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Protecting and Enhancing Hotel Entrances with Tri-Shield – Silane Cure, Seal and Waterproof Concrete

When guests arrive at a hotel, their first impression often begins at the entrance. In fact, approximately 80% of hotels feature a covered entrance, known as a porte-cochère, which not only offers shelter but also sets the stage for a guest's experience. For hotels looking to make a lasting impression, maintaining the pristine condition of their decorative and stamped concrete is crucial. Nox-Crete's Tri-Shield - A solvent-based acrylic polymer and silane type membrane cure, water-repellent and sealer is specifically designed to protect these surfaces from harsh environmental elements while enhancing their natural beauty with a glossy, wet-look finish.

Tri-Shield provides an exceptional defense against winter salt damage, a common concern for hotel owners and property management companies. Winter salt can wreak havoc on concrete surfaces, leading to unsightly damage and costly repairs. Tri-Shield features a silane additive that penetrates deeply into the concrete, creating a protective barrier that repels salt, water, and other harmful substances. This prevents water from penetrating the concrete during the winter months that causes freeze/thaw damage. This advanced protection not only preserves the integrity of the concrete but also extends its lifespan, making it a smart investment for any hotel or property management company looking to reduce maintenance costs while maintaining a high standard of appearance.

Beyond its protective capabilities, Tri-Shield significantly enhances the aesthetic appeal of decorative and stamped concrete. The gloss wet-look finish it imparts highlights the intricate designs and textures, bringing out the full beauty and shine of the surface. This enhancement ensures that the hotel entrance remains vibrant and inviting, creating a memorable experience for guests. The glossy finish with a second coat not only adds visual appeal but also conveys a sense of cleanliness and luxury, aligning perfectly with the hospitality industry's standards.

To further enhance safety and functionality, Nox-Crete recommends using their Non-Slip Additive for porte-cochères and covered entrance canopies. This additive consists of finely ground bleached aluminum oxide, which is broadcast and back-rolled into the last coat of sealer. This process improves slip resistance, making it a crucial addition for areas exposed to foot and vehicle traffic. Ideal for pool decks, walkways, steps, patios, and garage floors, the Non-Slip Additive is designed for exterior concrete surfaces and is compatible with both water and solvent-based sealers. By incorporating this additive, hotel entrances can maintain their aesthetic appeal while ensuring the safety of guests and staff.

Hotels and property management companies are consistently looking for ways to improve the durability and appearance of their properties while enhancing safety. By offering these Nox-Crete solutions as an add-on service, contractors can provide significant value to their clients. The benefits of reduced maintenance costs, enhanced visual appeal, and improved safety are compelling selling points, making these products attractive propositions for property managers seeking to elevate their facilities' curb appeal.

Partnering with Nox-Crete and utilizing Tri-Shield and the Non-Slip Additive not only enhances the quality of concrete surfaces but also positions contractors as experts in their field, capable of offering cutting-edge solutions to common problems. These products are easy to apply and provide long-lasting results, ensuring that contractors can deliver outstanding service with minimal effort. By incorporating Tri-Shield and the Non-Slip Additive into their offerings, construction professionals can strengthen their relationships with hotel owners and property managers, ultimately driving business growth and success.

In conclusion, Nox-Crete's Tri-Shield - Silane Cure and Sealer, along with the Non-Slip Additive, are vital tools for protecting, enhancing, and ensuring the safety of decorative and stamped concrete in hotel entrances. Their superior protection against winter salt damage, ability to create a striking gloss wet-look finish, and improved slip resistance ensure that hotel porte-cochères and canopy entrances areas remain beautiful, durable, and safe. For construction distributors and contractors, these products offer an easy upsell opportunity that adds value to their services and meets the needs of discerning clients in the hospitality industry.

Comparing Decorative Concrete Sealer Stripper Application Methods

Nox-Crete was asked to consult on a difficult decorative concrete sealer stripper project. A 3500 square feet stamped pool deck had been sealed and resealed over time with up to five coats of an acrylic sealer with 25% solids. No stripping had been done between layers.

