DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 Surface Hardener Data Sheet

Product Description

DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener is a liquid Sodium Siliconate sealer that increases the abrasion resistance of concrete floors. DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener penetrates concrete surfaces to seal, densify and harden. Surfaces treated with the product are more abrasion resistant, more resistant to chemicals and water than untreated concrete. The product leaves no film and will not alter the natural nonslip texture of the concrete floor.

Product Uses

DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener protects the concrete from wearing and dusting, and is especially recommended for all types of concrete floors. Some of the typical applications are:

• Warehouses and manufacturing plants.
• Distribution centers. 
• Retail stores 
• Hospitals.
• Commercial offices.
• Institutional buildings.
• Residential buildings.

Product Advantages 

• Enhance overall surface durability.
• Reduces porosity and increases hardness of the concrete surface.
• Zero V.O.C. compliant.
• Resists staining and penetration of oil and many chemicals.
• Can be applied to fresh, new, or existing concrete.
• Seals, hardens, dustproofs and prevents efflorescence.

Application

• Surface must be completely dry to allow for penetration of DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 Surface hardener.
• Always apply DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener to a clean surface free of dust, laitance, curing agents, impregnation, coatings bond breakers, oil, dirt, grease or debris that will reduce penetration.

For existing concrete

• Remove all dirt, grease, curing compounds or other foreign matter. 
• Using a low pressure sprayer, apply a single saturating coat of DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener to wet the surface without producing puddles. Use a microfiber pad to spread product evenly and ensure uniform wetting. Avoid spreading once drying begins. Keep surface saturated with the product for 20-30 minutes. Adjust  rate of application accordingly. Allow treated surfaces to dry at least one hour.  
• DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener will develop a low gloss satin finish with use. If desired, a floor buffer can bring out the shine immediately on a well finished, hard troweled floor. 
• Alternatively, DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener may be scrubbed using a microfiber pad (or similar) to help the product  penetrate into existing concrete.
• Caution: Should white crystals develop, it is a sign that the slab will not absorb any more DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener and that the surface has started to dry. Immediately flush with water, brush with a stiff bristle broom and squeegee any surface water away. Allow to dry.

For freshly placed concrete

Curing Application:

• After the final troweling, saturate the concrete surface with a base coat of DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener at approximately 200 ft² per gallon. 
• Optimum penetration can be achieved by applying DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener 1-2 hours after final finishing. (Typically installed immediately after saw cut/vacuum process). 
• Broom or mop the DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener into the slab, reapply additional product to areas that prematurely dry on the surface.  
• Keep the slab saturated with DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener for 30-45 minutes, working it into the concrete by brooming. Apply a light water spray to the treated area to finalize penetration and dissolve any remaining DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener 
• After the saturation period, thoroughly rinse and then squeegee or brush off excess DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener until dry.

Coverage Rates

Coverage rates will vary with concrete porosity and roughness of the slab. If the concrete is extremely porous or rough, more than one coat may be necessary. Application temperature above 40º and rising is recommended.

Technical data

USDA Accepted for Indirect Food Contact

Packaging & Storage

55 gallon plastic Drums.
5 gallon plastic pails.

Containers are to be stored in a clean, dry area between 40ºF and 100ºF (5ºC - 40ºC).
Do Not Freeze.

Limitations

• Protect metal, glass, brick and painted surfaces. If accidentally mis-applied, wash with clean water at once. 
• Do not use over colored or pigmented concrete or as a cure on slabs intended for use as a tilt up casting bed without consulting GCP Applied Technologies/ DUCTILCRETE® technical services.
• If freezing occurs, thaw and stir or agitate before using.
• DUCTILCRETE® SHS 20 surface hardener   can be applied to concrete mix designs containing over 10% of pozzolanic material (fly ash, etc.) as long as the concrete has cured for 28 days.
• Application temperature above 40ºF and rising is recommended.
• Not recommended to be used on exterior floors.

Health and Safety

Read and understand the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each system component. All users should acquaint themselves with this information prior to working with the products and follow the precautionary statements.

SDSs can be obtained by contacting your local GCP representative or office, by calling GCP and in some cases from our web site at gcpat.com.

Do not expose to or apply near fire or flames. For use in well ventilated areas only.

For further information, contact your local GCP representative.