Polishing
The RetroPlateTM Concrete Polishing System revitalizes concrete floors. It transforms new or old concrete into strong, durable, shiny surfaces.
Weak concrete is strengthened. Stained or difficult-to-clean concrete becomes easy to clean and maintain. The RetroPlateTM System works successfully with bare concrete, acid stains, integral color, dry shake hardener and cementitious terrazzo.
Routine and proper cleaning is all that is required to maintain a smooth, dense, reflective floor. Old coatings, tile, or carpet can be removed, wax can be stripped, and rough, dusting, stained concrete can be ground smooth.
Green Building
Environmental Building News and Greenspec® name RetroPlateTM a Top-10 Green Building Product.
- LEED Credit Relevance: MR Credit 1 - Building Reuse
- Reduces impact from construction and demolition
- Alternative to hazardous component - no VOC's / Releases minimal pollutants
- Exceptional durability and low-maintenance / Reduces heating and cooling loads
- High reflectivity can reduce light level requirements by 30%
Restore Old Concrete
Call us to find out more about our proprietary restoration process.
New Construction:
RetroPlateTM can be specified for use on new floors, It cannot be applied to the floor until the concrete has been placed for at least 28 days and is fully cured. Specifiying the RetroPlateTM System ensures a hardened, sealed and polished floor.
The RetroPlateTM process can be expedited and the cost reduced by having larger floor spaces available to the applicator at a time. Performing the RetroPlate process before racking and other machinery is in place will facilitate this.
Including RetroPlate in the specifications before the project begins allows the general contractor to be aware of the need to protect the floor and produces a more efficient RetroPlate application. During construction, the floor should be protected. All hydraulic powered equipment must be diapered. No trade should park vehicles on the inside slab. If necessary, to complete their scope of work, drop cloths should be placed under vehicles at all times. No pipe cutting machines should be used on the inside floor slab. Steel should not be placed on interior slab to avoid rusting. Because the concrete floor is also the floor finish, it is imperative to protect the floor during construction.
Eliminates Dusting:
RetroPlate closes off the surface of the floor and locks in the concrete salts, thus keeping the surface from dusting. This dramatically reduces maintenance costs by keeping equipment, machinery, and finished manufactured products free of concrete dust.
Abrasion Resistance:
The Retro Plate System increases the abrasion resistance by up to 400% (ASTM C779). As a surface treatment, RetroPlate provides the greatest increase in strength at the top of the floor and allows for unmatched abrasion resistance.
Durability:
A RetroPlate floor has no adverse effects from ultraviolet light or water spray (ASTM G23-81). The RetroPlate System creates a durable floor that withstands traffic, abrasion, and daily abuse.
Increases Floor Hardness:
Testing shows that the RetroPlate System increases the floor's impact resistance by 21% (ASTM C805).
Water Repellency:
The RetroPlate System chemically and mechanically locks up the pores at the surface of the floor. This densification process inhibits the penetration of water, oils, and other contaminants.
Safety Features:
The RetroPlate System removes dangerous joint lippage. Although imparting a beautiful shine, RetroPlate does not create a slippery floor. The RetroPlate system is environmentally safe. No solvents or volatile organic compounds are used. It is an odorless, non-flammable, and non-toxic system.
With the RetroPlate System, three levels of shine are provided. Level 1 is a matte finish, providing a light shine, which increases over time with traffic and regular scrubbing. Level 2 is a high gloss shine with a good degree of reflectivity. Level 3 is a marble-like shine, increasing the reflectivity by at least 30%. Each level provides ease of maintenance and will increase the floors' resistance to scratching or wear.
Maintenance:
The RetroPlate System has created a hardened, sealed, and dust proof surface for your exposed concrete. This densified surface is very easy to maintain especially since it resists tire marks. Use a mop for small areas or automatic scrubbing machine and mild detergent.
- What to Avoid: No acidic cleaners. Acidic detergents will etch the surface over time and dull the finish. No aggressive scrubbing brushes. Stratogrit, nylogrit and other aggressive scrubbing brushes will alter the polish pattern and leave a dull appearance. Avoid all contact with acid. Avoid any detergents containing Hydroxides, or Sulfates.