This thick film buildup had created an impermeable barrier that trapped water vapor coming up from the subgrade. Pressure from the water vapor caused the sealer to delaminate from the concrete, which turned some areas white in color. In addition, the thick film had suffered UV damage, and appeared dark green.

Test Methods to Strip 5 Coats of Decorative Concrete Acrylic Sealer

A test was conducted to determine the best method to remove the old coats of sealer. The test was scheduled for a clear day with a temperature of 84-degrees Fahrenheit. There was a slight 7 mph wind and 52% humidity.

Three methods were tested to remove the thick film of decorative concrete acrylic sealer:

  1. Aro-Peel stripper system with an engineered cellulose blanket was applied to a small area next to the house. Aro-Peel decorative concrete sealer stripper blanket system is sold in Canada, and a similar product—Deco-Peel—is sold in the United States.
  2. Deco-Strip sealer stripper was rolled on a large section, and then pressure washed according to use instructions.
  3. Deco-Strip sealer stripper was applied with a sprayer to another large section. The section was then scrubbed with an electric floor scrubber to loosen acrylic layers and then pressure washed according to use instructions.

Aro-Peel Decorative Concrete Sealer StripperAro-Peel Decorative Concrete Sealer Stripper Test

Aro-Peel’s controlled blanket application strips decorative surfaces of aged, chalky or faded sealers without pressure washer, accidental splatter, or the creation of hazardous waste. This is best for areas against a house where splatter can cause problems. The test area was next to the house, and was applied in direct sun in an area with little to no wind.

The surface was swept clean of debris, and the crew cut and shaped the blanket to fit the test area. The Aro-Peel was rolled onto the blanketed surface until the fabric was fully saturated and had turned translucent. Special care was taken to saturate all valleys, joints and ridges on the surface until the surface texture was visible through the fabric.

Aro-Peel Stripped 5 Layers of Decorative Sealer StripperAfter 3.5 hours, the blanket was peeled up to check for evidence of acrylic and to ensure that the surface wasn’t slimy. This is an indicator that the acrylic is still softening and has not absorbed into the blanket. Once the blanket had dried, it was peeled back and placed into garbage bags for proper disposal.

Aro-Peel successfully removed all five layers of acrylic sealer in this test. However, it must be cautioned that a second application with fresh blanket may be required to remove this many layers of sealer.

Pressure Washed Deco-Strip Test

Deco-Strip Results On 5 Layers of Decorative Concrete Sealer

A large section of the pool deck was swept clean of debris, then Deco-Strip was roll-applied and allowed ample dwell time to penetrate all the way through the acrylic sealer. Multiple light coats kept the Deco-Strip wet until the acrylic had been softened. Dwell times generally range from 30 to 90 minutes depending upon thickness of sealer to be removed and application rate of Deco-Strip. When the sealer was soft all the way through, it was time to remove with a pressure washer.

With five layers of sealer, this method was difficult. In this test, the traditional way to use Deco-Strip required a lot of water, gas for the blowers and also took a long time. If the patio had two to three light coats and was smaller—this would be an acceptable method. The test did resolve the problem, but it was decided to use another method to reduce the man hours required.

Electric Scrubber Modified Deco-Strip Test

Using a scrubbing machine to speed decorative concrete sealerA modified application test used a sprayer to apply the Deco-Strip to a large area. The Deco-Strip was allowed to sit for 3 to 5 minutes. The crew then moved the floor scrubber onto the wet product and started scrubbing in a circular direction using scrubbing pads.

The scrubbing pads were replaced every 3 to 4 minutes. To remove 5 layers of hardened acrylic, 3 pads should be used in a cycle pattern: using one, cleaning one and holding one on standby.

