S3
Surface Solutions
TDS & Application
MoistureShield™
Permanent Concrete, Cure & Seal, Waterproofing & Moisture Mitigation Treatment

Description

MoistureShield™ is a simple spray-on solution that creates a permanent moisture barrier inside your concrete — not just on top. It forms a protective membrane 2–4mm below the surface that waterproofs, cures, and seals while maintaining the original concrete texture. There is no visible change to the appearance of the concrete after treatment. This lifetime barrier controls moisture and pH levels, protecting all floor coverings and coatings. Apply cement-based materials once dry to the touch or install flooring and coatings just 12 hours after the surface appears dry.

InnerCrete™ Technology: Unlike Conventional Solutions

Unlike silicate-based densifiers that create crystalline structures and may cause micro-fractures, MoistureShield™ with InnerCrete™ Technology works with concrete's natural chemistry in both new and existing slabs.

On Fresh Concrete: Promotes Portland cement hydration to form a protective barrier
On Sweating Slabs: Creates an internal moisture barrier in cured concrete
For General Moisture Control: Forms a protective barrier that reduces vapor transmission and stabilizes pH

This permanent solution prevents moisture-related problems including coating delamination, cracking, staining, mold growth, and efflorescence — all while maintaining concrete's structural integrity.

Features & Benefits

Environmentally Friendly
Zero VOCs, HAPs, or TAPs
Fully biodegradable and eco-friendly
ASTM C1315 compliant for use as a curing compound
Superior Protection
Maintains healthy surface pH
Prevents efflorescence
Inhibits ASR & NASR
Blocks osmotic pressure and moisture vapor emission
Creates permanent 2–4mm internal moisture barrier
Application Benefits
Ready-to-use single component
Simple hand spray application
Preserves concrete's original appearance and texture
Maintains concrete breathability
No special equipment needed
Cost & Performance Advantages
Improves concrete durability and longevity
Reduces long-term maintenance costs
Allows direct application of coatings and flooring systems
System continues to strengthen over time

Ideal Applications

New and existing bare concrete surfaces
Indoor and outdoor installations
Above and below-grade applications, including underground
As a high-performance curing compound

Product Details

PropertySpecification
PackagingUS 4-gallon pail (15.14L)
ColorWhite Liquid (clears out as it absorbs into slab)
Shelf Life24 months in unopened containers; Do Not Allow Material to Freeze
Dry Time30 min to 2 hours – depending on humidity and air flow
Application Temperature38°F (rising) to 90°F
ASTM F710pH can be as high as 14
ASTM F2170-11Relative Humidity of slab can be 99% to HI RH

Coverage Rates

ApplicationCoverage RateNotes
New Concrete (Time of Pour)150–200 SF/gallonApply within 24 hours of final finish when surface can bear weight without damage
Sweating Slab200 SF/gallonApply Surface Prep EXT™ first, remove fully, then apply MoistureShield™
Existing Concrete225 SF/gallonFor moisture mitigation

Surface Preparation

All substrates must be clean, sound, and have a minimum 250 psi tensile bond strength when tested per ASTM D4541. Concrete must be free from oil, grease, paint, and any contaminants that would prohibit penetration. S3 recommends Surface Prep EXT™ for concrete preparation. Do not apply to concrete that has hardeners or densifiers (Surface Prep EXT™ will remove these applications and open concrete for proper absorption). Concrete must be porous per ASTM E 331 Water Droplet Test and free of visible standing water.

New Concrete System Solution: MoistureShield™ is designed to go direct to GREEN concrete, applied approximately 12 hours from fresh pour, or when a person can walk on the concrete surface without marring it, on broom or wood float porous finish. VERY IMPORTANT — no standing water.

