Professional Architectural Concrete Mix
ULTRACAST 360™
Ultra-Dense. Exceptional Detail. Virtually Pinhole-Free.
ULTRACAST 360™ is a high-performance white concrete mix engineered for ultra-dense castings, exceptional detail reproduction, outstanding mold filling, and remarkably smooth finished surfaces.
Designed for detailed 3D concrete castings, architectural panels, concrete furniture, sinks, planters, wall cladding, sculptures, and decorative precast applications where ordinary concrete simply isn't enough.
Using advanced particle packing technology and a carefully balanced blend of cements, pozzolans, admixtures, and fine aggregates, ULTRACAST 360 is formulated to flow into intricate molds and complex geometries where conventional bagged concrete mixes often struggle.
The result is a dense, durable, high-performance concrete capable of producing consistent color, sharp detail reproduction, reduced trapped air, and significantly fewer surface imperfections.
Mix it to a dough-like consistency for hand-packed sculptural work or create a highly flowable self-consolidating mix for direct casting. Its white base also provides an excellent foundation for pigments and vibrant custom colors.
Performance by Design
Why Choose ULTRACAST 360™?
Every component of ULTRACAST 360 is selected to improve casting quality, flow, density, detail reproduction, and finishing efficiency.
01
Exceptional Detail
Captures extremely fine textures, crisp edges, and intricate features in detailed molds and decorative castings.
02
Virtually Pinhole-Free
Optimized flow and particle packing help minimize trapped air, surface voids, and post-casting repair.
03
Ultra-Dense Matrix
Carefully graded particles create a tight, highly packed cementitious matrix with outstanding surface quality.
04
Superior Mold Filling
Highly flowable when desired, allowing material to move through complex geometry, fine textures, and narrow mold sections.
05
Adjustable Consistency
Go from sculptable and dough-like to highly fluid and self-consolidating by adjusting plasticizer dosage.
06
Excellent Color
A clean white base provides excellent pigment response and allows brighter, more predictable decorative colors.
07
Reduced Finishing
Better surface quality can substantially reduce slurry coating, patching, grinding, and corrective finishing.
08
Fiber Reinforcement
Designed for use with AR glass fiber reinforcement to increase toughness and flexural performance in thin and demanding castings.
ULTRACAST 360 Technical Snapshot
45 lb Bag Weight
22.5 lb Cement Content Per Bag
≈ 9 sq ft Coverage at 1/2" Thickness
≈ 4.5 sq ft Coverage at 1" Thickness
The Science Behind the Surface
Advanced Particle Packing Technology
One of the biggest differences between ULTRACAST 360 and ordinary bagged concrete is the range and distribution of particle sizes within the mix.
ULTRACAST 360 incorporates particles ranging from approximately 1 micron up to about 500 microns. Smaller particles fill spaces between larger particles, while still smaller particles fill the remaining microscopic voids.
This optimized particle distribution creates a tighter, more densely packed concrete matrix and allows the mix to reproduce exceptionally fine mold detail.
Particle Size Range
≈ 1 micron ≈ 500 microns
A broad particle distribution allows progressively smaller materials to fill the void space between larger particles.
Higher density Better mold filling Reduced trapped air Smoother surfaces Sharp detail capture Less finishing labor Improved durability Consistent appearance
Versatile by Design
Popular Applications
ULTRACAST 360 is suitable for artistic, architectural, residential, and commercial precast concrete projects.
Concrete Countertops Concrete Sinks Architectural Wall Panels Concrete Furniture Sculptural Concrete Silicone Mold Castings 3D Concrete Castings Planters Fireplace Surrounds Thin Concrete Panels Wall Cladding Decorative Concrete Custom Precast Elements Artisan Concrete
Before You Begin
Materials & Equipment Needed
- 45 lb bag ULTRACAST 360
- 7-gallon or larger mixing bucket
- Fishstone P-120 Premium Superplasticizer
- Dual-paddle or forced-action mixer
- AR Glass Fiber reinforcement
- Clean, cool mixing water
- Pigment if desired
- Gloves, respirator & eye protection
Mixing ULTRACAST 360
Mixing Instructions
Proper sequencing allows the high-range water reducers and fine particle system to fully activate.
Add Water
Add 5.75–6.5 lbs of clean, cool water to a clean mixing bucket.
Add P-120 Superplasticizer
Add 60–100 grams of Fishstone P-120 Premium Superplasticizer to the batch water and mix until fully dispersed.
Add Pigment
If coloring the mix, add pigment at this time. Up to 2.25 lbs of pigment per 45 lb bag may be used.
Add Approximately 80% of the Dry Mix
Begin blending until the dry ingredients and liquids are thoroughly incorporated.
Add the Remaining Mix
Add the balance of ULTRACAST 360 and continue mixing until the batch becomes smooth and uniform.
Allow the Chemistry to Work
Let the mix rest for approximately 5–10 minutes before making final consistency adjustments.
Add Reinforcement
Add AR glass fibers near the end of the mixing cycle and blend only long enough to achieve even distribution.
Important: ULTRACAST 360 may initially appear stiff or dry. Do not immediately assume that additional water is required. Allow the plasticizer and fine-particle system time to activate before making final adjustments.
Dough-Like Consistency Ideal for hand packing, sculptural work, vertical applications, and projects where the material needs to hold its shape.
Thin Milkshake Consistency Ideal for direct casting, intricate molds, highly detailed work, and self-consolidating applications.
