Overseas Versus Local Manufacturing: Industrial and Manufacturing Blogs

You've probably heard of concrete densifiers before. Concrete densifiers are popular in modern construction projects. Generally, they help contractors achieve highly polished, durable and robust concrete surfaces. You can only consider a concrete floor well-polished after applying the densifier to rejection. Using diamond tooling alone might not be adequate to achieve a durable polished finish. 

Therefore, concrete densifier application is necessary when maintaining polished concrete floors. Here are four insider tips when working with concrete densifiers to achieve the ultimate results. 

Understand how to Determine Rejection

As mentioned earlier, you can only consider a concrete floor well-polished after applying the densifier to rejection. However, determining whether the concrete densifier has been applied to a rejection point is a significant challenge. Generally, you might see the densifier on the concrete surface. The rejection point is typically attained when the densifier doesn't absorb completely into the concrete. However, most manufacturers won't tell you this. 

Consider Softness and Hardness Levels

Consider applying the densifier later in the polishing process for the hard concrete slabs. For instance, do this after grinding the surface with resin-bonded diamond pads. Conversely, apply the densifier before commencing polishing and several times throughout the process for softer concrete slabs.

However, consider applying a coat at the end of the polishing process if the concrete is too dense to accept the densifier. Often, the nature of concrete varies depending on your region and manufacturer.

Assess Your Slurry for Critical Hints

As you commence cutting, analyse and determine how quickly the slurry dries on the concrete slab. Generally, extremely hardened concrete won't absorb moisture from the slurry as promptly due to higher density. Additionally, evaluate the thickness of the slurry for crucial hints. 

For example, it's much easier to grind soft concrete to achieve a high-solid, thicker slurry. However, harder concrete slurry appears as dirty water. While concrete hardness alone might be a factor, it's an excellent clue of what's before you. 

Residue Might be a Concern

Finally, when dealing with sodium silicate densifier, a significant learning curve comes after concrete polishing and the surface is ready to rinse and eliminate any traces of residue. During partial cleaning, for instance, you might recut the floor only to find a rock-hard interior. You might notice some relative glaze on the concrete floors. 

However, when using lithium silicate densifiers, the floors won't have any topical glaze on their surfaces. It has superior penetration and allows for effortless cutting whenever needed. For more information on concrete densifiers, contact a professional near you.