FAQ’s

We would like to apply a clear acrylic sealer over colored concrete in an interior application. The owners cannot tolerate any solvent odor. Please provide a product recommendation.

We recommend the application of Sparkl-Seal E. Sparkl-Seal E is a transparent, water based, methyl methacrylate acrylic sealer. It has essentially no odor, and the water based formulation means it can safely be used in an occupied interior application.

For protection and a high gloss, “wet look” finish that enhances the color of stamped concrete, use Nox-Crete’s Sparkl-Seal. Sparkl-Seal is a high solids, non-yellowing, methyl methacrylate acrylic sealer that resists surface oxidation from the sun and chemical pollutants in the air. In addition, Sparkl-Seal has good water vapor permeability properties which allow the coating to breathe, reducing the risk for surface delamination or blistering.

A clear sealer which turns frosty white in color has delaminated from the concrete surface. This is most likely due to the coating's inability to release water vapor trapped within the concrete quickly enough to prevent pressure buildup beneath the coating. To prevent this problem, use a clear acrylic sealer offering improved water vapor permeability. We recommend Sparkl-Seal or water based Sparkl-Seal E in exterior coating applications that are subject to high moisture content. To remove the existing delaminated or white decorative sealer, use Nox-Crete's Deco-Strip. Deco-Strip is sprayed or rolled onto stamped or textured concrete where it quickly softens and lifts worn out acrylic sealers. The acrylic sealer is then easily removed with a pressure washer or garden hose equipped with a spray nozzle, restoring concrete back to its original unsealed condition. Deco-Strip's fast acting formula quickly softens most decorative sealers and coatings in 40 minutes or less and can be disposed through municipal water.

I would like to use a less expensive water-based form release agent, but I live in a part of the country where freezing temperatures occur during the winter months. I am concerned about the product freezing during the winter. Any suggestions? 

Any of our super-concentrated form release agents can be stored under freezing conditions prior to dilution without concern for damage from freezing. The super concentrates can then be mixed with water, taken to the job site and applied at temperatures above freezing.Our vegetable-based release agent, Bio-Nox VS can also be stored in freezing conditions without damage. Only petroleum-based products should be used at temperatures below freezing. To maximize savings, consider a cost-averaging approach where a petroleum-based product is used in the winter and a water-based product is used in the spring, summer and fall.

We use brick-textured aluminum forms to construct residential poured concrete basements. The release agent we have been using becomes so thick in the winter that we can’t spray it through our sprayer. As a result, our forms have become covered with concrete buildup. What should we do to remove the buildup, and what form release agent would you recommend that we use?  

Nox-Crete’s Form Clean is ideal for removing hardened concrete buildup from aluminum forms. Form Clean functions as both a release agent and a form cleaner, allowing you to keep your forms in service while being cleaned, if you prefer. Apply Form Clean as you would your regular release agent immediately after form removal. Through repeated use (usually about 2 weeks),  the buildup will soften and the forms will become clean. Once the forms are clean, use Alumi-Nox R or Alumi-Con as your regular release agent to minimize buildup in the future.

I am concerned about the safety of the laborers on my crew. How can I be sure I am choosing the safest products for them to use?

Nox-Crete form release agents are designed to meet and exceed all OSHA standards for worker safety. No recycled or reworked raw materials are used in any of our products. All naphthenic distillates used are severely hydro-treated to remove high molecular weight aromatics (HMWA). For added safety, choose one of our water-based form release agents which use water to replace up to 88% of the petroleum carrier.

We use 1 and 1/8 inch overlaid plywood forms to construct residential basements and stem walls. For some reason we seem to be getting fewer pours on our forms. Is the reduced life of our forms related to the quality of the plywood, or is it due to the use of an ineffective form release agent? 

