Question 1

What is the correct way to mix Surface Armor™?

Accepted Answer

First, Elephant Armor Primer is diluted to a 1:1 ratio with clean water to create the required liquid mixture for Surface Armor™. The standard mix for most applications ranges from 1:1 to 2:1, meaning 2 parts Surface Armor™ dry powder with 1 part EA Primer/water mixture, by volume (not weight). Adjust your ratio based on required flowability: use 3:1 for initial spall/crack filling, 2:1 for standard second coats, or a highly flowable 2:1 for thin micro-fractures under 1/8" (4mm). Mix dry contents in a clean bucket to "fluff" the material prior to adding liquid. Add liquid and mix thoroughly using a ColloMix Xo-55 Duo for ~60 seconds. For small batches of 10 lbs (4.5kg) or less, a 1/2" (12mm) drill with an egg beater bit is acceptable. NOTE: Surface Armor™ has a short workability period with an initial set time of 15-20 minutes.

Question 2

What application tools and equipment are used by professionals?

Accepted Answer

While the primary application tool is the GST Squeegee Trowel, using a stiff bristle concrete broom has become the preferred method for many applications. Nap rollers, sponges, paint brushes, chip brushes, microfiber pads, and steel trowels can also be used. Spray equipment is highly recommended for large scale vertical applications such as CMU block walls (using a 3:1 mix ratio for spraying), followed by finishing tools to achieve desired results.

Question 3

Can Surface Armor™ be colored with pigments or stains?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Surface Armor™ readily accepts most color systems including Liquid Pigments, Powder Pigments, Acid Stains, Latex Stains, Dyes, and Paints. The only incompatible coloring system is Granular Pigments. Both liquid and powder colors should be added during the mixing process with the GST Elephant Armor® Primer mixture. Maintain consistent mixing ratios, as color will vary based on the powder-to-liquid ratio.

Question 4

How do I prepare the damaged substrate before applying Surface Armor™?

Accepted Answer

Surfaces must be clean, sound, and free from bond breakers (oil, grease, dirt, curing compounds, acids). Mechanically roughen or high-pressure water jet (4,500 psi minimum) the concrete to an ICRI Concrete Surface Profile of CSP4 or higher. Pre-treat contaminated areas with GST Degreaser Pro or Pro-Grade Cleaner, followed by power washing. If the substrate is very porous or powdery, apply a mist coat of Ecobeton® Vetrofluid SA at 250 sq ft/gal to stabilize the surface. Allow 72 hours curing time on warm days (or a MINIMUM of 5 days if weather averages 50°F / 10°C or lower) before placing Surface Armor™. Power wash rinsed contaminants prior to placement. The concrete must be Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) with zero standing water. NOTE: Minimum temperatures for application and curing must be 40°F (5°C) or higher day and night; freezing temperatures cause failure. In cool weather, keep primer and powder at room temperature, or use a torch to warm the substrate.

Question 5

What are the application rates of Vetrofluid® SA for pre-treatment and post-treatment?

Accepted Answer

Pre-treatment: Apply Vetrofluid SA at approximately 250-300 sq ft/gal on hard-troweled (smooth) concrete, or 150-250 sq ft/gal on porous or broom-finished concrete. Broom to disperse uniformly and immediately remove or back-roll any pooling; excess material left to cure on the surface will act as a bond breaker. Post-treatment: After Surface Armor™ is applied and fully cured, apply a light post-treatment coat at 250-300 sq ft/gal. Back-roll or remove excess, or broom to provide a uniform finish.

Question 6

What is Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) and why is it required?

Accepted Answer

Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) means the concrete is moist but not saturated, with zero standing water. SSD is critical for concrete overlays because: 1. Moisture Balance: Establishes equilibrium so both layers share moisture content. 2. Reduced Water Competition: Prevents dry substrate from rapidly sucking water out of the overlay mix, avoiding premature drying and bond failure. 3. Enhanced Interfacial Contact: Promotes chemical bonding and mechanical interlocking. 4. Reduced Surface Porosity: Limits water loss and prevents plastic shrinkage cracks. Achieve SSD by misting or applying wet burlap until damp with no puddles.

