Sikafloor® CureHard-24

Sodium silicate water dilution

24 months from date of production

The Product must be stored in original, unopened and undamaged sealed packaging in dry conditions at temperatures between +5 °C and +40 °C. Always refer to the packaging.

Refer to the current Safety Data Sheet for information on safe handling and storage.

24 %

Note: Times are approximate and will be affected by changing ambient conditions, particularly temperature and relative humidity.

Note: Times are approximate and will be affected by changing ambient conditions, particularly temperature and relative humidity.

Strength development and the curing period are dependant on the following factors:

• Concrete composition

• Fresh concrete temperature

• Ambient conditions

• Concrete dimensions

0.15–0.25 L/m² per coat (4–7 m²/L per coat) on power trowelled concrete

Note: Consumption data is theoretical and does not allow for any additional material due to surface porosity, surface profile, variations in level, wastage or any other variations. Apply the Product to a test area to calculate the exact consumption for the specific substrate conditions and proposed application equipment.

Unsuitable substrate conditions for application

Note: Sikafloor® CureHard-24 will not compensate for poor substrates with low cement content.

Note: Sikafloor® CureHard-24 is not intended for substrates which are lightweight, extremely porous, or have worn surfaces with exposed aggregates.

Note: Sikafloor® CureHard-24 will not hide serious staining or excessive wear.

FRESH CONCRETE ≥ 7 DAYS

The fresh concrete curing period must be long enough for the surface to achieve structural strength and impermeability sufficient to provide the required concrete durability and corrosion protection of the steel reinforcement.

HARDENED OR OLD CONCRETE

Cementitious substrates must be structurally sound, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dirt, oil, grease, coatings, laitance, surface treatments and loose friable material.

If in doubt apply a test area first.

IMPORTANT

Poor penetration and adhesion due to existing surface treatments

Concrete surfaces with existing applications of curing agents, membrane-forming sealers, or asphalt will negatively affect the penetration depth and performance of Sikafloor® CureHard-24.

1. Remove any existing surface treatments completely from the concrete prior to application.

FRESH CONCRETE

1. Finish the concrete using power floating, manual floating or tamping techniques.
2. Leave the concrete to cure for at least 7 days with waterspray, blankets or plastic sheets.

HARDENED OR OLD CONCRETE

1. Clean the concrete surface with water using high-pressure cleaners or ride-on cleaning machines.
2. Allow the substrate to dry completely.
3. Remove all dust, dirt, loose and friable material completely from all surfaces with a brush or vacuum cleaner.

IMPORTANT

Damage to non-concrete substrates due to etching

If left in contact with glass, aluminium, or highly polished finishes, Sikafloor® CureHard-24 can etch the surface.

1. Immediately wash off overspray with water from surfaces that are not to be treated.

Hot weather, working above +25 °C

Note: In hot weather conditions, gelling may occur before Sikafloor® CureHard-24 has penetrated the substrate sufficiently.

1. Store the Sikafloor® CureHard-24 in a cool and dry place prior to use.
2. Apply additional material to keep the surface wet during the scrubbing process.

Cold weather, working below +10 °C

Note: At low temperatures, Sikafloor® CureHard-24 may thicken and be difficult to spray.

1. Observe the recommended storage and application temperatures.

Exposing the treated surface to moisture after application

Note: Exposure to moisture before Sikafloor® CureHard-24 has fully reacted with the concrete surface can cause efflorescence. Efflorescence can only be removed from the surface mechanically.

1. Protect the treated concrete surface from moisture for at least 3 days after application.

Preconditions

The spraying equipment has been thoroughly cleaned to remove any residue of previous materials/membranes.

1. IMPORTANT! Do not use sprayers that have previously been used to spray silicones or release agents. Apply Sikafloor® CureHard-24 in a continuous film using a high-volume, low-pressure spray unit. (Note: Touch up any dry spots on the surface where necessary).
2. Scrub the material into the surface with a soft bristle broom or floor-scrubbing machine for a minimum of 30 minutes, until the material begins to gel and becomes slippery. (Note: Gelification time may be increased at low temperatures (below +10 °C), high humidity (from 80 % to 100 %) or wind-free conditions).
3. Wet the material slightly with a water spray and rework it into the surface for another 10 to 20 minutes.
4. IMPORTANT! Dried residue or excess material will leave white stains that can only be removed mechanically. After about 20 minutes, when the material has returned to a gel, rinse the floor and remove any excess material using a squeegee, wet vacuum or mop.
5. On porous, rough-textured or brush-finished surfaces, a second coat is required. (Note: Apply the second coat after the first coat is dry and tack-free).
6. For large surfaces, ride-on cleaning machines can be used to place, brush in and remove the excess material from the surface.
7. Prior to application of any subsequent coating system, abrade the surface mechanically.  (Note: Use light to heavy shot blasting depending on the depth of Sikafloor® CureHard-24 penetration).

Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use. Hardened material can only be removed mechanically.