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Surface Deactivator

Discontinued – See Select-Etch

Surface Deactivator makes exposed aggregate finishes easier and more consistent. It is topically applied to freshly-placed concrete to prevent cement paste hardening and achieve more controlled exposed aggregate finishes. Unlike sugar-based retarders with uncertain levels of retardation, Surface Deactivator selectively halts the hydration process down to a controlled depth.

Eleven predetermined depths of exposure are available, color-coded for identification, to provide consistent, repeatable cement paste removal and aggregate reveal. Because Surface Deactivator provides a longer window before the surface paste must be removed, it allows underlying concrete to harden properly, locking in aggregate and reducing pop-outs. Surface Deactivator is water-soluble for easy removal with high-pressure water washing and scrubbing equipment.

Surface Deactivator creates a polymeric flim that acts as a water retention barrier and temporary curing agent, protecting fresh concrete from light rain and reducing moisture loss.

Surface Deactivator can be applied to newly-placed concrete that is specified for diamond polishing. It softens surface cement paste, reducing heavy grinding stages up to 75%, dramatically decreasing polishing time as well as diamond-tooling and labor costs.

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Specifications
Resources

Surface Deactivator Specifications

1 gal. bottles and 5 gal. pails
200 to 550 ft² per gal. – varies on application and sprayer type
11 exposures ranging from 0.1mm to 6.5mm (1/4”)
Easy color-coded, non-staining formula
Solvent-free; VOC compliant

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Brickform was founded in 1971 during the early days of modern decorative concrete. With innovations such as urethane stamps and computer aided design, Brickform has long been at the forefront of the industry.