SURFACE PREPARATION

Before applying a ConSeal primer or coating, ensure the concrete is devoid of dust, dirt, oils, grease, form release agents, curing compounds, laitance, and debris. Do not apply ConSeal primers or coatings over an existing coating without contacting ConSeal’s technical team. Conduct a thorough inspection of the surface’s integrity. Static hairline cracks should be sealed with a cementitious paste or with an epoxy injection in accordance with ASTM C881. Remove sharp edges or concrete splatter. Start the coating application process ONLY AFTER the surface is verified to be clean, sound, and sufficiently dry per the primer or coating requirements. If necessary, patch or repair damaged areas, honeycombing, exposed rebar, etc. Testing shall be done in advance to assure compatibility of coating with the patching materials.

Concrete can be prepared using vacuum cleaning, air blasting, and water cleaning as described in ASTM D4258. Detergent water cleaning and steam cleaning as described in ASTM D4258 may be used to remove oils and grease from the concrete surface.

To remove loose concrete, laitance, and to expose surface voids, dry adhesive blasting, wet adhesive blasting, vacuum-assisted abrasive blasting, and centrifugal shot blasting as described in ASTM D4259 may be used. High pressure water jetting as described in ASTM D4259 may also be used.

Acid etching as described in ASTM D4260 may be used to remove laitance and weak concrete. All acidic materials shall be removed from the concrete and the pH of the concrete shall be tested to assure the acid has been neutralized. Some sealers or primers may prohibit the use of acid etching. Hydrochloric acid, such as muriatic acid, is not to be used where metal (e.g., rebar) is exposed.

NOTE: When using a primer or coating for the first time, it is advisable to coat a small test patch on a representative section of concrete and verify adhesion before proceeding to large scale coating projects. Do not use petroleum solvents such as mineral spirits or xylene for surface preparation. Do not thin or dilute any conseal primers or coatings before use.

JOINT SEALANT PRIMERS

A joint primer (i.e. CS-50, CS-75, CS-300 ) are to be applied to improve sealant adhesion.

CS-50 Solvent Based Liquid Buytl Primer can be applied days or weeks in advance. CS-50 can be applied to the area being primed using a standard paint brush or paint roller. When using CS-50 allow the primer to dry before placing sealant. The primer will normally be dry within 15-20 minutes. Do not use this material near an open flame or where the potential for a spark could ignite the vapors within the product.

CS-75 Water-Based Adhesive Surface Primer dries tacky and must be applied at the time of the installation. Open the pail and apply the product using a standard paint brush or paint roller.When using CS-75 allow the primer to dry before placing sealant. The primer will normally be dry within 15-20 minutes. CS-75 is a water based primer and does not contain volatile or flammable components.

CS-300 High Performance Surface Primer has the ability to create a bond on wet concrete surfaces. CS-300 is ideal when working in extreme weather conditions such as freezing temperatures or heavy rain. CS-300 can be applied to the area being primed using a standard paint brush or paint roller. Do not use this material near an open flame or where the potential for a spark could ignite the vapors within the product.

COATINGS & ELASTOMERIC PRIMERS

ConSeal CS-80 and ConSeal CS-85 are specifically designed for ConSeal’s elastomeric coatings (CS-55, CS-1200, and CS-1800). CS-90 and CS-95 epoxy coatings, do not require a surface primer.

CS-80 SOLVENTBORNE PRIMER – Begin by ensuring the concrete surface is clean, intact, and completely dry. Once this is confirmed, you can immediately start applying a uniform layer of CS-80 primer to the area. Apply the primer evenly across the concrete and wait for it to dry. Inspect the coated surface for any missed spots or voids. Apply only one coat of primer to the surface. Multiple coats may cause delamination. After use, immediately secure the primer’s lid to prevent it from drying out.

CS-85 WATERBORNE PRIMER – Before beginning the CS-85 application, confirm that the concrete surface meets one of two conditions: it has been air cured and dry for a minimum of 48 hours, or it has a surface moisture reading of less than 5%1. Once you have ensured the surface is clean, undamaged, and dry, you can apply CS-85 primer. Apply the primer evenly across the concrete and wait for it to dry. Apply only one coat of primer to the surface. Multiple coats may cause delamination. Inspect the coated surface for any missed spots or voids. After use, immediately secure the primer’s lid to prevent it from drying out.

1ConSeal uses a Tramex CMEXpert II digital concrete moisture meter for instant surface moisture readings.

FOR A COMPLETE GUIDE ON COATINGS VISIT CONSEAL’S SURFACE COATINGS INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS UNDER THE TECHNICAL RESOURCES SECTION.

Disclaimer: This publication is to assist users to understand the proper use of ConSeal’s products. Contact ConSeal’s technical staff for installation instructions that meet your specific requirement. Concrete Sealants, Inc. does not warranty any improper use of its products.