Mixing Tip: When additional flow is needed, adjust the consistency with additional P-120 rather than automatically adding more water. Excess water can reduce concrete performance and surface quality.
Strength Beyond Compression
Reinforcement Recommendations
ULTRACAST 360 is designed to be used with primary reinforcement. Reinforcement selection should be based on the size, thickness, shape, loading, and intended use of the finished casting.
| Reinforcement | Recommended Dosage | How to Add | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" AR Glass Fiber | 1–1.25 lbs per 45 lb bag | Add near the end of mixing | General reinforcement, furniture, countertops, panels and architectural castings |
| PVA Fiber | Approximately 0.5 lb per 45 lb bag | Add at the beginning of mixing | Fine distributed reinforcement and applications requiring PVA fiber |
Fiber changes rheology. Fibers will tighten the concrete considerably. When using higher fiber loadings, begin with a slightly more fluid base mix so the finished reinforced mixture reaches the desired consistency.
Avoid excessive mixing after adding AR glass fibers, as prolonged high-speed mixing can damage or shorten the fibers.
Casting Technique
Pouring Best Practices
- Pour slowly to allow displaced air to escape naturally.
- Begin at the lowest point of the mold whenever possible.
- Allow the concrete to flow outward instead of filling from multiple locations.
- Avoid unnecessary turbulent pouring that can introduce air.
- Vibration is optional but may improve spread on larger castings.
- For tall vertical sections, lightly agitate the mix to help eliminate lift lines.
Complex Molds
Made for Difficult Geometry
ULTRACAST 360 excels in molds where conventional concrete often has difficulty filling small details and narrow sections.
Its fine particle system and adjustable rheology make it particularly well suited for:
- Silicone rubber molds
- Textured mold surfaces
- Deep relief patterns
- Undercuts
- Fine edges
- Intricate 3D geometry
Control the Environment
Ideal Working Temperature
Ideal Mix Temperature
60–70°FMaintaining a consistent material temperature helps provide predictable flow, working time, and curing.
Cold Conditions
Use warmer mixing water when needed. An appropriate concrete accelerator may also be used to shorten set time.
Hot Conditions
Replace a portion of the batch water with ice when necessary. A compatible chemical retarder can also extend working time.
Cooler concrete temperatures generally slow setting and curing, while warmer material temperatures accelerate the reaction. The temperature of the concrete itself is often more important than room temperature.
Proper Hydration
Curing Recommendations
- Allow the concrete to reach initial set.
- Cover the casting with plastic to retain moisture.
- Keep covered for a minimum of 24 hours.
- If leaving the casting in the mold longer, lightly mist with water as needed to maintain a moist curing environment.
Proper moisture curing supports cement hydration and helps the concrete develop its intended performance.
After Casting
Demolding & Processing
Allow a minimum of approximately 24 hours before demolding. Cooler conditions may require additional time.
Concrete continues gaining strength after demolding, with substantial strength development occurring throughout the traditional 28-day curing period.
If surface preparation is desired, sand with approximately 220-grit abrasive and remove all dust and residue before applying a sealer.
Protect the Finished Surface
Sealing ULTRACAST 360
Concrete is naturally porous. For countertops, sinks, furniture, and other surfaces exposed to water, food, oils, or staining materials, use a high-quality concrete sealer.
For maximum stain protection and long-term durability, we recommend Fishstone U-SEAL Concrete Sealer .
Common Questions
ULTRACAST 360 Frequently Asked Questions
Is ULTRACAST 360 good for silicone molds?
Yes. ULTRACAST 360 is specifically suited for highly detailed silicone rubber molds, textured molds, complex 3D castings, and intricate geometries.
Does ULTRACAST 360 require vibration?
Not necessarily. When mixed to a fluid consistency, ULTRACAST 360 can be highly flowable and self-consolidating. Light vibration may, however, improve spread and mold filling on larger or more complex castings.
Can ULTRACAST 360 be colored?
Yes. Its white base makes ULTRACAST 360 an excellent choice for pigmented decorative concrete. Up to approximately 2.25 lbs of pigment may be added per 45 lb bag.
How does ULTRACAST 360 help reduce pinholes?
The combination of ultra-fine particles, optimized particle packing, high flowability, and proper casting techniques helps reduce trapped air and surface voids that commonly create pinholes.
What makes ULTRACAST 360 different from ordinary bagged concrete?
ULTRACAST 360 is engineered specifically for architectural and decorative casting. Its particle system ranges from extremely fine particles of approximately 1 micron through fine aggregate around 500 microns, creating significantly different flow and surface characteristics than conventional coarse-aggregate concrete mixes.
Can ULTRACAST 360 be used for thin concrete furniture?
Yes. ULTRACAST 360 is well suited for concrete furniture, countertops, wall panels, and other relatively thin architectural castings when the piece is properly designed and reinforced.
Should I add more water if the mix initially looks dry?
Not immediately. The high-range water-reducing admixtures need time to activate. Continue mixing and allow the batch to rest before deciding whether additional adjustment is required. When possible, use additional P-120 to increase flow rather than excess water.
Safety Information
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, and suitable respiratory protection when handling dry cementitious materials.
WARNING: Contains crystalline silica. Do not breathe dust. Prolonged or repeated exposure to respirable crystalline silica may cause serious lung injury, including silicosis. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety and handling information.
For industrial and professional use.
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Reviews
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First time with this mix
First time trying this mix and worked flawlessly. I am very impressed with how easy it was to pour and the results were perfect right out of the mold. Wish I stumbled on this mix sooner