Application

Equipment Selection

Area SizeEquipmentNotes
Small AreasPump sprayer with cone tip at low pressureWARNING: Avoid high pressure that creates aerosol mist
Large AreasAirless sprayer with 0.024–0.031" fan tipAdjust pressure on new concrete to prevent surface damage
AlternativeAgricultural sprayer with 5 GPM diaphragm pump and 0.50–1.0 GPM fan tip
Not Recommended: Centrifugal pumps

Application Technique

1
Spray in a 50% overlapping pattern for complete coverage
2
Hold wand perpendicular to surface, 8–12" (15–30 cm) away
3
Use either fan or cone tip for complete coverage
4
If pooling or dry areas appear, use fine bristle broom to distribute evenly
5
Don't allow excess material to dry on slab — remove promptly with stiff bristle broom, squeegee, wet-vac, or mop

Critical Notes for Success

Request open, porous finish (unburnished) before concrete placement
Recommend wood trowel/float finish for maximum porosity
For burnished/"black" finishes, use Surface Prep EXT™ first to create porosity
For sweating slabs, apply Surface Prep EXT™, remove fully, then apply MoistureShield™
Reapply to control joints if cut after initial application
Treat to nearest control/construction joint if full-slab treatment not possible
Fill existing joints with urethane crack fill before application

Challenging Weather Conditions

Hot Weather (Above 90°F / 32.2°C or Below 30% RH)

Pre-wet concrete with light mist spray ahead of application
Prevents rapid evaporation and enhances penetration
Continuously broom product until no visible material remains on surface
If product dries as coating, remove with 60-grit sandpaper on rotary buffer

Windy Conditions (Exceeds 10 MPH)

Shroud spray tip to control application
Maintain consistent 8–10 inch distance from surface
Ensure complete coverage despite wind interference

Cold Weather (Minimum 35°F / 1.7°C and Rising)

Preferably begin at 41°F or higher
Test small area first if concrete contains accelerator
Apply early in day due to shorter daylight hours
Expect longer drying times in low temperatures with high humidity
Avoid application during decreasing temperatures or when concrete may require protective covering

Rain Events & Weather Interruptions

Managing Weather Interruptions

Light Mist: Proceed normally if no standing water forms on surface
Standing Water: Areas already treated and visibly dried are considered complete
Boundary Marking: Mark the boundary (with tape or chalk line) between completed and incomplete sections
Resuming Work: Wait until surface is damp but not pooling (slightly darker surface color)

Always restart application from the last successfully treated point.

Traffic Guidelines

Allow foot traffic when product is visibly dry
Heavy equipment or loads can be permitted after 4-hour curing period

Important Notes

Admixtures: The use of moisture vapor reducing admixtures (MVRA), integral waterproofing admixtures, or latex admixtures should NOT be used when utilizing MoistureShield™.
Accelerators: Accelerators will also accelerate the action of MoistureShield™. Always check batch tickets and documents. Installers must test a small area (9–10 sq ft) prior to full application. If MoistureShield™ does not absorb after brooming and stays milky, the accelerator is still active. Continue testing until normal penetration occurs.
Topically Applied Products: If a curing compound is used prior to MoistureShield™ application, do not treat the concrete with MoistureShield™.
Do Not Dilute: Do not dilute the product under any circumstances.

Activation & Maintenance

Product begins activation immediately and will continue to react in the presence of water. Results will be noticeable within 24 hours. No special maintenance required — clean surfaces as needed.

Storage & Handling

Protect from freezing. All containers must be sealed properly when stored. Secure containers during transport to prevent damage. Lids, caps, and closures must be tightened during transport and storage to avoid spillage.

Disposal

MoistureShield™ is fully biodegradable. Neutralizing and dilution with water will be required to meet local waste or sewage disposal requirements. Seek advice on local authority requirements before disposal. Spills should be contained and disposed of under the same requirements. Do not mix with other materials.

Safety Precautions

As with all chemicals, good hygienic habits must be observed, and the wearing of protective clothing and gloves is advised. Before using any S3 Surface Solutions, LLC product, please read and follow the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Use this product only as directed. Keep out of the reach of children.

Warranty

The data, statements, and recommendations set forth in this product information sheet are based on testing, research, and other development work carefully conducted by us, and we believe such data, statements, and recommendations will serve as reliable guidelines. However, this product is subject to numerable uses under varying conditions over which we have no control, and accordingly, we do NOT warrant this product is suitable for any particular use. Users are advised to test the product in advance to make certain it is suitable for their particular production conditions and particular use or uses. All products manufactured by us are warranted to be first class material and free from defects in material and workmanship. Liability under this warranty is limited to the net purchase price of any such products proven defective, or, at our option, to the repair or replacement of said products upon their return to us transportation prepaid.