SPECIFICATIONS FOR APPLICATION OF ASHFORD FORMULA

(FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY)

I. INSTRUCTIONS FOR FRESHLY-FINISHED CONCRETE:

A. SURFACE PREPARATION.

Freshly finished concrete require no surface preparation if the Ashford Formula is to be applied immediately after the finishing operation as a curing agent. On areas where forms are recently removed, all form oil and breaking compound residue must be removed so as not to inhibit the penetration of the Ashford Formula into the surface.

B. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS.

Step 1: Immediately following the trowelling operation, and as soon as the slab is safe to walk on, saturate the surface with Ashford Formula at 5m2 per litre using a low pressure, high pressure sprayer. The Ashford Formula may also be applied by pouring it directly on the surface and spreading it evenly with soft-bristled broom. Note: ASHFORD FORMULA IS A PENETRANT, NOT A MEMBRANE. ENOUGH MATERIAL NEEDS TO BE ON THE SURFACE TO ALLOW THE ASHFORD TO THOROUGHLY SOAK IN. AS A GUIDELINE, THERE SHOULD BE ENOUGH ASHFORD ON THE FLOOR TO FILL "IN" A FOOTPRINT WITHIN SEVERAL SECONDS OF TAKING A STEP. THIS IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS A "FLOOD COAT" OR "WET COAT". Once a wet coat has been achieved, it is helpful to work the Ashford Formula into the concrete surface with soft-bristled brooms. The step breaks surface tension and aids penetration.

Keep the surface wet with Ashford for a minimum of 30 minutes, then wait for the Ashford to become slippery and gel-like under foot. In extremely cool, windless conditions, Ashford can take up to an hour or longer to become slippery. In hot windy conditions, Ashford may become slippery in as little as fifteen minutes. IF, IN EXTREMELY HOT CONDITIONS, THE ASHFORD BECOMES SLIPPERY AND GEL-LIKE BEFORE 30 MINUTES, MOVE IMMEDIATELY TO STEP TWO, BELOW. No spot or area on the slab should be allowed to become dry during this period. If is best to avoid dry areas by either brooming excess Ashford over the more absorbent spots, or by putting down more Ashford. Pay particular attention to porous areas and slab edges, as these tend to dry out more quickly.

Step 2: After the Ashford becomes slippery, lightly mist the surface with water. This can be done either with a low pressure sprayer or with a gose and nozzle (nozzle should be adjusted to create a mist). This step will resolubilise the Ashford so that it is no longer slippery or gel-like. Agitate with a broom to aid the penetration of Ashford Formula. Wait for the Ashford to become slippery or gel-like a second time.

Step 3: At this point, thoroughly flush the surface with water. During the flushing process, the floor should be agitated with brooms to help loosen and remove excess Ashford Formula from the surface.

Step 4: Thoroughly squeegee the slab dry by pushing the water ahead of you off the slab edge. At this point, the floor should look like bare concrete with nothing on it. Note: During the squeegee process, there may be some slippery patches. This is an indication that excess Ashford is still on the surface. These areas should be re-flushed and squeegeed again until the entire surface is dry.

NOTES:

• IN EXTREME OR UNUSUAL WEATHER CONDITIONS, HOT, COLD, WINDY,OR OTHERWISE, PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR LOCAL TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE.
• SAW CUTTING MAY BE DONE BEFORE OR AFTER THE ASHFORD IS APPLIED, DEPENDING ON THE IMMEDIATE NEED FOR CURING. IT IS CRITICAL IN EITHER CASE THAT THE DUST OR SLURRY FROM CUTTING BE IMMEDIATELY AND THOROUGHLY REMOVED FROM THE SLAB.
• ON CONCRETE THAT IS ABNORMALLY POROUS OR SOFT, APPLICATIONS OF ASHFORD MAY BE REQUIRED. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO SURFACES WITH OPEN FINISHES, SUCH AS BRROM FINISHED OR SCARIFIED FLOORS.

II. INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXISTING CONCRETE.

It is not recommended that Ashford be applied to existing concrete without first consulting with a qualified Ashford technical representative. Existing floors require entirely different procedures than do freshly placed floors. It is for this reason that qualified technicians be consulted before applying any Ashford to any existing surface. In some instances the floor may need to be stripped. In other cases it may simply need to be thoroughly cleaned, in other cases neutralized. The proper regimen for floor preparation can only be undertaken by qualified personnel. For the name of a qualified technical representative in you area call 0800 35 9000.

III. INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXTERIOR CONCRETE.

Step 1: Saturate the surface with Ashford Formula using a low pressure, high volume sprayer. Keep the entire surface glistening wet with Ashford Formula for 30 minutes.

Step 2: After the 30 minute application period, use a broom or mop to remove any puddles or concentrations of Ashford residue from the slab.

TIP: A wide, fine bristle push broom works well to disperse Ashford Formula on textured surfaces.

IV. INSTRUCTIONS FOR TILT-WALL APPLICATION.

A. TILT-WALL APPLICATION WHEN ASHFORD IS USED TO CURE THE CASTING BED. When Ashford Formula is used to cure the casting bed, follow above instructions for FRESHLY FINISHED CONCRETE. It is essential that particular care be given to the following guidelines:

1. Ensure that all Ashford residue has been removed from the surface of the casting bad during the flush and squeegee procedure. If certain areas are still slick during the squeegee operation, it is necessary to re-flush and re-squeegee until entire slab is free of Ashford residue. The concrete should appear as though there is nothing on it.
2. Follow the bon-breaker manufacturer's application instructions. Also follow manufacturer's prescribed testing procedures for ensuring that enough bon-breaker has been applied for a sufficient period of time.

B. TILT-WALL APPLICATION WHEN ASHFORD IS NOT USED TO CURE THE CASTING BED. IT IS CRITICAL THAT ANY SUBSTANCE USED PREVIOUSLY TO CURE THE SLAB BE COMPLETELY STRIPPED/REMOVED FROM THE SURFACE OF THE CONCRETE PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION OF THE ASHFORD FORMULA. BOND BREAKERS AND/OR CURING AGENTS, IF LEFT ON THE FLOOR SURFACE, WILL INHIBIT THE PENETRATION OF THE ASHFORD FORMULA AND CAUSE WHITING. THESE SUBSTANCES ARE DESIGNED TO DISSIPATE FROM THE FLOOR SURFACE, BUT MAY NOT DO SO COMPLETELY. ASHFORD MUST BE APPLIED ON CLEAN, BARE CONCRETE. FLOOR PREPARATION MUST BE DONE BY QUALIFIED FLOOR TECHNICIANS.

FOR GUIDELINES ON PROPER FLOOR PREPARATION, PLEASE CONTACT A QUALIFIED ASHFORD TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE. FOR THE NAME OF A REPRESENTATIVE IN YOUR AREA, PLEASE CALL 0800 35 9000.

V. VERTICAL SURFACE APPLICATION.

Step 1. Apply Ashford Formula to the surface of the wall with a low-pressure sprayer or roller, starting at the top and working your way along the wall. Apply sufficient material to thoroughly wet the surface without allowing excessive amounts to run down the wall.

Step 2. As you work your way along the wall, if any previously sprayed areas appear to be fully absorbing the Ashford Formula, re-spray those areas so that the entire wall is kept damp with Ashford Formula for 30 minutes.

Step 3. Allow the treated surface to dry. If the treated surface is to be coated or painted or the natural appearance is be preserved, thoroughly flush the vertical surface with water 10 minutes after the initial 30-minute application period.

VI. GENERAL CAUTIONS FOR ALL ASHFORD FORMULA APPLICATIONS:

• Apply with low pressure sprayer only. Do not use airless sprayers, as they atomise the material, allowing inhalation.
• May cause eye and mucous membrane damage. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. If contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes.
• If taken internally, do not induce vomiting. Drink large amounts of milk or water. CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.
• Surfaces treated with Ashford Formula temporarily become slippery during application. Exercise care and caution to avoid falls.
• Avoid contact with glass, aluminium, or other glazed or finished surfaces. Where contact occurs, immediately wipe with a damp cloth or flush with water. When applying near windows, mask the glass.
• Protect form freezing. If frozen, thaw and agitate before using. Do not use on cinder block or other highly porous material which contains holes or air pockets.
• When used near tarseal, Ashford Formula must be flushed away with water to eliminate any white discolouration that may appear when surface is dry.