Pouring concrete in hot weather? Plan evaporation control before the truck arrives. Here is how to use Aardcure AA during finishing on your next Gippsland job.
For concreters working through hot, dry or windy conditions, keeping the surface workable is part of getting the finish right. Aardcure AA 20L Concentrate is the aliphatic finishing aid in our range for reducing rapid surface moisture loss on freshly placed concrete.
Aardcure AA is not a curing compound. Plan the finishing stage and the curing stage separately, and have both covered before starting the pour.
Why Have an Evaporation Aid Ready?
high temperatures, wind and low humidity as conditions where Aardcure AA can help during finishing. Its role is to maintain a workable surface and help reduce plastic shrinkage. It does not guarantee a crack-free slab or replace sound placing and finishing practices.
For a crew preparing a hot-weather pour, the practical question is who will mix, measure and apply the finishing aid while the rest of the team keeps placing. Decide that before the concrete arrives, rather than looking for a sprayer midway through the job.
How to Mix and Apply Aardcure AA
The following application steps are based on Vulk’s product instructions. Read the linked TDS before use.
- Shake the concentrate thoroughly. Do this before dilution.
- Mix one part Aardcure AA with nine parts water. For example, 1L of concentrate plus 9L of water makes 10L of mixed solution. Agitate thoroughly.
- Apply after screeding and before finishing. Use a low-pressure spray unit.
- Measure the application rate. Apply 1L of diluted solution per 5m² in an even coat. Check a measured volume against a measured area.
- Continue finishing. Vulk states that the film can reform during finishing, depending on the bleed water present.
Vulk specifies an effective application range of 5–40°C. This is a product limit, not permission to proceed with any pour simply because the air temperature falls within that range.
How Much Do You Need?
At the recommended dilution and application rate, these are theoretical quantities for one application:
| Concrete area | Concentrate | Water | Mixed solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50m² | 1L | 9L | 10L |
| 100m² | 2L | 18L | 20L |
| 1,000m² | 20L | 180L | 200L |
A full 20L concentrate container therefore provides up to 1,000m² of theoretical coverage. Allow for application losses and any necessary repeat treatment when planning quantities.
Avoid Over-Application
Vulk warns that excessive application can change the surface water/cement ratio and leave weak or dusty concrete. Extreme heat or wind may require reapplication, but avoid treating repeated spraying as a substitute for measuring coverage.
Finish the Job with the Specified Curing Process
Aardcure AA evaporates during finishing. Follow the project’s curing requirements afterwards. Vulk’s TDS refers to AS3600 and an AS3799-compliant curing compound. Confirm the selected curing system also suits any later flooring or coating work.
For the next stage, our guide When Can New Concrete Be Sealed? explains why sealing times vary by product.
Handling and Product Documents
Use suitable chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and protective clothing. Avoid breathing spray mist, provide adequate ventilation and follow the SDS requirements for respiratory protection. Keep spills and wash water out of drains and waterways.
- Download the Vulk Aardcure AA Technical Data Sheet (PDF) — August 2019, version AAA.001, hosted by Vulk.
- Download the Vulk Aardcure AA Safety Data Sheet (PDF) — reviewed 16 March 2021, printed 28 February 2022; distributor-hosted copy.
These are the document versions available for this guide. Check with Vulk for the latest documents applicable to your supplied product before use.
Get Ready for Your Next Hot-Weather Pour
Have your finishing aid, measuring equipment, compatible sprayer and curing plan ready before the truck arrives.
View Aardcure AA 20L Concentrate at Gippsland Concreting Supplies, or contact our team with your pour area and timing to check availability and organise supplies for the job.