Although the reduced form life you are experiencing could be the result of many factors, the most likely cause of your problem is increased alkalinity of the concrete. The addition of certain pozzolans to concrete, such as Class C fly ash or blast furnace slag, can increase the pH of fresh concrete, causing increased damage to overlaid plywood forms. To maximize your overlaid plywood form life, restrict the use of highly alkaline pozzolans in your concrete mix design, and use Nox-Crete form release agents on your forms. Nox-Crete’s chemically reactive form release agents react with calcium hydroxide (lime) in fresh concrete to form metallic waterproof soaps which, over time and through use, waterproof plywood form surfaces and effectively restrict further penetration of destructive alkaline bleed water.

Nox-Crete’s Mix Station is designed to dilute and mix Nox-Crete’s line of super-concentrated form release agents. The Mix Station is positioned on top of a 55-gallon drum or a 275-gallon tote. A water hose is attached to the Mix Station at one end, and a mix valve is on the other end. When opened, the mix valve automatically siphons the super-concentrated form release agent into the venturi mixing chamber where it is mixed with water at the proper dilution ratio. The fully mixed and properly diluted form release agent then exits the Mix Station in a ready-to-use form. When enough ready-to-use release agent has been produced, the mix valve can be closed to stop the flow. Anyone can effectively operate the Mix Station and achieve consistent results.

How often does a Nox-Crete water based form release agent require mixing? What’s the best way to effectively mix a 55-gallon drum or 275-gallon tote?

All water-based form release agents are emulsions of organic materials and water, which means they need to be mixed frequently. Nox-Crete recommends mixing all water-based form release agents a minimum of two times per day. To mix a 55-gallon drum or 275-gallon tote, use the Nox-Crete Drum Agitator or Tote Agitator. The agitator is inserted on top of the drum or tank and then simply hand-turned a few revolutions to mix.

My two sons and I pour concrete basements for residential construction. We are tired of smelling like diesel fuel all day long. Does Nox-Crete manufacture a form release agent designed for aluminum forms that does not contain diesel fuel?

Yes. Nox-Crete manufactures a water-based form release agent, Alumi-Con, designed specifically for aluminum forms. Neither product contains diesel fuel nor has any appreciable odor. We also offer low-odor, water-based form release agents suitable for all forming surfaces.

I have a residential poured concrete wall business. We use aluminum forms to construct footings, basement walls and stem walls. Please recommend a reasonably priced form release agent that is effective at minimizing concrete buildup on my aluminum forms.

Nox-Crete offers a ready-to-use form release agent designed specifically for aluminum forms called Alumi-Nox. In addition, we also manufacture a super-concentrated form release agent, also designed specifically for aluminum forms, called Alumi-Con. Alumi-Con requires the use of the Nox-Crete Mix Station to ensure proper dilution and mixing. Both products are less expensive than petroleum-based alternatives and are equally effective.

Yes. Unfortunately, some manufacturers have started using used electrical transformer oils in their products. Obvious health concerns for workers exposed to these materials include the possibility for higher than normal concentrations of high molecular weight aromatics (HMWA) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Nox-Crete uses only virgin, severely hydro-treated naphthenic distillates in their concrete form release agents. These severely hydro-treated, distillates are basically one step away from being edible. They contain 0 parts per million (ppm) of PCB and between 1-3 percent or less HMWA. The materials used in Nox-Crete form release agents meet all current and proposed OSHA requirements for worker safety.

I am considering trying a super-concentrated, water-based form release agent, but I am concerned about mixing. How can I ensure that my workers will properly dilute and mix the product? All Nox-Crete super-concentrated form release agents require careful attention to dilution to ensure maximum product performance. Fortunately, we have developed the easy-to-use Mix Station which simultaneously dilutes and mixes. Placed on top of a 55-gallon drum or 275-gallon tote, a water hose is easily attached to the Mix Station. By opening the mix valve, the super-concentrated form release agent is automatically siphoned out of the container and then mixed with water in a venturi mixing chamber. No measuring is required. To stop the flow of ready-to-use product, simply close the mix valve. Anyone can operate the Mix Station and achieve consistent results.

