Curing Basics

Curing is the process of maintaining an optimum environment (temperature & humidity) around fresh concrete to promote proper cement hydration and strength gain. Curing has a strong influence on the properties of hardened concrete such as durability, strength, watertightness, abrasion resistance, volume stability and resistance to freeze/thaw.

Hydration, the chemical reaction that occurs when you mix water and cement, is a two stage process. The initial stage happens quickly when concrete transforms from a liquid to a solid state, usually within 4 hours. After this, the reaction slows down, but can continue for long periods as crystals continue to grow and concrete keeps getting stronger. For this reaction to continue, concrete needs water.

There are several ways to stop water from leaving freshly poured concrete, but liquid curing compounds are the most convenient. They form a watertight film that prevents water from evaporating from the concrete. The key to using curing compounds is quick application after the concrete product is damp but without standing bleed water. These products can be formulated to be dissipating over time, allowing for easy removal before any subsequent floor coating or covering is installed. Some curing compounds contain a white pigment to reflect sunlight and help keep outdoor concrete cool. The pigment also allows for a visual inspection of coverage.

Generally, curing compounds do not provide any long-term protection or enhanced appearance to concrete. "Cure & Seals" are used in the same way as curing compounds, but with the added benefit of imparting a lasting seal on the concrete surface. These products can be reapplied when traffic or weathering wear away the productive seal and diminish its effectiveness.

US SPEC Curing Products

Maxcure Resin

Maxcure Resin HS

Maxcure Wax

Maxcure Wax CRD

AMS 3754

PAMS 701

CS-25-1315, (Cure & Seal)

CS-30-1315 (Cure & Seal)

Hydrasheen 15%, 30% (Cure & Seal)

Radiance UV-25 (Cure & Seal)

Rocaseal (Cure & Seal)