Freshly finished concrete surfaces require no surface preparation if Ashford Formula is to be applied as a curing agent immediately after the finishing operation. On areas where forms are recently removed, all form oil and breaking compound residue must be removed so as not to inhibit the penetration of Ashford Formula into the surface. Ashford Formula can be applied in temperatures from 35˚F-115˚F (1.7˚C-46˚C).

1. Initial Application

Immediately following the troweling operation, and as soon as the slab is safe to walk on, saturate the surface with Ashford Formula at approximately 200 ft²/gal (5 m²/L) using a low-pressure, high-volume sprayer. Ashford Formulamay also be applied by pouring it directly on the surface and spreading it evenly with a soft-bristled broom.

Note: Ashford Formula is a penetrant, not a membrane. Enough material must be on the surface to allow the Ashford Formula to thoroughly soak in. As a guideline, there should be enough Ashford Formula on the floor to fill-in a footprint within several seconds of taking a step. This is often referred to as a “flood coat” or “wet coat.”

Once a wet coat has been achieved, work the Ashford Formula into the concrete surface with soft-bristled brooms. This step breaks surface tension and aids penetration. Keep the surface wet with Ashford Formula for a minimum of 30 minutes, and then wait for the Ashford Formula to become slippery and gel-like under foot.

In extremely cool, windless conditions, Ashford Formula can take up to 1 hour or longer to become slippery. In extremely hot conditions, Ashford Formula may begin to become slippery before the full 30 minute soak-in period. Additional Ashford Formula must be applied to the concrete in order to keep all areas of the concrete surface wet with Ashford Formula for at least 15–20 minutes before becoming slippery in these hot conditions.

Note: No spot or area on the slab should be allowed to become dry during the soak-in period. It is best to avoid dry areas, either by brooming excess Ashford Formula over the more absorbent spots, or by putting down more Ashford Formula. Pay particular attention to porous areas and slab edges, as these tend to dry out more quickly.

2. Mist and Agitate

Immediately after the Ashford Formula becomes slippery, lightly mist the surface with water. This can be done with either a low-pressure power sprayer or with a hose and nozzle (nozzle should be adjusted to create a mist). This step will resolubilize the Ashford Formula so that it is no longer slippery or gel-like. Agitate the floor with a broom to aid the penetration of Ashford Formula. Wait for the Ashford Formula to become slippery or gel-like a second time.

3. Flush Surface

At this point, thoroughly flush the surface with water. During the flushing process, the floor should be agitated with brooms to help loosen and remove excess Ashford Formula from the surface.

4. Squeegee and Inspect

Thoroughly squeegee the slab dry by pushing the water ahead of you off the slab edge. At this point, the floor should look like bare concrete with nothing on it.

Note: During the squeegee process, there may be some slippery patches. This is an indication that excess Ashford Formula is still on the surface. These areas should be re-flushed and squeegeed again until the entire surface is dry.

Auto-Scrubber Use

Steps 1-4 can also be accomplished with the use of an auto-scrubber. The auto-scrubber should be equipped with four pneumatic tires to prevent damage to the concrete surface. Driving across saw-cut joints at an angle will reduce the stress on the joint edges. Consult with the concrete contractor to determine the appropriate time to place the auto-scrubber on the floor to ensure the concrete is not too green and has enough compressive strength to support the weight of the auto-scrubber.

Weather & Application Timing

Please consult with your local technical representative for questions regarding application in extreme or unusual weather conditions – hot, cold, windy or otherwise. When Ashford Formula is to be used as a curing agent, proper timing of the application is very important. According to the American Concrete Institute’s (ACI) 308 Guide to Curing Concrete document sections 1.4.22 Timing of Curing Procedure – “Curing should be initiated when the concrete surface begins to dry, which starts as soon as accumulated bleed water evaporates faster than it can rise to the surface.”

Extreme Conditions & Curing

In extremely hot, windy, sunlight exposed concrete slabs, Ashford Formula can be used in conjunction with any other type of curing system if the additional cure is applied after the Ashford Formula application for additional curing benefits.

Saw Cutting

Saw cutting may be done before or after the Ashford Formula is applied, depending on the immediate need for curing. It is critical in either case that the dust or slurry from cutting be immediately and thoroughly removed from the slab.

Porous or Soft Concrete

Abnormally porous or soft concrete floors may require additional applications of Ashford Formula. This also applies to surfaces with open finishes, such as broom finished or scarified floors.

Developing Sheen

Burnishing the surface with a 1700-RPM propane burnisher will help develop the sheen more quickly. For complete instructions, contact the manufacturer.