Replies

1. 
   jc21 | Jul 29, 2003 10:54pm | #1

   I'd check with Kemiko  to be sure if the plasticizer will/will not cause a problem with the stain. I suspect it won't. The plasticizer and the Cure 'n Seal are two different animals. Sealers such as Cure n' Seal are commonly used after the concrete is placed and finished to help keep water from evaporating too rapidly during the curing process. Since the use of a sealer is being ruled out because of the stain, I'd give some thought as to how you will cure the concrete. There are other methods such as wet burlap and ponding. It would be much better to plan in advance on how you're going to go about it. If the plasticizer does prove to be a problem, you might consider pouring in two lifts, the first with the plasticizer and the final or face lift, without it. I think the first step it check with Kemiko. Maybe Gabe will happen by- he's forgotten more about concrete than most of us know. Good luck with you project. 

1. 
   Accelar | Jul 30, 2003 05:13am | #4

   I called KEmiko - they said "some plasticizers may cause a problem" - in other words, not much help.  Thanks for the advice.Gavin Pitchford

   "Sail fast - live slow"

2. 
   Gabe | Jul 30, 2003 12:45am | #2

   JC is right about the super P not having the same effect on your proposed finish as would any sealer would have.

   Once the concrete has cured enough, you may want to do a scrub wash with TSP first and then immediately apply your stain as per manufacturer's instructions.

   Concrete can be a bytch to finish evenly if not cleaned first.

   Gabe

1. 
   Accelar | Jul 30, 2003 05:11am | #3

   Many thanks for the advice.Gavin Pitchford

   "Sail fast - live slow"

1. 
   Gabe | Jul 30, 2003 05:21am | #5

   Gavin,

   Regardless of which product you stain or color your slab with, I can't over emphasize the need for a clean floor. Foot prints, hand prints, dog prints, oil residue from the power trowel, anything foreign will cause a blotch or uneven application.

   Scrub it, rinse and dry it. Then cover your shoes with clean cotton or similar when you go back to dye or stain your floor.

   May seem extreme but it makes the job in the end, worth the effort.

   Gabe

2. 
   DennisS | Jul 30, 2003 08:02am | #6

   Gabe -

   You've had a lot more experience placing and finishing concrete than I have, but my immediate reaction to the original question was to ask about the overall size of the slab and if there were any re-entrant corners between rooms, etc. My "rule of thumb" is no more than a 10' x 10' area without some sort of construction joint to control craking. No matter how low a slump I've ever tried to achieve, cracks happen. The only exception is when I dry pack a shower floor (grin)

   While this may not pertain to the initial question, it would be a shame to get the slab all finished and nicely stained and end up having some unsightly cracks appear where they're not wanted.

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Jul 30, 2003 01:03pm | #7

   Dennis, you are kind of preaching to the chior. Gabe wrote a very good article for JLC on concrete slabs a few years ago. I keep a copy of it in my "tips" book.  Kind of reminds me not break his rules.

   Dave

1. 
   DennisS | Jul 30, 2003 05:04pm | #8

   Wasn't trying to preach to Gabe, Dave .... just thought it might be something that should be addressed in the current context.

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]