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Top-Etch Surface Retarder

 

TOP-ETCH SURFACE RETARDER (Regular/Deep)

Surface retarders


 

 

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TOP-ETCH Regular     TOP-ETCH Deep

 

An economical, easy-to-use method for producing beautiful exposed aggregate concrete flatwork with consistent results. Available in two strengths: regular (blue) and deep (red). It temporarily halts the set of Portland cement at the surface while concrete below the surface cures normally.

 

The surface concrete can then be washed or brushed away, exposing the aggregate.

 

 

 

Features

Easy to use

Consistent results

Water cleanup

Usage

Exposes aggregate on floor slabs, sidewalks, tilt-up and precast panels or any normal horizontal concrete

Produces roughened bonding surfaces for subsequent concrete toppings

Roughens horizontal surfaces for construction joints in power plants, dams and other civil engineering projects.

Coverage

0-150 sq. ft./gal.

 

Packaging

1 gal./3.8 L units (six per case)

5 gal./18.9 L pails

55 gal./208 L drums

Cleanup

Equipment can be cleaned with water.

Limitations

Not for vertical concrete or form application.

Do not use on concrete containing calcium chloride or other set accelerators.

Protect from freezing

 

Cautions

Remove retarded concrete no later than 18 hrs. after TOP ETCH is sprayed on concrete.

Variations depend on temperature, psi of concrete and water-to-cement ratio. If the temperature exceeds 85°F, wash the same day.

Test panels at your plant or jobsite should always be preformed.

Should not be stored in metal sprayers for extended periods.

Application

 

SURFACE PREPARATION

Place and level concrete. Do not overwork when closing off the surface or the aggregate will be driven down, reducing the depth of exposure.

 

Step 1 – As soon as the bleed water has disappeared (usually 30 minutes or less), uniformly apply TOP ETCH with a pump-up garden type sprayer on top of the concrete, avoiding puddles and overspray.

Step 2 – Cover the concrete with black plastic sheeting, securing the edges to prevent ballooning. Retarded concrete will eventually harden, so the surface should be periodically checked. Under normal conditions TOP ETCH will retard the surface for 18 hours. With a temperature of 85°F and above, you may need to wash the same day.

 

Step 3 – Check a small area to be sure the subsurface concrete has cured sufficiently (usually overnight). One section at a time, remove plastic sheeting and pressure wash surface to expose aggregates. On hot, windy days, after uncovering a section, mist entire area with water to prevent flash setting. Then start washing to expose aggregates.

 

Step 4 – To highlight the natural color of aggregate, seal with BRIGHT ROCK SEALER.

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