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Exposed aggregate retardant left on for 1.5 to two days

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Posted by: from Alliance
6/28/2017 at 4:27:44 PM

Please help. Contractor was supposed to do exposed aggregate. Poured cement, put on retardant, left it on in hot sun for a good day then tried to wash it off. Spent ten hours straight the first day and four hours today. He also got rust on it from his pressure washer. Now he wants to use muratic acid wash on it to even it out. It is a terrible mess. Any ideas??? I would greatly appreciate your input.

REPLIES (5)
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Date/Time6/28/2017 at 5:12:07 PM

The acid might work if it's diluted a lot but it will more likely bleach the surface. That acid is for only cleaning bare concrete for another product to be added. He will likely have better luck with a mild solution and scrub it. Usually the product that's not absorbed be the cement washes off. But what is absorbed will stay. It has a dye in it to create different colours. It's really hard to say without seeing it.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

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Date/Time6/28/2017 at 6:04:36 PM

Exposed aggregate is often accomplished by sand blasting.

If you don't mind a little cleaning up after, this can be done safely.

When selecting a mobile blaster ensure that all walls and glass are covered ( plywood ) before any blasting occurs.

Regards

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Date/Time6/28/2017 at 11:57:21 PM

He should of pressure washed it the next morning. sandblasting is your next best option. i have sandblasted concrete numerous times and its ends up looking really nice. messy but worth it. once your done blasting you need to clean up really good. i suggest using compressed air or a leaf blower.then pressure wash it. if there is any dust or sand left on concrete and it rains then it will stain.

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Henry from Rcgcreno in Toronto
Date/Time6/29/2017 at 7:16:46 PM

Hello,

I am sorry to say that to do this type of job you need to do it right the first time that is why you pay good money for that type of finish. the weather needs to right . to try to fix it now will be a pain i know because it has happen to me already and i was not happy with the finish product and had to do it again. i was luck the the clint agreed to pay for the matiral and had to suck up the cost for the labour of my guys. Sometimes it just the cement and not the contractor fault. I hope everything goes well and it seem that your contractor that is doing the work know what he is doing.

Good luck,

Henry Rcgcreno

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Date/Time9/25/2023 at 4:13:05 PM

I'm sorry to hear about the issues you're facing with your exposed aggregate project. It sounds like you're in a bit of a challenging situation. Using muriatic acid can be effective for cleaning and evening out concrete, but it should be handled with extreme caution as it can be hazardous. Before proceeding with any further steps, here are some recommendations to consider:

Consult an Expert: Given the complexities and potential hazards involved in using muriatic acid, it's strongly recommended that you consult with a concrete professional or a contractor who specializes in concrete work. They can assess the situation on-site and provide you with the best advice based on the specific conditions of your project.

Safety First: If you do decide to use muriatic acid, please ensure you follow all safety precautions. This includes wearing appropriate protective gear, working in a well-ventilated area, and having neutralizing agents (like baking soda or ammonia) readily available in case of accidents.

Test a Small Area: Before applying muriatic acid to the entire surface, it's a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area to gauge its effects. This will help you determine if it will achieve the desired result without causing further damage.

Rust Removal: To address the rust stains, you may want to consider using a specialized rust remover before resorting to muriatic acid. Some rust removers are less aggressive and may be more suitable for your situation.

Prevent Future Issues: Discuss with the contractor how to prevent future problems like this. Proper timing and application of retardants, as well as careful washing techniques, are crucial in exposed aggregate projects.

Consider Professional Help: If the situation remains unresolved or if you're uncomfortable working with chemicals, it might be best to hire a professional concrete restoration company that has experience in dealing with such issues.

Remember that concrete work can be complex, and it's essential to take the necessary precautions to avoid causing more damage. Seek expert advice and proceed with caution. I hope your project can be salvaged and brought back to its intended beauty.

For more information or to consult with a professional, you can visit omega2000.ca.

Best of luck with your project!

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