Once the scrubber operator and machine had moved to a new area, the previous area was lightly pressure washed to direct the stringy/sticky bubble gum-consistency old acrylic residue into a “rope” line. Larger pieces were scooped up with a shovel.

This modified method shortened the required time by 80%. The stamped concrete was successfully restored back to original unsealed condition. Natraseal LVOC acrylic sealer was used to finish the project. UV inhibitors will prevent yellowing over time, and the homeowner can expect a sealer lifetime of up to five years.

Decorative Concrete Sealer Stripper Selection Guide

Restore Decorative Concrete with Sealer StripperThe weather is warming up and it’s time to take a good look at your client’s pool deck, backyard patio, outdoor walkway or other exterior textured/stamped concrete. Is the decorative concrete acrylic sealer faded, chalky, yellowed or worn out? Don’t reapply another layer of sealer – or you’ll risk bubbling, peeling and blistering. Strip the sealer first, then apply a fresh coat of acrylic sealer for beautiful results.

Nox-Crete Sealer Strippers Are Safe and Effective

In the past, removing acrylic from concrete required the use of hazardous solvents like xylene. The solvents used in traditional strippers (xylene, toluene and mineral spirits) are considered hazardous by the EPA and OSHA. Any spent residue resulting from the use of these solvents is strictly regulated and must be disposed of through a licensed disposal facility.

Xylene is flammable, and causes skin irritation. Inhaling xylene vapor causes acute symptoms such as: headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Long-term exposure may lead to headaches, irritability, depression, insomnia, agitation, extreme tiredness, tremors, impaired concentration and short-term memory loss.

Decorative Concrete Sealer StripperTo combat the use of these hazardous solvents, Nox-Crete’s chemists combine a proprietary blend of biodegradable and environmentally-friendly solvents and surfactants. Nox-Crete’s decorative concrete sealer strippers are xylene-free and safe to use. The solvents used in Nox-Crete’s decorative concrete sealer strippers are 100% biodegradable, nonhazardous by EPA definition and are safe for disposal in any storm water or sanitary sewer system.

How To Choose The Right Sealer Stripper

Decorative Concrete Sealer StripperDeco-Strip

The powerful, biodegradable coating stripper penetrates and softens decorative concrete acrylic sealers. Deco-Strip can be removed with a power washer to restore decorative concrete back to its original unsealed condition. Use a scrubbing machine to speed the stripping process of multiple layers of decorative concrete sealer.

Applications:

  • Large areas
  • When you have time to wait for concrete to dry after power washing
  • In areas where you can push acrylic residue into grass or street
  • When you need to remove multiple layers of sealers

Advantages:

  • Long working time
  • Can use scrubbing machine to speed stripping process
  • One-application to take sealers off

Tips/Tricks:

  • Acrylic resin becomes a stringy/sticky bubble gum-consistency blob during pressure-wash
  • Push the old sealer into a “rope” line in collection area
  • Shovel/scoop larger accumulations of old sealer and disposed of in trash receptacle

Deco-Peel

Deco-Peel is a two-part system, which includes 5 gallons of stripper and an engineered fabric blanket which covers 400 square feet. The blanket is cut to fit around curves, corners and hard-to-reach areas; then saturated with the stripper. The acrylic resin is absorbed and dries into the fabric blanket, which can then be peeled up and thrown away. The margin of error in application is greatly reduced with this simple system.

Applications:

  • Decorative stamped concrete areas around sensitive landscaping, sides of homes or pools that are susceptible to splatter damage
  • When it’s not expedient to use rental equipment, such as a power washer

Advantages:

  • Fast-acting – less than two hours
  • No need to wash concrete after stripping process is complete
  • Easy to use

Toronto Sealer No Match For Deco-Strip

When Nox-Crete’s Eastern Canada Division Manager, Mike Gauthier arrived at a jobsite earlier this year, the task at hand was one familiar to decorative concrete professionals everywhere – removing a decorative acrylic sealer from stamped concrete surrounding a residential pool.

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