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Why should Concrete be cleaned and sealed?
Concrete is used in Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Driveways, Garage & Basement Floors, Brick, Block and Mortar.
Concrete paving materials are offered in the form of Exposed Aggregate, Patterned Concrete, Paving Stones
(or interlocking stones) Slab or Pre-Cast. Concrete can be natural or coloured with pigments. Assumptions that
concrete is strong and maintenance free for life could not be further from the truth.
 When concrete is first installed, it's smooth surface and vibrant colours (if pigmented) look beautiful. If
new concrete surfaces are
left unprotected or improperly protected, the smooth surfaces and colours will soon disintegrate. Stains will
penetrate leaving an unsightly mess. Concrete is like a sponge, with the rate of deterioration depending upon
what it absorbs.
The appearance and/or integrity of concrete can be effected by the following:
- Staining caused by the absorption of Engine Oils, Transmission and Brake fluids,
Automotive and Barbecue Grease, Rust, Paint, Rubber, Red Wines or Colas, Tree Berries or Sap,
Bird Droppings and Animal Urine. Stains may be difficult to remove unless the concrete is previously protected.
- Acid Rain continuously dissolves the concrete's colour and erodes the finish.
- UV rays and Chlorine based Pool Chemicals will dramatically fade coloured concrete.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles (where water absorbed into the concrete pores from rain or melting snow) freezes and expand,
breaking down the concrete cells. Over time this will cause erosion, shaling and pop-outs.
- De-Icing Salts can pit the concrete's smooth surface within one winter's use if left unprotected.
- White soluble salts which create a whitish haze on concrete surfaces will obscure the true color of
your pavement, slow down moisture evaporation and trap dirt in surface pores. This type of salt "must"
be removed from the surface prior to sealing.
- Weeds and other vegetation will grow in-between the paving sand joints.
- Sand loss from the paving joints is inevitable with wind, rain wash out and tire pick-up. This will
lead to instability in the paving stones and the essential stable base below. Sand joint stabilization
is imperative.
Stains and damage can be avoided by using premium sealers, repellents and paints.
Below is a picture showing a driveway before applying the product and after
applying the product
"Step 1" consists of three Stain Cleaners; Citrus Oil Degrease, Rust Remover, Stripper, to remove topical and
penetrated stains such as Oil, Grease, Rust, Paint, Chewing Gum, Tar and Rubber from concrete surfaces. Failure
to remove stains prior to sealing can interfere with sealer adhesion. These cleaners are easy to use
(pour, scrub & rinse method) with most being non-fuming, odorless or pleasantly scented. They are materially
safe for use around swimming water or vegetation and are biodegradable within hours.
"Step 2" consists of the "world's first acidic based soap" surface preparation cleaner. This requires no chemical
handling or mixing by the. Concrete Cleaner & Surface Prep comes in a 1 litre bottle equipped with an
"auto diluting" hose end applicator (much like many lawn fertilizers). Concrete Cleaner & Surface Prep
is so concentrated that it cleans 300 + sq. ft. on paving stones and up to 500 sq. ft. on slab concrete.
Simply connect it to the garden hose and you're ready to clean with this cherry scented soap solution. This process
will remove dirt, light tire tracks and salt from the pavement and allow for proper sealer to surface bonding.
Concrete Cleaner & Surface Prep can be well rinsed onto lawns and garden beds without damage to vegetation.
Any acrylic sealer applied over uncleaned or improperly prepared surfaces can fail.
"Step 3" consists of the using a premium concrete sealer, water repellent, satin and paint to get a long lasting finish with the highest protection against stain penetration. On the left is a before photo of pavers left unprotected. The efflorescence can obscure the true colors making paving stones look faded. The photo on the right is an after photo of the paving stones after Cleaning and Sealing with Surface Prep and Paving Stone Sealer.
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Long-lasting
protection with a high gloss look. Won't peel, wears evenly, protects
new surfaces, makes stones look new again with enhanced colours. Comes
in 3.78L/18.9L sizes |
3.78 L covers
approx. 125 to 150 sq. ft., varies with type/porosity of the surface.
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A solvent based
protective sealant for paving stones. Enhances the original colour of
the units and gives them a "wet" look.
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3.78 L covers
approx. 125 to 150 sq. ft., varies with type/porosity of the surface. |
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Lasting
protection with a medium gloss look. Protects against stain penetration,
salt, dirt, UV rays, acid rain. Protects new surfaces, makes stones look
new. Comes in 3.78L/18.9L sizes. |
3.78 L covers
approx. 150 to 200 sq. ft., varies with type/porosity of the surface.
Will darken white concrete.
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This product
thoroughly dissolves paint, tar, rubber or chewing gum from paving
stones, concrete or masonry.
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Available in 1 L
containers
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Citrus Oil
Degreaser is a blend of concentrated citrus extracts
(orange, lemon, lime) and emulsifiers making it one of the most
effective oil and grease stain removers available. Available in 1L
bottles
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Keep from
freezing.
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Formulated to
remove salt deposits and ground-in dirt on paving stone and concrete.
Won't discolour or damage surface.
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Available in
3.78 L containers
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Removes salt,
dirt and tire marks from stone and concrete surfaces. Contains no acids
to damage concrete. The removal of dirt and salt is vital for surface
bonding. Enhances the surface colour prior to sealer application. |
Comes with a
Water Hose Adapter. Dilutes/disperses this cleaner at a ratio of 20
parts water to 1 part cleaner.
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Removes rust/salt with
little surface discoloration NOTE: Pre-Soak
surface before applying. Don't allow product to dry on surface until
fully rinsed. Don't use on hot summer days or in direct sunlight.
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Contains acid.
Do not inhale fumes. Wear gloves, boots, eye wear and respirators. Avoid
contact with eyes or skin.
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Removes paint,
tar, rubber, or gum from wood, concrete, metal, masonry, aluminum
surfaces. Note*
Don't inhale for long periods of time. Wear protective gloves,
clothing, eye wear. Will burn. Wash at once if skin
contact made. |
Comes in 500ml
size.Keep from open flame or spark.
Shelf Life: Up to 5 Years. *Providing all directions are followed.
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Most effective
product available for removing oil spots from paving stones and
concrete. Dissolves, dislodges oil without leaving an oily film.
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Available in 3.78
L containers.
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Flat
- non-glossy appearance, good for new/existing pavers, horizontal
vertical concrete
Super Gloss - fast
drying long-term protection, easy to use on stamped /decorative concrete
surfaces.
Guard - long term
protection, against salt, water, deicer chemicals and acids, semi-gloss
appearance.
Natural - premium
brethable, water repellent sealer, provides portection while preserving
natural appearance |
Available
in: Flat, Super Gloss, Guard
and Natural. Gives
immediate results, is easy to use, fast drying, seals and protects. |
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