Question 7

Can I use a grinder to prepare the substrate before applying Surface Armor™?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive grinding equipment should only be used for general surface preparation. Any major spalls, cracks, or displaced concrete must first be filled with GST Elephant Armor DOT Mortar, allowed to fully cure, and then ground back flush to the original elevation prior to placing Surface Armor™. Use an angle grinder and leaf blower to clean out cracks before filling.

Question 8

How is Surface Armor™ applied and what is the maximum lift thickness?

Accepted Answer

Once clean and Vetrofluid SA has cured, apply the first micro-topping lift. Over-application is very common; keep mil build to a minimum. Use firm down-pressure with a squeegee trowel to apply maximum lift thicknesses of 1/32" to 1/16" (1-2 mm). For exposed aggregate or heavy textures, use a stiff bristle concrete broom instead of a squeegee. Allow first lift to fully cure (change color) before applying a second lift. Ensure Surface Armor™ is 100% cured before applying the final light coat of Vetrofluid SA.

Question 9

Are there special instructions for vertical surface applications?

Accepted Answer

Use a 3:1 mixing ratio on vertical surfaces to prevent runs or streaks. Work the material from bottom to top using a GST Squeegee Trowel. On stairs, complete vertical risers before horizontal treads. Use a damp sponge or paint brush to blend transition areas while material is fresh. You can also mist with water and use a smooth roller or brush for finishing.

Question 10

Can textured finishes (smooth, broomed, or stamped) be applied?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Smooth Finish: Mandates two thin coats applied with a squeegee trowel, followed by diamond pad sanding once cured (higher grit = smoother finish), clean dust, and seal with Vetrofluid SA. Broomed Finish: Perform immediately on the final coat as it is squeegeed into place; provides excellent slip resistance. Stamped Finish: Mandates a thicker mil build using a 3:1 mix ratio on the final coat with standard liquid release ("bubblegum release"). CRITICAL: If staining a stamped finish, do NOT apply Vetrofluid SA; use traditional film-forming acrylic sealers instead.

Question 11

Can Surface Armor™ be used to resurface asphalt?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Surface Armor™ is a highly effective asphalt resurfacer for aging asphalt with minor cracking (do not use on severely degraded or alligatored asphalt). Ensure asphalt has NO previous coatings or sealers, and is thoroughly clean and dry. CRITICAL EXCEPTIONS FOR ASPHALT: 1. Do NOT use Saturated Surface Dry (SSD); asphalt must be dry. 2. Do NOT apply Vetrofluid SA as a pre-treatment on asphalt. Apply Surface Armor™ with firm squeegee down-pressure. Once the second coat is fully cured, apply a light post-treatment coat of Vetrofluid SA for a long-lasting finish.

Surface Armor™ Technical Knowledge Base

Mixing Ratios, Primer Dilution & Tooling

Substrate Prep, SSD & Vetrofluid Rules

Placement, Vertical Walls, Asphalt & Finishing

Need Project-Specific Engineering Guidance?

Surface Armor™ Technical Knowledge Base

Mixing Ratios, Primer Dilution & Tooling

01What is the correct way to mix Surface Armor™?

02What application tools and equipment are used by professionals?

03Can Surface Armor™ be colored with pigments or stains?

Substrate Prep, SSD & Vetrofluid Rules

04How do I prepare the damaged substrate before applying Surface Armor™?

05What are the application rates of Vetrofluid® SA for pre-treatment and post-treatment?

06What is Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) and why is it required?

07Can I use a grinder to prepare the substrate before applying Surface Armor™?

Placement, Vertical Walls, Asphalt & Finishing

08How is Surface Armor™ applied and what is the maximum lift thickness?

09Are there special instructions for vertical surface applications?

10Can textured finishes (smooth, broomed, or stamped) be applied?

11Can Surface Armor™ be used to resurface asphalt?

Need Project-Specific Engineering Guidance?