Chronic concrete dusting, poor abrasion resistance, and surfaces prone to tyre marks are common headaches on site. Armadillo D permanently hardens, densifies, and dustproofs concrete floors from the inside out. It transforms them into resilient, easy-to-maintain surfaces that last the lifetime of the substrate.
Armadillo D is a proprietary blend of silica polymers engineered to deeply penetrate concrete. It chemically reacts with the inherent calcium hydroxide (portlandite) in concrete surfaces. This process converts the softer, porous portlandite into robust Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH). CSH is the primary strength-providing component of concrete. This internal transformation replaces weaker elements with a stronger matrix, delivering superior, long-lasting densification, hardness, and durability from within the concrete.
Coverage rates are typically 4-5 square metres per litre on steel trowelled surfaces. This ensures efficient material use across large floor areas. Drying times allow for light foot traffic in 4-6 hours and wheel traffic within 24 hours. Projects can progress quickly with minimal disruption. It also complies with GREEN STAR-OFFICE DESIGN V3 IEQ-13, supporting environmentally conscious building specifications.
Armadillo D can be applied by broom or low-pressure sprayer. For larger areas, mechanical scrubbers assist in working the product into the surface. Keep the concrete wet with Armadillo D for at least 30 minutes, ensuring deep penetration. As the product becomes slippery, mist with water or squeegee/broom excess material to adjacent sections. After the full application, thoroughly flush and squeegee the surface dry to remove all residue. This ensures proper curing and prevents hardened residue. Equipment clean-up is straightforward, requiring only potable water immediately after use. It is also compatible with after-trades such as tiling and line-marking.
Armadillo D excels in environments demanding high-performance concrete surfaces. This includes:
Armadillo D consistently appears as the initial step in comprehensive concrete repair and surface treatment systems. It is commonly specified as a densifier and dust sealer. In such sequences, Armadillo D is applied first to prepare, harden, and densify the concrete before any subsequent treatments or coverings. This includes its use as a densifier in systems for concrete that will later be membrane-covered or tiled, providing a robust and chemically integrated base for further applications.
Armadillo D chemically reacts with the calcium hydroxide in concrete to form calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), which is the primary strength component. This process replaces soft, porous minerals with a much stronger material, making the concrete harder and denser for the lifetime of the substrate.
Yes, Armadillo D is after-trades compatible. Once cured, the treated concrete can be over-tiled or line-marked without issue. However, individual testing of third-party products is recommended to confirm specific compatibility.
Yes, Armadillo D complies with GREEN STAR-OFFICE DESIGN V3 IEQ-13, making it a suitable choice for projects requiring green building certifications. It supports healthier indoor environmental quality by reducing concrete dust.
Armadillo D is highly alkaline and can corrode certain metals and damage other materials. Protect aluminium, copper, brass, bronze, zinc, tin, and their alloys, as well as glass, wood, paint, or brick from accidental contact. Flush immediately with potable water if oversprayed.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Dustproofing and hardening concrete surfaces | Reduces porosity and increases abrasion resistance by forming CSH, providing a harder, longer-lasting floor. | Flooring contractors, facility managers, builders |
| Repairing weak or carbonated concrete | Restores structural integrity and wear resistance by chemically converting soft portlandite to strong CSH. | Remedial contractors, concrete repair specialists |
| Minimising oil and chemical penetration | Reduces surface absorption, making floors easier to clean and resistant to oil and many chemical spills. | Industrial facilities, workshops, commercial kitchens |
| Supporting Green Star compliant projects | Complies with GREEN STAR-OFFICE DESIGN V3 IEQ-13, contributing to environmental ratings and indoor air quality. | Architects, specifiers, green building contractors |
| Ensuring after-trades compatibility | Does not blush and accepts subsequent finishes like tiling and line-marking without adhesion issues. | Builders, flooring installers, civil contractors |
| Enhancing new concrete durability | Can be applied at time of pour or after traditional curing to densify and protect fresh concrete from early degradation. | Concrete placers, civil engineers, project managers |
Ensure the concrete surface is clean, dry, and free of curing compounds, sealers, coatings, or contaminants. On new concrete, delay application until the surface is walkable and free from plastic shrinkage concerns. For existing slabs, mechanical scrubbing improves absorption.
