Top-Cast is a waterbased, top surface retarder which does not require covering with plastic for protection. It is available in 12 depths of etch, each one, color and number coded for safety and convenience. • Ideal for cast-in-place flatwork and the top surface of precast concrete panels.
How do you top cast concrete?
What is top cast used for?
Top Cast Chemical Surface Retarder is a water-based, film-forming surface retarder that is great for decorative concrete. It is a product that saves time by eliminating the need for covering the surface even when it rains.
How do you clean Topcast concrete?
How do I remove Topcast?
Early removal of Top-Cast can be accomplished by the use a stiff bristle brush/broom and a garden hose. Wash until clear water runs from the surface. The Top-Cast surface may also be removed using a buffer with an 80 grit carbide bristle brush with water. Follow up with a power washer to rinse.
What is Topcast finish?
What are the different types of concrete finishes?
- Troweled Finish. Trowel finish is the most common and popular finish of concrete used for major types of applications. …
- Broom Finish. …
- Stamped Concrete Finish. …
- Salt Finish. …
- Exposed Aggregate Finish. …
- Swirl Finish. …
- Polished Finish. …
- Colored Finish.
How do you apply top-cast?
Apply TOP-CAST ® surface retarder uniformly to the wet concrete after the initial bleed water rises to the surface. Spray with a low-pressure sprayer (plastic preferred) until the surface has a complete hiding coat. Do not apply too sparingly. Use water for clean up.
What is sand finish concrete?
“Sand finish” concrete is exactly what it sounds like – A sand-textured decorative flatwork option. Sand finish concrete creates a non-slip surface, perfect for parks, entryways, plazas, etc…
How do you do exposed aggregate finish on concrete?
What is top surface retarder?
Applied to the surface of fresh concrete, SurfEtch™ Top Surface Retarder chemically delays the set of the surface mortar while allowing the underlying concrete to harden normally. This allows time for washing the surface, producing exposed aggregate flatwork, with subtle and varying reveals of texture and color.
How do I acid wash concrete?
Mix 1 cup of baking soda, garden lime, or household ammonia in 1 gallon of water (roughly 250 mL in 4 L), or follow label instructions on an acid neutralizing product. Scrub this over the concrete and let sit at least ten minute to ensure that all the acid is neutralized.
How do you use concrete surface retarder?
Apply surface retarder evenly over the surface using a low-pressure sprayer or roller. Many surface retarders are designed to form a film over the surface that acts as temporary curing agent and protects the concrete from light rain and wind.
How do you remove concrete retarder?
When the underlying concrete has hardened, the retarded mortar surface can be flushed off with a stream of water and/or removed by scrubbing with a stiff brush.
Does concrete come in different colors?
Earth tones that mimic natural materials are the most popular concrete colors among homeowners. But you can also color concrete blue, orange, green, black or other colors. Plus, many concrete contractors can blend custom colors exactly to your liking.
What are four 4 types of concrete surface finishes?
In a moment you become aware as to the four basic types of concrete finishes – Slick Finished Concrete, Broom Finished Concrete, Exposed Aggregate Concrete and Stamped Concrete.
What is a F4 concrete finish?
Finish F4. –This finish is required for formed concrete surfaces where accurate alignment and evenness of surface are essential for prevention of destructive effects of water action. … –This finish is required for formed concrete surfaces where plaster, stucco, or wainscoting is to be applied.
What is a smooth concrete finish called?
Polished concrete – a smooth, high-gloss finish that’s durable and easy to clean. Stained concrete – colors can mimic marble, leather, natural stone or even wood.
What does sand finish concrete look like?
Is sand finish concrete rough?
Traditional concrete is often left rough like the sidewalks and driveways you see around. When concrete is sand finished, it can take on a smooth, classy veneer, which resembles the hard sand at ocean beaches when a wave recedes. Sand finishing is a great, classy choice throughout the household.