Yes. All Nox-Crete water-based form release agents are just as good as, or better than, their petroleum solvent-based counter parts. Water-based products are also less expensive, making them a cost-efficient choice.

We are working for an owner who has requested a biodegradable form release agent. We are using a combination of a steel-framed handset forms and loose panel plywood forms. Any suggestions?

A version of the original Nox-Crete Form Coating, called Nox-Crete Form Coating EB, meets the EPA definition for “Ready Biodegradability.” Nox-Crete Form Coating EB is water based and is ideal for use on steel-framed handset forms and loose panel plywood forms.

My company constructs elevated concrete decks using crane set overlaid plywood flying forms. Once the form release has been applied the deck surface becomes slippery causing an unsafe condition for our workers. We need a safer solution.

Water-based Nox-Crete PCE dries to form a wax-like film on treated form surfaces which is considered to be fairly slip resistant. The product is designed to be applied to non-absorptive form surfaces such as phenolic surface film (PSF) or high density overlaid (HDO) plywood forms.

Depending on the conditions specific to your application, you can expect up to a 20 percent increase in form life by using a Nox-Crete form release agent compared to a traditional form oil.

The highly alkaline bleed water in fresh concrete penetrates plywood form surfaces and removes the natural fats and oils from within the wood. Because these fats and oils keep the wood fibers pliable, their removal causes wood fibers to split and crack. Nox-Crete’s chemically active form release agents replace the natural fatty acids lost to the concrete and also form metallic waterproof soaps on the form surface to help minimize the penetration of the alkaline bleed water. Regular use of Nox-Crete form release agents on wood forms is like using hand lotion on dry, chapped hands - the more frequently it is used, the fewer splits and cracks you will have and the longer your forms will last.

Barrier-type form release agents, also known as form oils, use heavy oils diluted in lighter oil such as kerosene oil or diesel fuel. When applied to a form surface, the lighter oil is designed to evaporate, or flash off, leaving a film of the heavier oil on the form surface. The heavy oil acts as a barrier, much the same as grease on a cookie sheet, to prevent concrete from sticking to form surfaces. Problems with barrier-type form release agents include the oil migrating vertically during the vibrating process, which results in form sticking, as well as unsightly oil stains on the cast concrete surface. A chemically active form release agent contains an active ingredient that combines with the calcium hydroxide (lime) in fresh concrete to form a metallic, waterproof soap which prevents concrete adhesion to treated surfaces. Resulting concrete is uniformly bright white in color and free of surface discoloration. Chemically active form release agents are also typically reactive with wood and steel form surfaces, which prevents their migration before or during concrete placement.

Yes. With the rising costs of petroleum, traditional petroleum-based form release agents have become increasingly more costly. Water-based form release agents replace expensive petroleum solvents with up to 88% water. In addition, water-based form release agents perform as well as, or better than, traditional petroleum-based products; are safer for workers and the environment; and cost substantially less.

Please provide your best product recommendation for sealing, hardening and dustproofing a warehouse floor. Are any product warranties available?

The application of Duro-Nox - a reactive, silicate type, liquid floor hardener and sealer - is ideal for this usage. Duro-Nox chemically reacts with calcium hydroxide within concrete to form silicate gels on the surface which densify, harden and seal concrete to the depth of penetration. Nox-Crete offers a 20-year performance warranty on eligible Duro-Nox applications.

Both products offer the same benefits of gloss and slip-resistance. However, Duro-Polish Plus also contains a halogenated silicon-containing additive that provides stain repellency from both inorganic and organic containing materials. In other words, Duro-Polish Plus provides stain repellency from common stain-causing agents such as soft drinks, coffee and tea, as well as oil and grease.

