Armadillo D

For warehouse floors, manufacturing plants, and residential garages where dusting, rain damage, or weak mortar has compromised the concrete, Armadillo D penetrates the surface to increase abrasion resistance and seal the substrate. This water-based silicate compound chemically converts soft, porous calcium hydroxide into high-strength calcium silicate hydrate, binding with the concrete matrix to provide permanent surface hardening.

How it works

Armadillo D penetrates the concrete pores to react with free lime (calcium hydroxide), which is highly susceptible to carbonation and wear. By converting this soft mineral into calcium silicate hydrate (CSH)—the primary load-bearing phase of concrete paste—it densifies the surface from within. This chemical integration prevents dusting, reduces liquid absorption, and slows down carbon dioxide ingress to protect old carbonated concrete from further degradation. It dries transparent and allows after-trades installation, making it compatible with carpet adhesives, tiling, line marking, and tilt-up bond breakers.

Numbers that matter

• 4 to 5 m² per litre: Expected coverage rate on steel-trowelled concrete, varying based on the porosity and surface texture of the slab.
• 4 to 6 hours: Required drying time before permitting light foot traffic at 21°C and 50% relative humidity.
• 24 hours: Minimum drying window required before opening the treated surface to wheel traffic.
• 24 to 72 hours: Curing window during which the concrete gradually darkens and increases in impermeability to oils and water.
• 4 weeks: Necessary hardening and curing period for newly placed concrete before applying paint or floor coverings.

Where to use it

• New concrete: Can be applied at the time of pour as a curing and densifying compound, or used with traditional curing methods.
• Existing concrete slabs: Suitable for interior or exterior environments, commercial warehouse floors, and residential basements to repair rain-damaged surfaces or weak, carbonated concrete.
• Joint treatment: Can be applied over soft-cut saw joints, including flooding the joints, once excess cement dust is removed.

Application methods

For new concrete at the time of pour, apply the liquid by broom or low-pressure sprayer (dispensing at 250–500 kPa) as soon as the surface is firm enough to walk on. Keep the surface wet for 30 minutes, working it in with a soft-bristled broom. When it becomes slippery, mist lightly with water. Once slippery again, flush thoroughly with water and squeegee completely dry to remove all alkali residue. For exterior broom-finished slabs, squeegee or sweep excess material off after 30 to 40 minutes without flushing.

For existing slabs, clean the concrete of all contaminants. Apply at approximately 5 m²/L, scrubbing the product into the surface with a mechanical scrubber on large areas, or using a watering can and bristle broom on small perimeters. Keep wet for up to 60 minutes, then squeegee and vacuum any excess material onto the next section. Do not allow excess puddles to dry on the slab.

Limitations

• Do not leave any excess Armadillo D residue on the treated concrete surface; hardened excess material must be removed mechanically with a grinder.
• Armadillo D does not meet the curing requirements of AS 3799 on its own. For compliant curing on new concrete, Surface Cure R must be applied after the excess silica treatment has dried.
• This product is not a rising damp barrier; its function is restricted to dustproofing and abrasion resistance.
• Incompatible with aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, zinc, tin, and their alloys, which it will corrode.
• Protect adjacent glass, metal, wood, paint, and brick from overspray; wash immediately with potable water if contact occurs.
• Do not load or store with Class 4.3 (dangerous when wet) substances, Class 5 (oxidising agents), or foodstuffs. Protect the liquid from freezing.