SURFACE PREPARATION
For freshly poured concrete: Apply after concrete sets for at least 24 hours. Make sure no water puddles are present. Concrete may be slightly wet before applying.
For fully cured concrete: Remove all dirt, wax, dust, mildew, and loose or scaling material with a scraper, wire brush, or stiff bristle brush. Grease, wax, and oil should be removed by scrubbing with CLEAR PINK STUFF or a heavy duty detergent in warm water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Allow to dry. If using a pressure washer, do not use on a pressure setting above 1750 psi to avoid damaging the concrete. Remember, concrete acts like a sponge – pressure washing and general cleaning may trap residual moisture in the concrete. To check for trapped moisture, tape a 12”x12” piece of 3 mil plastic or aluminum foil tightly on all four edges to the surface. Remove it after 24 hours. If the floor side of the plastic or foil is damp, allow additional drying and repeat the test.
EFFLORESCENCE: A white, powdery, crystal-like deposit visible on the masonry surface, should be removed. CLEAN UP EFFLORESCENCE REMOVER or muriatic acid, used according to manufacturer’s directions, are effective efflorescence removal agents. All masonry surfaces are subject to occurrences of efflorescence. Properly prepared concrete should look and feel like medium grit sandpaper. If concrete remains smooth, repeat etching procedure. Test concrete porosity by sprinkling a few drops of water on to the surface in several areas. If the water is readily absorbed, you are ready to paint. If it beads or lays on the surface, additional cleaning and etching is needed. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry for 24 hours.
NOTE: Rinse etching solutions thoroughly. Etching solutions allowed to dry on masonry surfaces prevent proper curing of ECO SHIELD DRY LOOK PENETRATING CONCRETE SEALER and may result in the ECO SHIELD DRY LOOK PENETRATING CONCRETE SEALER appearing milky when dry. Patch all holes and cracks with a masonry crack filler or a suitable cement-based patching compound. Be sure to smooth the patch evenly. Allow the patched area to dry thoroughly.
APPLICATION
Apply only when air and surface temperature is above 50° F and humidity below 70%. Do not apply if raining or if it will rain within 48 hours of application. ECO SHIELD DRY LOOK PENETRATING CONCRETE SEALER appears milky in the pail but dries clear. Apply by brush, roller, spray, or squeegee. Spread evenly – do not allow puddles or a heavy surface film to
occur. Apply one coat using thin even strokes. Extremely porous surfaces may require a second coat. Allow 6 hours drying time between coats. Additional coats will cause surface to be
slippery when wet. On light-colored surfaces, some darkening may take place; test in an inconspicuous area to be sure darkening does not occur. May be applied to surfaces previously coated with a similar treatment. For best results, test a small area for proper adhesion prior to coating entire surface.
THINNING
Due to variations in porosity, when applied over flagstone, slate, terrazzo, dense smooth or light colored concrete, thin with clean, moderately warm water 10%—20% to minimize sheen.
In addition, light colored concrete may darken unevenly due to variations in porosity. Test on a small area to see final effect.