To achieve an immediate high-gloss finish to a silicate-treated concrete floor, apply Duro-Polish or Duro-Polish Plus. Floors recently treated with silicate type liquid hardener and dustproofers typically provide gloss readings in the range of 15 to 25 gloss units when tested with a Horiba IG-320 meter measured at a 60 degree angle. The same floors, after treating with Duro-Polish, typically exhibit gloss unit readings in the range of 35 to 50.

Our company is in the precast concrete business. We have a problem with the formation of rust on our steel forms stored outside for short periods of time. How can we quickly and cost effectively remove existing rust and prevent the formation of new rust on our idle forms?

Nox-Crete's Kem-Ex-It Plus features a chemically active formulation that easily removes existing rust on steel forms. Once the effervescent action of Kem-Ex-It Plus has stopped, remove the rust residue and any  unreacted Kem-Ex-It Plus with water. Once the forms are dry, spray apply a liberal coat of Formgard TJ over all exposed steel surfaces. Formgard TJ forms a tough, wax-like film on the form surface that will prevent the formation of rust on steel forms stored outside for up to 6 months.

Please provide a product recommendation and procedure for removing existing hardened concrete buildup from aluminum forms. 

Use Nox-Crete’s Blast-Off or Form Clean to remove existing hardened concrete buildup on aluminum form surfaces. Best results are obtained if the products are spray-applied immediately after form removal while any new buildup is still green.

Our company recently purchased a new set of aluminum forms for use in constructing residential poured wall basements. Please recommend a product and procedure for seasoning our new forms.

All new unseasoned aluminum forms must be seasoned prior to the first use. Before seasoning a new set of aluminum forms, all traces of mill oil must first be removed. To remove, spray a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent and water on the form surfaces to be seasoned, scrub with a stiff bristle brush and rinse with water. A uniform coat of Nox-Crete’s Seasonox should then be applied to the form surfaces. After 20-30 minutes, the form surfaces should be gently rinsed with water to remove any unreacted Seasonox . Prior to use, the forms should be treated with Nox-Crete’s Form Clean and used as the release agent for the first 3-4 pours. After this, Alumi-Con or Alumi-Nox chemically active aluminum form release agents can be used. Note: For cold rolled aluminum forms, apply Seasonox EXT and allow the product to work on the surface for 48 hours before pouring.

We operate several street-type paving machines. Does Nox-Crete have a product we can use to soften existing concrete buildup and keep new buildup from sticking?

We manufacture an equipment maintenance product called Deactivator, available in both petroleum- and water-based formulations. Spraying existing concrete buildup with Deactivator will soften it over time, allowing it to be easily removed with a pressure washer. As a maintenance product, Deactivator should be applied to paving machines at the end of each work day. Deactivator will penetrate and chemically deactivate the set of fresh buildup. In addition, all surfaces treated with Deactivator will be protected from the adhesion of any new concrete buildup.

Nox-Crete’s Clear Pre-Form - a single component, moisture-cured, polyurethane wood sealer - is extremely effective at preventing wood sugar migration from pressboard and particle board used in tilt-up construction. For maximum effectiveness, all sides of the wood reveals should be sealed. Partially sealing the exposed sides will not effectively prevent wood sugar related panel surface defects.

No. The flash point of Silcoseal Select is over 100°F which the DOT classifies as “Not Hazardous,” and, therefore, does not require transporters to have a hazardous materials endorsement on their driver’s license.

No. Silcoseal Select meets all current State and Federal VOC regulations and can be used in all 50 states.

Nox-Crete's evaporation reducer, Monofilm, is compatible with all Silcoseal cure and bondbreakers and is one of the component products in our Tilt-Up Partner Products. It is extremely effective at reducing rapid surface bleed water loss and the resulting formation of shrinkage cracks.

What are the incentives for my company to consider their use on our future tilt-up projects?

