03 05 00

No. 342

Specification

TOP-STOP™

SPRAY-APPLIED, WATER-SOLUBLE SURFACE RETARDER

DESCRIPTION
TOP-STOP is a spray-applied, water-soluble surface retarder designed to slow the set of surface mortar in concrete to expose the aggregate. It temporarily halts the set of Portland cement at the surface while the concrete below the surface cures normally. TOP-STOP is economical and easy-to-use, producing beautiful exposed aggregate concrete flatwork with consistent results. It is non-flammable and VOC compliant.

USES
TOP-STOP may be used to produce an architectural finish on concrete slabs by exposing the natural color and texture of the aggregate. TOP-STOP exposes the aggregate on floor slabs, sidewalks and tilt-up and pre-cast panels or any normal horizontal concrete application. It produces roughened bonding surfaces for subsequent concrete toppings and roughens horizontal surfaces for construction joints in power plants, dams and other civil engineering projects. The rough finish obtained from using TOP-STOP may be used as a mechanical key for later concrete lifting or rendering.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Architectural-quality appearance with original color and texture of the aggregate without sandblasting Easy, economical removal of the concrete surface without laborious hacking, chipping or blasting required No danger of acid residue from strong washing compounds Easy to use Less supervision of field personnel No expensive equipment required Uniform coverage results in uniform aggregate exposure; consistent results Easy water clean up VOC compliant

PACKAGING
1-gallon (3.79 L) container
5-gallon (18.93 L) pails

SHELF LIFE
Two years minimum in original, unopened container

TECHNICAL DATA*
Color: Green
Solids, %: 18 (Typical)
Weight/gallon, lbs./gal.: 8.94 (Typical)
Coverage: 150-300 sq. ft.
*All technical data is typcial information, but may vary due to test methods, conditions and operators.

COVERAGE**
Approximately one gallon per 150-300 sq. ft. to retard the exposed aggregate to a depth of 1/8" (0.32 cm) to 3/16" (0.48 cm).
**Coverage may vary due to porosity and condition of the concrete

STORAGE
Store in dry conditions, between 40°F and 95°F (5°C and 35°C).

APPLICATION
Apply TOP-STOP with a low-pressure sprayer immediately after screeding when concrete has lost its sheen, or as soon as bleed water has disappeared. Apply only after all finishing operations are complete. Avoid puddles and over-spraying.

Cover concrete with wet burlap or plastic sheeting to prevent drying out. Secure the edges of the plastic sheeting to prevent ballooning. Do not use curing compounds. Concrete admixtures which affect the setting time should not be used without first conducting a test patch. Periodically check concrete to determine depth of retarded mortar, making sure concrete hardens.

Within 12-24 hours of application (depending on temperature and humidity), remove burlap or plastic sheeting one section at a time and wash the retarded surface mortar using a low-pressure garden hose and stiff broom. Do not use excessive force. Test a small area to determine if depth of retarded mortar is at desired level. If the depth is greater than desired, allow the slab to cure longer before exposing the aggregate.

Stone color can be enhanced using EXPO-GLOSS® Exposed Aggregate Surface Sealer from W. R. MEADOWS.

Clean up…TOP-STOP may be easily removed by water and scrubbing with a wire brush.

PRECAUTIONS

Apply only on freshly poured concrete. Depth of the exposed aggregate will be affected by extreme temperatures, as well as the water pressure and scrubbing action used during removal. A test patch under exact job conditions is recommended. Do not use on vertical concrete or form applications. Do not use on concrete containing calcium chloride or other set accelerators. Do not apply to frozen surfaces. Protect treated area from freezing. Do not store in metal sprayers for long periods of time.

HEALTH HAZARDS
Direct contact may result in mild irritation. Refer to Material Safety Data Sheet for complete health and safety information.

This material last updated November, 2004.