Concrete densifiers have been around for a long time. They are a concrete hardener that has been largely utilised for concrete floor polishing, enhanced abrasion resistance, dust control, and moisture mitigation. They are most commonly used on machine troweled, hard troweled, and smooth concrete.

They are sometimes used to cure a soft concrete surface or as a dusting treatment for concrete. Bleed water rises to the surface of the concrete as it dries, increasing the water-to-cement ratio. This procedure can aid in smoothing the surface of concrete. It can, however, provide a surface that is softer than the underlying cement. This is due to an increase in laitance and fine particles carried to the surface by the bleed water.

When a densifier is added, a chemical reaction occurs that can enhance the surface strength of concrete by 20% to 40%, depending on the initial pour and finish of the concrete. But how can one go about doing so?

Densifiers are a water-based chemical solution that initially acts by permeating the concrete’s surface. They combine with calcium hydroxide to form calcium silicate hydrate (CSH). This is the material that provides the strength of concrete.

Following that, the CSH generated fills the open pores and capillaries of the concrete. This is what causes the density and strength to grow at the surface.

The most frequent choice for garage flooring and workshops is lithium silicate densifiers.