Nox-Crete manufactures an integrated system of Tilt-Up Partner Products commonly used in the construction of tilt-up projects. These products include Dynaflex 502 and Dynaflex JF-85 semi-rigid floor joint fillers, Duro-Nox, Duro-Nox LS and Duro-Nox LSC liquid floor hardeners, Duro-Polish and Duro-Polish Plus floor polishes, Nox-Carb exterior wall panel treatments, Panel Patch exterior panel surfacing compound, Monofilm surface water evaporation reducer, as well as Silcoseal Select and Silcoseal 2000F cure and bondbreakers. Depending upon the situation, project rebates may be available for the use of two or more Partner Products.

Yes. In fact, it is recommended that the floor/casting lab of all tilt-up projects be cured with Silcoseal cure and bondbreaker. The cure coat is the most important coat and will provide the foundation for the subsequent bondbreaker coats. Both Silcoseal Select and Silcoseal 2000F meet the modified moisture retention requirements of ASTM C309.

The preferred method for applying Silcoseal bondreakers is with a Nox-Crete Perfect Power Sprayer or with one of our hand held sprayers, the Excel 130, Perfect or Ideal Form and Concrete Sprayer. Each of these sprayers comes equipped with a spray nozzle appropriate for a uniform bondbreaker application.

In the tilt-up industry, the term “osmotic effect” refers to the migration of water out of a tilt-up wall panel and into the casting slab during the critical panel concrete hydration process. A gradient is formed when wet concrete from a freshly placed wall panel is cast against a casting slab with lower water content. This results in water being drawn out of the panel concrete and into the casting slab through a process called osmosis. The moisture concentration difference between the wall panel and casting slab is directly related to the osmotic force or pressure attained to reach equilibrium between the two slabs. The “osmotic effect” is the incomplete hydration of the cement on the down side panel surface resulting from the loss of water due to migration into the casting slab through osmosis. Damage caused by the “osmotic effect” can range from minor panel surface defects such as dusting to complete skin pull-off, as deep as 1/16 inch in depth in the more severe cases.

I’ve heard that some tilt-up bondbreakers contain wax that could interfere with the subsequent adhesion of floor adhesives and coatings as well as wall panel patching materials and paints. Do any of the Silcoseal bondbreakers contain wax? 

No. Silcoseal bondbreakers do not contain any wax. However, some manufacturer’s bondbreakers do contain wax. Wax is difficult to remove and often interferes with the adhesion of floor and wall panel paints, coatings and patching materials. 

Nox-Crete recommends that all exterior tilt-up wall panels be properly cleaned prior to painting. To clean wall panels, mix a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent and water by dissolving 0.5 lbs. of TSP in 1.0 gallons of water. The mixture should then be sprayed on the wall panel and allowed to stand for 15-20 minutes. After this time, rinse the TSP residue off the wall panel surfaces using a minimum 2000 psi pressure washer equipped with an oscillating spray nozzle.

The preferred method is to scrub the floor with a mixture of Nox-Crete’s Bio-Clean Concentrate CPC diluted 1:2 or 1:3 with water followed by a fresh water rinse. On large floors, the use of an automatic ride-on type floor machine is recommended.

We would like to apply Duro-Nox liquid floor hardener to the casting slab/floor slab of a large tilt-up distribution center project. Should we apply Duro-Nox to the floor before or after the tilt-up operation has been performed?  

Although a liquid floor hardener can be applied prior to tilt-up panel placement, it is generally recommended that the tilt-up operation be performed first. Duro-Nox can then be applied to the floor after the panels have been raised and the floors have been cleaned. The application of any liquid floor hardener prior to the application of a Silcoseal bondbreaker reduces the bondbreaker’s surface reactivity, which can reduce rain and scour resistance and result in wall panel surface dusting - or in severe cases, stuck panels. If the hardener must be applied first, ensure the product is compatible with the tilt-up bondbreaker and special precautions are followed during the tilt-up process. Contact us for more details or a specific recommendation.

If I choose to use another manufacturer’s acrylic cure and seal to cure a casting/floor slab, can I still use Silcoseal as the bondbreaker?

