Technical Bulletin: How to Remove Resin- and Wax-Based Concrete Curing Compounds from Concrete Surfaces

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We always recommend that you begin with the method that is the least detrimental to your concrete surface. Whichever method you choose, always do a small test patch to make sure the results meet your expectations.

You will want to leave the affected surface alone for as long as possible. If allowed, these materials are designed to break apart on their own and dissipate from the surface. Your dissipation time can vary greatly and will depend upon your UV exposure and abrasion.

RESIN-BASED CURING COMPOUNDS REMOVAL

If your construction schedule does not allow enough time for dissipation, you may remove concrete curing compounds by chemical or mechanical means. For chemical removal of resin-based (or 1100 series, 1200-WHITE series, and 2250-WHITE series) concrete curing compounds, use ULTRITE_® COATING REMOVER. Apply the coating remover to your concrete surface per the below instructions:

• Always protect surrounding vegetation from product, splash, residue, and wind drift.

• You must consider the substrate/coating Always apply a test area prior to a full-scale application to determine coverage rate, suitability of the product for the coating and substrate, and the time needed for the coating to be removed.

• An airless sprayer is the most effective way of applying ULTRITE COATING REMOVER.

• On horizontal surfaces, ULTRITE COATING REMOVER can be applied by rolling, brushing, squeegee, or airless sprayer.

• For large projects and vertical applications, use a commercial airless sprayer with a 0.019″ – 0.021″ (0.48 – .53 mm) nozzle and a spray rate of at least 2500 psi (17.2 MPa).

• Apply a thick, even layer of ULTRITE COATING REMOVER on the coating being removed.

• ULTRITE COATING REMOVER must be applied 5 – 2 times thicker than the coating you are removing. The amount of time you need for ULTRITE COATING REMOVER penetration will vary, depending on the type of coating and climatic conditions.

• Depending on type of coating, it may take up to 24 hours for proper softening and A typical ASTM C309, Class B and/or ASTM C1315 sealer usually takes one hour for proper softening before removal, depending on application thickness.

• The product should be kept moist once applied; do not allow product to dry.

• When you are using this outdoors, cover your material with 2-mil or thicker plastic to help keep the product wet and working.

• Very thick and multiple-layered coatings may require a re-application of ULTRITE COATING REMOVER for proper removal.

• Use a scraper to check if the coating is softened down to the surface. If not, wait longer and recheck.

• When the coating is completely softened, remove it with a scraper, squeegee, or pressure wash.

• The material you remove can be landfill-disposed when completely dry (no free liquids).

• Your substrate surface will become extremely slippery after you remove the softened coating and ULTRITE COATING REMOVER.

• Once you remove the softened coating and ULTRITE COATING REMOVER, use W. R. MEADOWS ULTRITE CLEANER and a final water rinse should be used to clean off remaining residue.

• Allow your surface to dry before further preparations.

• Keep from freezing.

• Surface becomes extremely slippery after removal of softened coatings and ULTRITE COATING REMOVER.

• ULTRITE CLEANER must be used to clean the surface and help reduce adhesion failure of subsequent coatings/treatments.

• Prior to application of subsequent coatings and/or treatments, ensure that there are no residues left from the ULTRITE COATING REMOVER and/or ULTRITE CLEANER application.

WAX-BASED CURING COMPOUNDS REMOVAL

If the waxed-based (1300-CLEAR series, 1600-WHITE series) curing compounds are white pigmented, you may need to use mechanical abrasion such as water blast, sand blast, shot blast or mechanical sanding equipment.

For water blasting removal, we recommend you use a hot, high-pressure water in the 1000-2500 psi range, depending on the strength and durability of your concrete.

You or your operator should start with the lowest possible pressure, and then adjust the pressure and flow as you need to remove the concrete curing compound without damaging the underlying concrete. We recommend a temperature of 150 – 160˚ F for “softening” and easier curing compound removal.

Notes:

Curing compounds are applied to concrete to hold in critical moisture so the cement can properly hydrate. This gives the concrete the opportunity to achieve its design strength. This process takes at least 21 to 28 days. Removing the curing compound before the cement properly hydrates will defeat the purpose of applying the curing compound.

When a subsequent paint, coating, sealer, penetrating product or other type of concrete treatment is applied, W. R. MEADOWS cannot be held responsible for ensuring the complete removal of the curing compound. You should contact the manufacturer of the subsequent paint, coating, sealer etc. to provide you with a final approval, prior to the application of their product(s).

Improperly applied curing compounds may create esthetic issues on the concrete surface. Improper application includes random spray patterns; dripping or clogged application nozzles or spray tips; inconsistent sprayer pressure, wrong-sized- or no-spray tips on the sprayer.