How to Apply Concrete Curing Compound

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Things You'll Need

  • Curing compound

  • Hand or power sprayer

A concrete curing compound is basically a liquid plastic that seals moisture into the cement until it can cure. There are two steps to the curing process. The first is when the concrete hardens, which only takes a short amount of time. The second consists of crystals in the concrete growing and making the substance stronger. A curing compound forms the optimum environment for these crystals to grow. With knowledge, application of the compound is not difficult, and you will soon have a hardened, solid area of concrete.

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Step 1

Check the weather on the day you plan to pour and cure your concrete. If outdoors, there should not be any high winds. The temperature of the air or the concrete should not be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 80 degrees. Lower temperatures will cause the compound to freeze, and higher temperatures will cause water to evaporate from the cement more quickly, so you must seal it more quickly.

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Step 2

Begin applying the compound as soon as you lay the cement and the surface water disappears. You may also want to wait until the surface will not be walked over by workmen. Do not wait longer than 10 minutes for the first layer of compound.

Step 3

Spread a thin layer of curing compound over the entire surface, covering it with an even, thin film.

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Step 4

Apply another thin layer to the surface. Do not leave any gaps, or the compound will not work because the water will escape through the gaps.

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