#KOBALT CONCRETE MIXER HOE HOW TO#

Tip: Hard troweling of the concrete surface will reduce the effectiveness of most surface retarders. The depth can also be affected by how long the retarder is left on the surface, concrete finishing methods, and water pressure and scrubbing action used during removal. The depth of exposure will primarily depend on the surface porosity of the concrete when the retarder is applied, with deeper exposures produced on more open or porous concrete. If you allow the surface to harden longer, aggregate exposure will become difficult and may require sandblasting. Tip: Before applying a surface retarder, be sure you will be able to remove it within 24 hours. Once the concrete is ready, remove the surface paste with a garden hose, a stiff broom, or a pressure washer. If the depth is greater than desired or the aggregates begin to come loose, wait a bit longer before exposing the aggregate. Test a small area to determine if the depth of retarded mortar is at the desired level. Generally, the window is anywhere from 12 to 24 hours after application. The time of surface retarder removal will vary with each job, depending on the concrete mix design and environmental conditions. The dye will decompose in time after drying.Д¬oncrete Sealer Solvent Based Stain Repellent вЂ“ Natural Finish How do you know when itвЂ™s time to wash off the surface? An easy way to visually monitor where youвЂ™ve sprayed is to use a pigmented surface retarder, which contains a tracer dye that allows you to see your progress. Tip: The most important issue when applying surface retarder is to ensure complete, even coverage. However, if extreme wind or rain is expected, you should protect the surface with plastic sheeting. 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. DonвЂ™t seal the concrete first or apply curing compounds, which could prevent the retarder from doing its job.ДЄpply surface retarder evenly over the surface using a low-pressure sprayer or roller. The best time to apply surface retarder is after youвЂ™ve completed all finishing operations and the bleedwater has dissipated. Unlike concrete set retarders, they allow the rest of the concrete to cure normally, without affecting the setting rate or strength gain.Д«ecause surface retarders work by stopping the hydration process down to a controlled depth, the underlying concrete will harden properly while allowing easy removal of the surface paste later. Surface retarders, also called surface вЂњdeactivators,вЂќ are applied to fresh concrete to chemically delay the set of the surface mortar. If youвЂ™ve never used a surface retarder before, here are some basics to help get you started.ДЇind surface retarders What is concrete surface retarder? WhatвЂ™s more, a surface retarder will give you greater control over the depth of exposure, allowing you to achieve the desired finish. Not only is this method safer and less labor-intensive than acid etching and abrasive blasting, it also achieves more uniform results, leaving the aggregate evenly exposed with no fracturing, dislodging, or color loss. However, the easiest and most reliable technique is to use a concrete surface retarder.

#KOBALT CONCRETE MIXER HOE HOW TO#

There are various methods of exposing the aggregate in concrete slabs and floors to create a decorative finish (see How to Expose Aggregate). After 12-24 hours, the surface retarder is washed away to reveal the aggregate in the concrete.

Kobalt concrete mixer hoe