When building concrete structures, proper protection and post-treatment is crucial to protect concrete from drying out during the first 28 days, which can be achieved by leaving the formwork standing, covering it with plastic wrap, or using curing compounds.
Insufficient or insufficient post-treatment can have serious consequences for the quality and longevity of the concrete on the one hand, but this also has disadvantages from an aesthetic point of view. If the moisture in the concrete floor evaporates too quickly, especially in warm or windy conditions, this can lead to uneven hydration of the cement.
By using curing compounds, both the evaporation of moisture and the temperature during the curing process of the concrete are controlled. This provides the following benefits:
- Increasing durability ensures concrete that is more resistant to frost, chemical influences and wear.
- Reducing dust formation makes the concrete easier to maintain and extends the life of the concrete.
- Prevents shrinkage cracks by allowing the concrete to dry out gradually, resulting in maintaining the structural integrity of the floor, both on the surface and deeper into the concrete.
- Minimizing visual imperfections such as color differences, surface irregularities and wind cracks or craquelure.
There are different types of curing compounds available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Reynchemie offers both water-based and solvent-based curing compounds.
Water-based Curing Compound - RC 114
 | RC 114 is a curing compound based on an emulsion of paraffin in water. The product is environmentally friendly, non-flammable and has a lower odour. This makes the curing compound safer for the environment and easier to perform. |
Solvent-based Curing Compound - RC 111
 | RC 111 offers a fast drying time (about 1 hour) and forms a dense film on the concrete surface. The product is widely applicable and suitable for use in various environmental conditions, including high humidity and low temperatures. |
A sustainable concrete floor in 3 steps
A Curing compound is applied with a back sprayer, roller or brush as soon as possible after the concrete has been installed, immediately after the 'bleeding water' has evaporated or after the end of the polishing work. It is essential that the product is applied to the surface in a closed and even layer, without puddling.
Once the concrete has dried out (after 28 days), the protective layer can be removed if desired. The water-based curing compound, RC 114, can be removed by using a pressure washer. The solvent-based curing compound, RC 111, can be mechanical (sanding or grinding) as well as chemical (RC Betostrip) be removed. Depending on the surface, it is possible to use a combination of removal methods.
After removing the curing compound, it is advisable to protect the concrete floor with a concrete hardener (RC M040 whether RC M050-LIT) or impregnating agent (RC M060+).
Combination of curing compound and concrete sealer
To replace the traditional curing compounds, you can also use a combination of curing compound and concrete sealer, namely RC M040. The transparent sodium-silicate-based impregnation fluid controls the evaporation of moisture and temperature fluctuations in the concrete floor. During the drying process of the concrete floor, RC M040 creates the top layer up to 33% harder, making it less dusty and less sensitive to de-icing salts, liquids and chemicals.
To optimize the lifespan of your concrete floor, regular maintenance with RC Concrete clean+, a sodium silicate-based concrete floor cleaner, recommended.
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