Get your concreting project summer-ready with concrete surface treatments from Concrete Colour Systems.

Builders often have to deal with cracking, shrinkage and dusting problems on their finished concrete surfaces. Bleed water on newly laid concrete, when exposed to hot, dry or windy conditions can often result in quick evaporation, making it difficult to judge the correct time to finish the surface.

In the event the finishing process is started too early, the surface of the concrete is sealed before all the bleed water rises, resulting in small blisters of concrete peeling off during trowelling operations. Discolouration of coloured concrete surfaces is another problem as the bleed water brings deposits of calcium carbonate and other salts to the surface.

To avoid these typical problems associated with concrete, Concrete Colour Systems recommends the use of their CCS concrete surface treatments.

CCS Aliphatic Alcohol

An easy-to-use, water-based finishing compound, CCS Aliphatic Alcohol effectively controls the evaporation of bleed water, thereby improving the quality of the final concrete surface. CCS Aliphatic Alcohol is generally applied after screeding and bull floating operations, but prior to final finishing processes.

Key advantages include water-based and environment-friendly formulation; economical coverage with easy application; fugitive dye helping with uniform application; controlled water evaporation improving quality of concrete; reduced likelihood of crusting or dusting on the concrete surface; reduced incidence of plastic shrinkage; and no need for extra mixing water to compensate for hot weather pours.

Slab Clad R Curing Compound

The curing process is an extremely critical part of concreting as it plays an important role in strength development and durability of concrete. Curing compounds help seal the surface of fresh concrete and prevent rapid loss of moisture, ensuring the curing of the concreted surface at the correct pace. An efficient and cost effective means of curing concrete, curing compounds eliminate the need for messy water curing methods and the use of plastic sheeting on freshly concreted surfaces.

Also a water-based curing compound, Slab Clad R is a Class Z film forming compound offering high water retention capabilities compliant to AS 3799-1998 Appendix B. It is based on a C-5 resin with performance enhancing additives which, when applied to freshly laid concrete, leave a dried transparent film on the surface. The product is formulated to degrade over time, allowing for unhindered application of other toppings and treatments. Unlike many resin based curing compounds, Slab Clad R dries to form a tack-free film which resists dirt, dust and stains.

Key advantages include environment-friendly water-based formulation with low VOC content and supplied ready for use; assurance of strength, abrasion resistance and durability for the concreted surface; rapid film formation; reduced likelihood of cracking or dusting on the concrete surface; and ease of use with messy water curing or polyethylene film not required.