Despite their similarities, evaporation retarders and finishing aids differ in chemical composition, rate and type of reactivity, and impact on hardened properties when mixed into the cementitious paste at the concrete surface. We used three ASTM International tests to compare results on three slabs: one finished with water (REF) at 150 square feet per gallon, one with evaporation retarder (EVAP R) at 75 square feet per gallon, and one with a finishing aid (FIN AID) at 500 square feet per gallon. The different dosage rates correspond to the amount of product needed to rehydrate the surface of the concrete and create a similar cream for finishing each of the slabs.
Jon Belkowitz
Surface popouts from freeze-thaw deterioration per ASTM C672 “Standard Test Method for Scaling Resistance of Concrete Surfaces Exposed to Deicing Chemicals.”
Jon Belkowitz
Surface tensile strength determined using a pull-off test per ASTM C1583 “Standard Test Method for Tensile Strength of Concrete Surfaces and the Bond Strength or Tensile Strength of Concrete Repair and Overlay Materials by Direct Tension (Pull-off Method).”