What is trowel finish concrete?
Trowel-finished concrete floors are seamless surfaces that recreate the concrete effect. … Its name derives from the trowel used for the application; after preparing the substrate, the authorized applicator installs the product through the use of a trowel.
Is Exposed aggregate concrete durable?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to put down exposed aggregate without the help of a professional. Additionally, it typically needs to be resealed every few years in order to continue looking good. An exposed aggregate driveway is typically durable, which is not surprising since it is made out of concrete.
Is aggregate concrete slippery?
Many homeowners like the nice, clean look of a standard concrete driveway as well as the fact that it can be tinted and stained in many different colours and is not slippery. … While still incredibly durable, exposed aggregate is more prone to damage than standard concrete and therefore needs to be sealed more often.
Is Exposed aggregate hard to walk?
Exposed aggregate is extremely attractive with unique designs. It is popular in residential properties but also in spaces that receive a continuous influx of people. It is non-slippery, making it safe for those walking around, whether young or old.
What is cement retarder?
1. n. [Well Completions] A chemical agent used to increase the thickening time of cement slurries to enable proper placement.
What is accelerator and retarder?
Chemically retarder slow the setting rate of concrete, are used to counteract the accelerating effect of hot weather on concrete setting. … Accelerators make concrete set faster rapidly after mixing with concrete.
What does sugar do to wet concrete?
The sugar slows down the setting of the concrete, and is used in hot conditions or when large amounts of concrete must be poured out before setting occurs. Very small amounts of sugar delays the hardening of concrete without influencing its strength or other properties once finally set.
How long should muriatic acid sit on concrete?
Brush or spray the acid solution on the concrete, wait eight to 10 minutes, then neutralize the acid by spraying the surface with a mixture of one cup of ammonia in one gallon of water. Kill Mold—Use muriatic acid to kill stubborn mold and mildew on hard surfaces, such as brick, tile, concrete, and stone.
Can muriatic acid damage concrete?
High concentrations of muriatic acid can etch concrete, glass, remove paint, dull chrome, and cause other issues. Below is a summary of how much to add to a gallon of water: Heavy cleaning: 3 ounces of muriatic acid to one gallon of water.
How do you touch up acid stained concrete?
Use Concrete Dye to touch up problem spots, deepen colors, or accent an entire floor. You can use concrete dye to fix concrete stain problems by: Adding secondary accents over previously acid stained concrete.
What is surface retarder used for?
Surface retarders allow concrete finishers to add decorative architectural finishes to horizontal concrete surfaces, such as exposed aggregate. They can also be used for creating an appropriate bonding surface for other materials or concrete layers.
What is the function of a retarder?
Retarders are used to further improve the braking performance on commercial vehicles. Like engine brakes, they are wear-free continuous brakes. Retarders relieve the service brake and increase the active safety and cost-effectiveness of commercial vehicles. Retarders are installed in a commercial vehicle’s drive train.
Does retarder weaken concrete?
Retarding admixtures are used to slow the rate of setting of concrete. By slowing the initial setting time, the concrete mixture can stay in its fresh mix state longer before it gets to its hardened form. Use of retarders is beneficial for: Complex concrete placement or grouting.
What is brushed concrete?
Brushed concrete is a type of finish for poured concrete. After pouring, the concrete is brushed with a stiff bristled broom, which gives it a rougher surface compared to smooth finished concrete. Brushed concrete is also one of the most affordable options, so it’s a great choice if you’re on a budget.
What is exposed aggregate concrete retarder?
Concrete retarders are a chemical solution designed to slow down curing process in the cement. Concrete Retarders are typically used to prevent the chemical hardening of the surfacing of the concrete, allowing the cement to be washed off the following day to expose the aggregate.
What is washed concrete?
Washed concrete, or exposed aggregate concrete, is a decorative method of finishing concrete by washing away the surface of the cement paste to expose the stone within the concrete.