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Concrete Slab - flat and patterned
Colored by Acid Treatment or Pigment
Cleaning - Problem Solving - Protection - Care
An increasingly popular flooring technique is to treat a concrete slab floor with a combination of coloring and texturing treatments.
There are many variations of coloring techniques. Two of the most widely used techniques, either alone or in combination, are:
Acid based stains that create unusual variegated coloring in reaction with the chemicals in the cured, but relatively new concrete slab. (Note: Older concrete slabs may not achieve the desired color effects due to the change in the chemical structure of the concrete as it ages.)
Iron oxide pigment powders that are worked into the still wet surface of the newly poured slab.
The techniques for texturing are extremely varied. They can be "stamped" into the surface, vibrated into the surface, cut into the surface, and many more.
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There is no need for confusion or problems brought about by misidentification of a surface type, yet it happens all too often. If you would like to see why this is the case and how to properly identify a surfacing material .....
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If you are concerned about doing it yourself - consider that the satisfaction of a project is directly related to your knowledge of what needs to be done and how. Who actually does the work is less important. We estimate that 25% of the usage of Aldon products is by "do it yourself" homeowners and we know they are happy because we hear from them.
Following are product recommendations (in sequence of use ) for whichever of the categories applies to you. Please review each and mark your printed
worksheet accordingly.
Installed, But Not Sealed
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 Grout Residue
Remover
(Contains acid, use gently)
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 Efflorescence Treatment
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.............Sealer ( see below )
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 Lifeguard
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Care ...........
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Sealer Has Been Applied
Important! - First -
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 Premium Stripper- ...........Cleaners ?
- ...........Sealer ( see below )
- Lifeguard
- Care ..........
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INSTALLATION:
Many times the contractor doing this kind of work is licensed, franchised, or otherwise authorized and somewhat controlled by a master company that has developed the products and techniques.
Sometimes the contractor is required to, or given an incentive to, use a sealer under the name of the licensing company. If this is the case with your installer, do not put an Aldon sealer on top of the first sealer. Stay with the one sealer if you need additional applications so that there is no reason for the installer to not stand behind his work.
Removing an old sealer:
Depending on the coloration process, there can be a risk of removing color with the sealer. This should not happen with an acid based stain, but can happen with iron oxide powders. If the old sealer is a water based acrylic, you may be able to remove it with Aldon's Insta-Clean. If the sealer is a petroleum solvent base, you will need to test Aldon Premium Stripper. But, test thoroughly as this much more aggressive product can also remove an iron oxide colorant broadcast and stamped into the surface.
PROTECTION:
Per the above, do not use an Aldon (or any other companies sealer) if the installer has sealed the slab. Unless a new sealer will not effect the installers warrantee of workmanship. If no sealer has been used, then use the Aldon  for "Concrete: Block - Pavers - Slabs" to pick the appropriate sealer for the desired finished appearance.
ONGOING MAINTENANCE:
You have an option to eliminate the concern over traffic wear - it's called Aldon
Lifeguard. (Also, see ). "Lifeguard" will provide a very tough top coating that protects the underlying sealer (almost any companies sealer) from traffic wear while enhancing gloss and slip resistance. "Lifeguard" need only be replaced by pouring and spreading in those areas that finally show traffic wear. Creates a new floor surface in 30 minutes. No skill is required. Buffing machines are not needed on "Lifeguard" and should not be used on this type paver as they can grind into the surface.
CAUTION: If the installer has used another sealer,
- You will want to use Aldon Lifeguard to keep the sealer from receiving any traffic wear. You don't want to get into a situation of needing to repair the sealer, as you will then have to deal with
Redoing a Previously Sealed Surface found in
 . Also, that original sealer will not be as easy to acquire as an Aldon product.
- If you do not protect the sealer with "Lifeguard" you may have to not only fix the sealer, but compound the problem by trying to fix the color treatment.
For a less glossy, usually invisible, coating see Aldon "Tile Cover".
For wet mop cleaning with no rinsing, see Aldon "Maintain".
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