ATI BetoFresh HS

SCHOLZ-ATI BetoFresh HS®

Technical application information on the use of BetoFresh HS® for open-pore concrete products ‍

Rudiments

This ATI is not intended as a guide to turning gray concrete surfaces into colorful marvels with the help of paint. BetoFresh HS® is rather used to refresh the color of colored concrete paving stones and their surface, which have become unattractive due to severe lime efflorescence or contamination.

Application

BetoFresh HS® is suitable for refreshing the color of open-pored concrete products, such as paving stones, hermetically pressed concrete slabs, bricks, etc. Very dense precast concrete elements are only partially suitable for post-treatment with BetoFresh HS®, as the sealed surface can barely absorb the paint and there may also be residues of separating agent, oil, etc. on the surface, which restrict or prevent the paint from penetrating into the concrete. Concrete products with factory-applied or retrofitted surface protection systems are not suitable for post-treatment with BetoFresh HS®.

The durability of the coating depends primarily on the type of concrete surface and the degree of mechanical stress on the surface.

BetoFresh HS® is generally designed for a one-time use. As a result of the paint penetrating the porous concrete block, the visual appearance of the natural concrete block is largely retained. Unlike other coating systems, BetoFresh HS® does not create a shiny layer on the concrete surface. Repeated use with BetoFresh® HS is also possible. However, depending on the absorption capacity of the concrete surface, the surface can then receive a glossy effect.

BetoFresh HS® is not suitable for “recoloring” colored concrete surfaces and concrete elements!

Workmanship

BetoFresh HS® is a solvent-free product and can therefore be used both outdoors and indoors without major safety measures. Nevertheless, basic occupational safety measures, such as adequate ventilation and the use of protective gloves, should be complied with.

The surface to be treated must be clean, dry and dust-free. Loose contaminants such as sand and dust are removed by sweeping and vacuuming. In case of moderate to severe efflorescence and crusting, the substrate must be pre-treated with dilute acid and then washed with water. Mossy or algae surfaces are expediently cleaned with a moss and green coating remover and, after the surface has dried, swept and vacuumed.

In order to ensure good penetration of BetoFresh HS® into the concrete surface, the pigments are not stabilized during production by using thickeners. BetoFresh HS® must therefore be thoroughly stirred with a brush or similar before and during processing in order to evenly distribute the components and avoid color differences in the renovated area.

The application is carried out in one go; BetoFresh HS® can be painted, rolled or sprayed (fig. 4).

Application with a spray gun is particularly recommended for vertical surfaces and very coarse-pored concrete products, such as plant rings. BetoFresh HS® must be applied in dry weather; the surface must not be exposed to strong sunlight before, during and immediately after treatment. It is also important to ensure that the area that is still wet is not irrigated or subjected to mechanical stress. BetoFresh HS should not be processed below +10°C and not above 30°C air and background temperature.

Consumption depends on the absorbency of the surface and the application thickness. For normally absorbent concrete surfaces, approx. 130 g of BetoFresh HS® are required per square meter.

It makes no sense, especially outdoors, to treat only individual areas or stones within an area. In contrast to “natural” surfaces, the surface absorbs water only slightly and very slowly. When it rains and humid, the treated surfaces therefore only gradually change the appearance and therefore appear much lighter than the surrounding, untreated areas (Figure 5).

Depending on weather and temperature, the drying time is between one hour and one day. The area should not be walked on or used within the first 24 hours. The final hardening is achieved after approx. 48 hours, after this point, the surface can be stressed and fully exposed to the weather. Depending on the type of surface and the thickness of the BetoFresh HS® application, the surface appears matt to semi-glossy.

Depending on pigmentation, BetoFresh HS® provides good to moderate coverage (Figure 6). Experience has shown that light or pastel shades cover less well than dark and strong shades. The greater the color difference between the surface to be treated and BetoFresh HS®, the greater the risk that the surface will shine through and the result will not meet expectations.

Hardened BetoFresh HS® cannot be completely removed from the concrete surface, either mechanically or chemically. In practice, this means that the detachment of the material after treatment is irreversible, i.e. can no longer be reversed.

Dried BetoFresh HS® is insoluble in water, so the tools used must be thoroughly cleaned with warm water immediately after use.

BetoFresh HS® must be stored frost-free and tightly sealed. The shelf life of unopened containers is approx. 12 months; opened containers should be used up within 3 months.

Small residual quantities can be disposed of via problem waste collections; larger quantities should be sent to an approved disposal company after consultation and in compliance with official regulations (disposal code 07 02 01). Empty containers with dried BetoFresh HS® can be disposed of with household waste.

BetoFresh HS® is available in various colors at the time this ATI was released, most of which were developed specifically for the product and customer.

BetoFresh HS® is a product from Harold Scholz & Co. GmbH, which should enable customers to refresh faded and worn surfaces cost-effectively.

Our specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have about paint and concrete — just talk to us!

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