S3
Surface Solutions
TDS & Application
S3 – Surface Prep EXT™
Concrete Surface Profiler & Cleaner

Description

Surface Prep EXT™ — with InnerCrete™ Technology — is a non-muriatic / non-HCl based concrete profiling and surface preparation product designed to purge the insoluble salts and contaminants from the top 4mm of concrete (paste layer) to achieve the desired profile and clean the surface. Surface Prep EXT™ is formulated to create a strong, porous Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) of 1–4 without damaging the surface, unlike mechanical methods that can result in impacted salts, micro fractures, and weakened CSH at the surface.

Surface Prep EXT™ will buffer down the pH of high alkalinity concrete to an adequate, healthier pH level. The combined reduction of pH and surface cleansing creates the ideal substrate condition for cementitious self-leveling & patch materials, MoistureShield™ moisture barrier, and many coatings and adhesives.

System Solution: When Surface Prep EXT™ is followed by an application of MoistureShield™, we provide a simplified two-step process for permanent in-situ slab moisture & pH solution that protects and continues to improve over time.

Features & Benefits

Fume free and low odor
Muriatic / HCl free formulation
Zero VOCs
Eliminates substrate damage caused by mechanical methods
Easy application — handheld pump sprayer or roller
No special equipment required
Water cleanup
Improves project efficiency over mechanical means
Concrete Profile (CSP 1–4) depending on dwell time
Cleans and purges concrete surface
Self-Neutralizing — will not damage concrete
Biodegradable

Applications

Surface preparation and cleaning for old and new concrete floors (CSP 1–4)
Concrete cleaning product for damaged surfaces
Buffers high-alkalinity concrete to lower, healthier pH levels
Specialty formulation for vertical surfaces and walls (Contact S3)

Product Details

PropertySpecification
PackagingUS 4-gallon pail (18.9L) or US 55-gallon Drum (170.1L)
ColorClear Yellowish Liquid
VOCZero
Shelf Life24 months in unopened containers; Do Not Allow Material to Freeze
Theoretical Coverage225–300 SF per gallon
Application Temperature40°F to 90°F

Concrete Preparation

All substrates must be clean, sound, and have a minimum 250 psi tensile bond strength when tested per ASTM D4541. Be sure concrete surface is free from oil, grease, paint, coatings, or any contaminants that would prohibit penetration. This product will work with concrete that has hardeners, curing agents, or densifiers.

Prior to installation, apply material on a sample area to determine desired profile as related to dwell time, and if a second application coat may be required. Following proper removal, confirm adequate porosity using water drop test method as described in ASTM E 331.

New Concrete System Solution: Surface Prep EXT™ is also designed to go direct to GREEN concrete that has been steel troweled or has a tight finish. Apply sample area, wait one hour and remove to determine appropriate dwell time. To provide an in-situ moisture barrier, apply S3 MoistureShield™, or for a coating apply S3 MRP once Surface Prep EXT™ has been removed and is dry.

Application

Surface Prep EXT™ should be applied with a low-pressure sprayer using a cone tip, being careful not to atomize the liquid or allow it to become airborne. Work spray head from side to side to ensure complete and liberal surface coverage. Surfaces should be evenly and well saturated to achieve uniform profiling.

Application can also be accomplished using a floor squeegee or paint roller — the same requirements for liberal and even coverage apply. Once applied, agitate the coated surface with a stiff bristle (non-metal) brush to increase surface profiling performance and assist with stain removal.

Caution: Product should not be allowed to dry out within the profiling dwell period. If this occurs, apply more Surface Prep EXT™ to re-wet the surface, and continue the dwell period.

Activation Period / Dwell Time

Dwell time can range from 15 minutes (for surface cleaning) to 4 hours (for profiling), depending on the desired result. The estimated time to achieve a CSP of 2–3 is 2 hours.

Dwell Time Guidelines

Desired ResultDwell Time
Surface Cleaning15 minutes
CSP 2–3 Profile~2 hours
Heavy Profile (CSP 3–4)Up to 4 hours (may require additional application)

Installing test patches will help determine adequate dwell time for each project, as grades and ages of concrete can affect reaction times.

Removal Procedure

With Drains (Large Open Areas)

Pressure wash thoroughly to remove all Surface Prep EXT™ residues and flush to drains. This product is fully biodegradable but always seek advice on local authority requirements before disposal.

Without Drains

Pre-wet with water, agitate to loosen Surface Prep EXT™ from the concrete surface and use a wet/dry vacuum system. This process can be accomplished effectively and efficiently with a flooring auto scrubber.

Caution: Inadequate removal of Surface Prep EXT™ will interfere with the application or adhesion of S3 MoistureShield™, secondary treatments, coatings, or adhesives. Material not removed properly will look like slow drying, shiny surface areas. Ensure all edges of crack suppression joints or walls are pre-wet and scrubbed.

Storage & Handling

Protect from freezing. All containers must be sealed properly when stored. All containers must be secured during transport to prevent damage. Lids, caps, and closures must be tightened during transport and storage to avoid spillage. Surface Prep EXT™ comes with a vented lid, so if exposed to high heat for long periods of time this will allow excess vapor created to dissipate.

Disposal

Surface Prep EXT™ 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

Refer to warning statements on the product container for proper handling and application. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Wash with water and thoroughly rinse eyes if contact occurs. Wear eye protection and clothing suitable for prolonged contact and exposure to chemicals. Use in areas with adequate ventilation. Products are harmful if swallowed.

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 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.