Forti-Kal™ Potassium Silicate Concrete Densifier
- Pure, premium quality potassium silicate
- UV and chemically resistant – lasts for decades, even outdoors
- Water-based, zero VOC formulation
- Manufactured in Australia
Product Applications
1. Anti-Dusting and Curing Treatment for Fresh Concrete
To attain full strength, newly poured concrete needs to retain its water content for long enough for the maximum amount of cement to react and form the correct hydrogels to make the maximum number of bonds.
Treating the concrete with penetrating Forti-Kal™ will form CSH hydrogel inside the pores of the concrete, substantially restricting water bleed and evaporation and retaining water so the concrete can cure properly.
2. Primer / Moisture Barrier for Green Concrete
Freshly poured concrete contains a lot of water which will evaporate and cause coatings to blister and delaminate, salts to redeposit underneath and lift tiles, damp and mould growth under carpeting, insulation matting, wood etc. Therefore 60 days of curing is usually required before applying a coating or floor covering over the fresh slab.
Treating the concrete with penetrating Forti-Kal™ will form CSH hydrogel inside the pores of the concrete, substantially restricting water bleed and evaporation, so coatings and other floor coverings can be immediately applied.
NOTE: If a 100% membrane is needed against water and water vapour, for example:
- areas where water can pool and sit for extended periods, such as bathrooms
- areas where concrete will move and crack over time
- surfaces there can be chemical spills
A suitable acrylic or epoxy class 3 membrane with sufficient elasticity, elongation and chemical resistance is recommended.
3. Concrete Densifier for Polished Concrete Floors
Forti-Kal™ is a potassium silicate, which has a smaller molecular size than a potassium silicate so can be used to impregnate concrete in the earlier stages of grinding and later stages, after using a 400 grit polishing pad (impregnating twice is recommended for optimal results).
How to Use Forti-Kal™
- Read full Product Data Sheet before using Forti-Kal™.
- Test on an inconspicuous area and allow to dry to check the result.
- Ensure the concrete is dry inside before applying. If applying on freshly poured (green) concrete, it is recommended to give the concrete a minimum 2 hours cure time before applying.
- Apply when surface temperature is above 2°Celsius (36°F) and below 27°Celsius (80°F).
- Apply generously and evenly with a pump sprayer, so the surface remains glistening wet for at least 2 minutes. AVOID POOLING.
- DO NOT over apply – all of the product should penetrate without leaving any excess on the surface. If product all penetrates within 5 minutes, apply more.
How Much Forti-Kal™ to Use
a) As a primer / curing agent / moisture barrier / anti-dusting treatment – it is important to get enough product into the pores. Minimum 2 coats recommended.
b) For optimal polished concrete, impregnate twice:
i) First impregnation – after grinding with 80 to 100 grit metal-bond pad. If the first coat penetrates within 5 minutes, apply a second lighter coat (and further coats if necessary).
ii) Second impregnation – after 400 grit resin bond pad. If it is not penetrating well, dilute 2 parts Forti-Kal™ to 1 part water.
iii) Allow treated surface to cure for minimum 4 hours before grinding. Forti-Kal™ cures faster than sodium, potassium, lithium densifiers, but longer cure = harder = more shine.
iv) For the best results, try Forti-Col™ new technology colloidal silica densifier.
Coverage
Application rate per coat: approximately 6 to 15 m² / L (240 to 600 square ft / G), depending on concrete density and porosity.
Recommended Dilution
- Forti-Kal™ is ready-to-use out of the container.
- For freshly poured or dense concrete, Forti-Kal™ can be diluted a little more – 2 parts Forti-Kal™ to 1 part water (no more than 1 part Forti-Kal™ to 1 part water).
Appearance
- Clear colourless to light straw yellow liquid
Colour Accuracy Disclaimer: We have taken care to display the most accurate visuals of our products. However, we are not responsible for the colour accuracy of the device you are viewing our swatches on. These variations arise due to different computer monitors and devices (make, model and technology, as well as resolution, contrast and brightness control settings) in much the same way a scan will differ from an original image and a colour photocopy. Furthermore, coatings can exhibit variation in perceived colour depending on gloss level and application method. If you require a very specific colour match, please make your selection via actual swatches and colour boards available at our showroom.
Product Disclaimer: Ensure you read all product, technical and safety data sheets prior to application as liability falls on the applicator. All products must be applied in accordance with manufacturer’s recommended method.