- What to Use: Mild, neutral cleaners, even water alone, are sufficient for the cleaning. Use soft brushes on the scrubbing machine. Fine diamonds imbedded in the floor scrubber pads will help maintain the shine for years to come. Scrub the floor to remove dirt and debris that can collect on the surface, hiding the shine and creating a slippery environment. Spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible. For serious spills and very greasy environments, a non-acidic D-limonene based cleaner works well, or any degreaser that meets the above requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
[Click Question for an Answer]
Where is the RetroPlateTM System used?
Answer: Anywhere there is exposed concrete, or terrazzo. This includes, but is not limited to retail environments (grocery stores, clothing, hardware, malls, sporting goods, etc.), schools, manufacturing plants, restaurants, food processing plants, warehouses, aviation hangars, automotive dealerships, printing facilities, government buildings and offices, distribution centers, stadiums, convention centers, and other locations where exposed concrete or terrazzo needs protection, ease of maintenance and an aesthetic finish.
Can RetroPlateTM be used with colored concrete?
Answer: Yes. RetroPlateTM is effectively used in conjunction with integrally colored concrete (where a pigment is added into the concrete mix), acid stained concrete, and dry shake colored floor hardeners.
When can the floor be used after the RetroPlateTM process is complete?
Answer: The floor can be used immediately. There is no drying or waiting time.
When will the floor be fully "cured", or "mature"?
Answer: As soon as the RetroPlateTM application is finished, the floor will be completely abrasion resistant, dust proof, and polished. The sealing process, however, is a combination of a chemical and mechanical reaction. The mechanical process will be complete and the floor will be much easier to clean. The chemical reaction within the concrete will continue for several months. It is important to keep the floor cleaned during this curing phase, as the floor is becoming densified from within.
Is the RetroPlateTM System a coating?
Answer: No. The RetroPlateTM System is a chemical and mechanical reaction with the concrete itself. When the application is finished, the concrete is still bare, but it has gone through a chemical and mechanical process to protect, harden, and polish the surface. The beauty of the RetroPlate System is that the concrete is protected and polished, yet there is no coating to peel, scratch, or wear.
How long does the RetroPlateTM application process take?
Answer: This depends entirely upon the preparation and layout of the floor. Application time will be increased by factors such as extensive racking, machinery to work around, removal of a coating, heavy grinding, or other construction or building related obstacles. As a general timetable, the RetroPlateTM process will be equal to or faster than the application of an epoxy or urethane system.
Can the RetroPlateTM System be used in tilt-up construction?
Answer: Yes. The RetroPlateTM System is compatible with tilt-up construction, however, all bondbreaker must be completely removed during the grinding phase of the RetroPlate System, increasing the time and cost of the application.
Will vapor migration affect a RetroPlateTM floor?
Answer: Because the RetroPlateTM System is not a coating, any vapor migration can pass through the concrete and be released into the air without consequence. With the RetroPlateTM System, there is nothing to re-emulsify and detach from the floor. Because the RetroPlateTM System densifies the surface, it will also help reduce the amount of moisture passing through the floor.
Are RetroPlateTM floors slippery?
Answer: By closing off the pores at the surface, the floor does become slightly more slippery. However, the RetroPlateTM System falls within OSHA and ADA recommendations for coefficient of friction. Please see the RetroPlate coefficient of friction testing page.
Who is allowed to apply the RetroPlateTM System?
Answer: The RetroPlateTM System is applied by certified applicators only, thus allowing us to provide the highest quality and greatest service possible.
Is the RetroPlateTM System environmentally friendly?
Answer: Yes. No solvents or volatile organic compounds are used in the RetroPlate process. It is an odorless, nonflammable, and non-hazardous system.
Can the RetroPlateTM System be used in freezer or refrigerated facilities?
Answer: Yes. RetroPlate can, and has been, used in these facilities.
Are there any areas where the RetroPlateTM System is not recommended?
Answer: The RetroPlateTM System is not recommended where strong acids will come in contact with the floor. However, these are generally very small portions of a facility and the remainder of the floor could be treated with RetroPlate.
Does the RetroPlateTM System comply with USDA standards??
Answer: Yes, a USDA letter of compliance is available upon request.
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