Product summary
Floor hardeners are materials applied to concrete surfaces to significantly increase their abrasion resistance, impact strength, and density. They are essential for industrial or high-traffic environments where a standard concrete floor would otherwise "dust," crack, or wear down. There are two primary types of floor hardeners: Dry Shake (applied during the pour) and Liquid Chemical (applied to cured concrete).
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Building Raw Materials
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Long information
These are broadcast onto fresh, "green" concrete and power-troweled into the surface.
Composition: A blend of Portland cement, special graded aggregates (mineral or metallic), and hardener chemicals.
Performance Specs:
Abrasion Resistance: Can improve resistance by 200% to 500% compared to plain concrete.
Mohs Hardness: Typically achieves a rating of 7 to 8.
Compressive Strength: The surface skin can reach 8,000 to 12,000 psi.
Best For: New construction in warehouses, factories, and heavy-duty loading docks.
Note: Metallic versions (containing iron aggregates) offer the highest impact resistance but should not be used in areas where they will be exposed to water or chemicals that cause rust.
These are clear liquids (typically Sodium, Potassium, or Lithium Silicates) that penetrate the concrete and react chemically with the free lime to create a hard, glass-like structure.
Technical Specifications:
Penetration Depth: 3mm to 6mm depending on concrete porosity.
Dust-Proofing: Nearly 100% effective. It binds the loose salts in the concrete.
VOC Content: Usually 0g/L (environmentally friendly).
Best For: Existing concrete floors, retail spaces, and "polished concrete" looks.
Standard concrete undergoes a process called "dusting" where a fine white powder (laitance) is released over time. Floor hardeners seal the surface pores, making the floor much easier to clean and protecting sensitive machinery or inventory from dust.
By strengthening the "wear layer" (the top 3-5mm of the slab), floor hardeners prevent the aggregate from becoming exposed. This can double the lifespan of an industrial floor under heavy forklift traffic.
Hardeners densify the concrete matrix, making it more resistant to the penetration of oils, grease, and moisture. While not a "waterproofer" like SBR, it significantly slows down stain absorption.
Dry Shakes come in various colors (light grey, green, red) to provide a finished floor without the need for paint.
Liquids can be burnished to a high-gloss, mirror-like finish that reflects light, reducing the need for overhead lighting in large facilities.
| Feature | Dry Shake Hardener | Liquid Densifier |
|---|---|---|
| Application Timing | During concrete placement | After concrete has cured (28 days) |
| Impact Resistance | Very High (especially Metallic) | Moderate |
| Ease of Retrofit | Impossible (new floors only) | Very Easy |
| Finish | Matte to Semi-Gloss | Can be polished to High-Gloss |
| Cost | Moderate (Material + Labor) | Low to Moderate |
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