Concrete curing

The work, step by step

General guidance based on the manufacturer data sheets. Site conditions differ: confirm the system with MCT before you start. Where we do not name a product, ask us and we will confirm the right one.

1. 1

   Step 1: Plan curing before the pour

   Fresh concrete must be cured properly, especially at high temperatures, to prevent plastic and drying shrinkage; a curing compound or wet hessian are both accepted (Sika Plastiment-150 PK p.2). Decide now whether the slab will later get tiles, resin or paint, because film-forming compounds must then be removed (Sikafloor ProSeal W p.2).

2. 2

   Step 2: Reduce early cracking in the mix

   Sika Crackstop Fiber 6 mm reduces plastic and drying shrinkage cracking (p.1); 600 g per m³ is the usual dose (p.2).

   Sika Crackstop Fiber 6 mm Sika Request a quotation

   For most types of non-structural concrete and cementitious mortars which need to reduce the incidence of shrinkage cracking: Ground bearing slabs, Screeds and overlays, Renders and plasters, Precast concrete elements, Sprayed applications, Extruded concrete. (TDS p.1)

3. 3

   Step 3: Spray a curing compound on slabs

   Apply immediately after finishing as a continuous, even film by low-pressure sprayer; a second coat is recommended once the first is tack free (Sikafloor ProSeal W p.3). ProSeal W is water-based for indoor areas where solvents are not allowed (p.1); ProSeal-22 is solvent-based and quick drying (Sikafloor ProSeal-22 p.1).

   Sikafloor ProSeal W Sika Professionals only Request a quotation

   Sikafloor® ProSeal W is used for optimum curing and sealing of fresh concrete floors and structures. (TDS p.1)

   Temperature stated in TDS

   +10 °C min. / +30 °C max (TDS p.2)

   Sikafloor ProSeal-22 Sika Professionals only Request a quotation

   Sikafloor® ProSeal-22 is used for optimum curing and sealing of fresh concrete Floors and structures Curing compound in order to limit surface drying and cracking Provides curing and sealing for Sikafloor® dry shake hardeners Anti-dust treatment and improve… (TDS p.1)

   Temperature stated in TDS

   +10 °C min. / +30 °C max (TDS p.2)

   Pack

   25 l pails and 200 l drums.

4. 4

   Step 4: Cure, harden and dust-proof in one step

   Sikafloor CureHard-24 cures, hardens and seals fresh or hardened concrete (p.1). On fresh concrete, spray as soon as the surface can be walked on and keep it wet for at least 30 minutes, then rinse off the excess (p.3). Use it as a curing compound only where no specific curing standard is specified (p.1, p.3).

   Sikafloor CureHard-24 Sika Professionals only

   Horizontal old or new concrete surfaces, where a hard surface with light to moderate abrasion resistance is required e.g. (TDS p.1)

   Temperature stated in TDS

   +5 °C min. / +35 °C max (TDS p.2)

5. 5

   Step 5: Walls, columns and grouts

   Cover with polythene sheeting or wet hessian; on grouts, do not start fogging until final set (SikaGrout-114 PK p.3).

6. 6

   Step 6: Respect the weather limits

   Curing compounds are applied at +10 °C to +30 °C and up to 80 % relative humidity, and stored in a cool place above +25 °C (Sikafloor ProSeal W p.2). Outside these limits use wet curing.

7. 7

   Step 7: Remove before coatings

   ProSeal W must be removed before a coating system (Sikafloor ProSeal W p.2); ProSeal-22 must be removed mechanically (Sikafloor ProSeal-22 p.2); CureHard-24 needs light to heavy shot blasting before coating (Sikafloor CureHard-24 p.3).

Steps and product facts are taken from the manufacturer data sheets (page cited). Products are named only where the data sheet confirms the use; quantities follow a site visit or photos. General guidance: check the data sheet or ask us before you start.