Prepare the surface with appropriate finishing tools. Use an evaporation retarder if required. Apply when slab is walkable but prior to hairline cracking.
Remove dust, oil, adhesives, or paint residues. Ensure slab is porous and dry. Mechanical scrubbing is recommended for uniform treatment.
Apply ARMADILLO D evenly across the surface using a broom or low-pressure sprayer at 5 m²/L. Maintain surface saturation for a minimum of 30 minutes. Use a soft-bristled broom to work the product into the substrate.
Use a sprayer delivering 250–500 kPa at 10–20 L/min. Cover the area uniformly and agitate the surface during soaking time.
For existing slabs, apply using watering can, then scrub in with bristle brush or mechanical floor scrubber for deep penetration.
Once ARMADILLO D begins to thicken or gel (no more than 60 minutes after application), remove excess using a squeegee or vacuum. On interior smooth slabs, flush with clean water and dry with squeegee. Broom finishes do not require rinsing but must not retain puddled liquid.
A second coat may be applied after initial curing to improve wear and chemical resistance. For slabs treated during pour, ensure curing agent (if used) is removed before reapplication. Apply using same coverage method and remove all excess material.
Signal Word: WARNING
Wear overalls, safety shoes, chemical goggles, and impervious gloves. If an inhalation risk exists due to mists or aerosols, wear a suitable mist respirator meeting AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716 requirements.
Ensure ventilation is adequate to maintain air concentrations below Workplace Exposure Standards. Keep containers closed when not in use.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place between 0°C and 95°C. Protect from freezing and keep containers closed. Do not store in aluminium, copper, brass, bronze, zinc, or carbon steel containers due to incompatibility. Dispose of contents and containers to an approved waste disposal plant according to State Land Waste Management Authority guidelines.
Proper surface preparation is crucial for Armadillo D to penetrate and react effectively with the concrete, ensuring maximum densification and dustproofing.
Surface prep: Finish the surface using power screed or broom. Address plastic shrinkage with an evaporation retarder such as A-Film. Apply Armadillo D as soon as the surface is firm enough to walk on, prior to hairline cracking. If soft-cut saw joints are used, treat the surface after cutting, ensuring all excess cement dust is removed.
Primer: Not required. Armadillo D acts as the densifier and 'cure and densify' compound in this application method.
Surface prep: Cure concrete with an AS3799 compliant curing compound for a minimum of seven days. Ensure all curing agent residue is completely removed. Allow the concrete to air dry for at least 24 hours. Insufficient drying will prevent full penetration, reducing effectiveness.
Primer: Not required. Armadillo D is the primary treatment for densification.
Surface prep: The concrete surface must be clean, dry, and entirely free of any contaminants or coatings. Mechanical scrubbers are recommended for large areas to ensure optimal penetration.
Primer: Not required. Armadillo D penetrates directly into the existing concrete matrix.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear liquid, dries transparent |
| Colour As Supplied | Water-white |
| Odour | Odourless |
| Specific Gravity | 1.15-1.20 |
| pH As Supplied | 11-13 |
| Boiling Point | 105-108 °C |
| Freezing Point | 0 °C (approx) |
| Solubility In Water | Miscible with water |
| VOC Content | 0% |
| Coverage Steel Trowelled Surface | 4-5 m²/L |
| Tack Free Dry Time | 2-4 hours (at 21°C @ 50% RH) |
| Light Foot Traffic Time | 4-6 hours |
| Wheel Traffic Time | 24 hours |
| Curing Time Before Paint/Covering | 4 weeks |
| Shelf Life | 2 years |
| Potassium Silicate Content | 10-30% |
Here are some common examples on where Armadillo D used by our customers.
