Application Procedures

SEALING AND ACID STAINING CONCRETE FLOORS

Problem:

Acid stained concrete slabs on grade are subject to the infiltration of moisture, which carries dissolved lime and alkalis to the surface. This degrades the color, making it whitish and cloudy. If sealed with a surface sealer, it aggravates the problem by trapping moisture and deteriorating the surface quicker.

The only repair of a degraded acid stained surface is shot blasting, sand blasting or grinding off the top layer of the concrete and re-doing the acid staining.

RadonSeal penetrating concrete sealer:

RadonSeal seals concrete against moisture migration and efflorescence. It neutralizes lime in concrete but acid stains need lime to react with. RadonSeal also protects concrete against chemicals, including acids and acid stains. This would prevent the acid stains from fully reacting and developing the desired colors.

However, concrete slabs on grade should be deep-sealed with RadonSeal to preserve the concrete and reduce water migration. And the internal RadonSeal seal lasts for the life of the concrete.

Concrete Armor Plus (optional):

Concrete Armor Plus is a subsurface, water-repellent membrane sealer. It is not a coating. The finish has a no-gloss matte look. (If a glossy finish is desired, there are numerous sealers on the market.)

It lightly enhances the color, protects the surface, further reduces water migration, and because it is below the surface, lasts much longer than common surface sealers.

Procedure

RadonSeal
Seal the concrete slab against moisture migration and efflorescence with RadonSeal penetrating concrete sealer in 2 successive spray-on applications.
Scrubbing
In 2-4 hours, wet the surface and clean it with a mechanical floor scrubber (available in equipment rental stores). The purpose is to remove the sealer from the top 1/32–1/8” layer of the concrete. Do not pressure wash – it would “blast out” the sealer.
Drying
Let the concrete thoroughly dry out for 10 days. Sweep any minerals or dirt purged from the concrete by RadonSeal.
Acid Staining
Stain, neutralize, and thoroughly rinse to wash off any residue.
Membrane sealer (optional)
Let the concrete dry for 4 days and seal with 2 successive spray-on applications of Concrete Armor Plus (or Ion-Bond Armor against negative side water pressure).

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