We don't recommended using another manufacturer's cure and seal with Silcoseal bondbreakers. Both solvent-based and water-based reactive bondbreakers may break down or dissolve components in a large majority of these products, which can result in compatibility issues. If a curing compound or cure and seal is used, it must be removed prior to the application of a Silcoseal bondbreaker. Contact us for specific product recommendations. An ASTM C309 compliant cure and bondbreaker (when modified for use on a steel troweled surface), such as Silcoseal Select or Silcoseal 2000F can be used to cure the casting surface and for all subsequent bondbreaker coats.

Due to job site area restrictions, it will be necessary for my company to “stack cast” panels on top of each other. Are there any precautions I should be aware of when using Silcoseal Select in a “stack cast” application?

Knowing when a sufficient amount of bondbreaker has been applied between panels to ensure clean separation can be challenging. Unlike traditional tilt-up construction, where it might be a week or longer between placing and finishing a floor/casting slab and the placement of wall panel concrete, in a stack cast tilt-up application, 2-3 wall panels are placed on top of each other within 2-3 days. Due to the lack of time for cement hydration before the placement of additional wall panel concrete, the wall panel concrete is still very porous. This makes it difficult to achieve sufficient bondbreaker holdout on the stacked panel/casting surface(s). This results in an increased potential for stuck panels. To ensure that an adequate amount of Silcoseal Select is applied between panels, saturate the top side of the panel to receive bondbreaker with water prior to application of the bondbreaker. The water will control the absorption of Silcoseal Select into panel surfaces, providing uniform film holdout.

How do you know when you have applied enough?

Because every floor/casting slab is different, it is impossible to state specifically how many coats of Silcoseal Select are required to ensure clean panel separation. Several factors that affect the number of bondbreaker coats required include concrete mix design, finish, weather conditions, size of spray nozzle used, product application rate, and more. Accordingly, Nox-Crete does not recommend a specific number of coats. Instead, we recommend a visual test to verify adequate coverage of Silcoseal Select. Successive coats of the product should be applied until all treated areas of the casting/floor slab remain uniformly dark in appearance for a minimum of four hours following the previous coat. The development of lighter colored areas on the floor/casting slab within the four hour time window indicates a porous condition requiring an additional coat(s) of bondbreaker. When sufficient bondbreaker has been applied, the floor/casting slab will be uniformly dark in appearance with a slightly sticky, wax-like feel (although Silcoseal Select does not contain any wax) to the touch.

Once Silcoseal Select has had 4 hours of drying time it becomes resistant to removal from rain. Areas of high humidity combined with cool temperatures may require additional dry time to develop full resistance to rain removal.

I know that Silcoseal Select is a water-based bondbreaker and needs to be mixed before use. How often does it require mixing, and what is the best method for mixing?

Silcoseal Select is composed of a water-based mixture of two liquids that are mechanically dispersed into each other to form a milky white emulsion. Unlike a solution, which will always stay mixed, all emulsions will eventually separate into two distinct layers. However, not all emulsions are the same. Some emulsions have better emulsion stability (requiring less mixing) than others. Silcoseal Select is a third-generation, water-based bondbreaker with substantially improved emulsion stability. For liability reasons, Nox-Crete recommends that all Silcoseal bondbreakers be mixed each time before product is withdrawn from the container. The highly effective stability of our emulsions works as safeguard to help minimize problems resulting from the lack of mixing prior to product withdrawals later in the day. To simplify the mixing process, use the Nox-Crete Drum Agitator. Several turns of the agitator results in sufficient mixing of a 55-gallon drum of Silcoseal Select. One free Drum Agitator is furnished with every four drums of Silcoseal Select purchased.

No. Silcoseal bondbreakers do not contain any wax. However, some manufacturer’s bondbreakers do contain wax. Wax is difficult to remove and often interferes with the adhesion of floor and wall panel paints, coatings and patching materials.