.