Concrete surfaces take a beating — from traffic, chemicals, moisture, and time. Aardcure Catalyst is an advanced penetrative corrosion inhibitor and durability enhancer that works from within the concrete to harden, densify, and protect — without changing the slip resistance or appearance of the surface.
Whether you're treating a degraded warehouse floor, dust-proofing a carpark, hardening new concrete, or priming for a coating, here's how to use it correctly.
What Is Aardcure Catalyst?
Aardcure Catalyst is a chloride and silicate-free penetrative solution that deeply penetrates new or existing concrete to:
- Densify and harden the surface layer
- Stop surface dusting
- Increase impermeability and chemical resistance
- Inhibit reinforcement corrosion
- Reduce hydrostatic pressure from both positive and negative sides
- Increase adhesion of applied floor finishes and cementitious renders
Laboratory and field testing has proven ongoing effectiveness for more than 10 years after a single application.
Typical Uses
- Dust proofing of carparks and warehouse floors
- Surface hardening and abrasion resistance of floors, road works, and bridge decks
- Restoration of degraded concrete structures and heritage sites
- Reinstatement of poorly finished concrete
- Primer for cementitious render and polymeric coatings
- Water retention agent for new hardening concrete
Proven Performance
| Property | Result |
|---|---|
| Friction abrasion resistance (DIN 52108 analogue) | Mass loss reduced by up to 40 times |
| Impact abrasion resistance (AS/NZS 4456.9) | Abrasion resistance increased |
| Chloride ion diffusion (NT Build 443) | Reduced approximately 2 times |
| Reinforcement corrosion inhibition | Steel reinforcement passivated; corrosion inhibited |
| Water absorption (Taywood Engineering Test) | Decreased by approx. 20% |
| Water retention for new concrete (AS 3799) | Water loss reduced by approx. 20% |
| Slip resistance (AS/NZS 4586) | Unchanged by treatment |
What You'll Need
- Aardcure Catalyst (available in 20L cube or 1000L IBC)
- Low-pressure sprayer with adjustable spray tip
- Pressure washer (minimum 2,000 psi) for surface prep
- PPE — gloves, eye protection, overalls, and appropriate mask
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1 — Prepare the Surface
The surface must be clean, dry, and free of ponded water before application.
- Remove all dirt, laitance, previous coatings, and curing agents that may prevent penetration.
- Ensure all residual cleaning agents or strippers are fully removed — flush with clean water and allow to dry thoroughly.
- Pressure wash at a minimum of 2,000 psi.
- Confirm surface absorbency with a light water spray — water should penetrate into the surface, not bead on top.
Step 2 — Apply Aardcure Catalyst
Using a low-pressure sprayer fitted with an adjustable spray tip, apply a single even coat across the surface at the nominated application rate.
- Application rate: 3–5 m² per litre (60–100 m² per 20L drum)
- For excessively degraded or highly porous substrates, reapply to those areas after 2–4 hours with additional Catalyst.
Step 3 — Allow to Dry Before Further Coatings
Allow treated surfaces to dry thoroughly — approximately 30–60 minutes — before applying any further coatings such as curing agents, sealers, or renders.
Application on Freshly Placed Concrete
Aardcure Catalyst can be applied to new concrete as a water retention and durability treatment:
- Apply after final trowel finishing, once bleed water has evaporated and the surface will not be marred by application.
- Joints can be cut prior to application, but all dust and debris from saw cutting must be removed first.
- It is recommended to cure the concrete to industry standards after the Catalyst is applied.
Curing Time
No curing time is required. Treated concrete can be returned to vehicle and foot traffic as soon as the surface is dry — typically 30–60 minutes after application.
Coverage and Packaging
- Coverage: 3–5 m² per litre
- Theoretical coverage: 60–100 m² per 20L drum (single coat)
- Packaging: 20L plastic cube, 1000L IBC
- Shelf life: 1 year in unopened, factory-sealed container stored at 5°C–35°C
- VOC: Low VOC <10 g/L
Clean Up
Clean all tools and equipment thoroughly with clean water before they dry. Do not allow the product to dry on equipment.
Safety
Always wear gloves, eye protection, overalls, and an appropriate mask during application. Apply in adequate ventilation. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for full safety information.
Need Aardcure Catalyst or surface preparation products? Browse our full range of concrete chemicals and treatments or get in touch with our team for advice on the right product for your project.
