FAQs

Where is the RetroPlate System used?

The RetroPlate System is used anywhere there is exposed concrete, or cementitious 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, movie theaters, aviation hangars, automotive dealerships, residences, garages, office spaces, printing facilities, government buildings and offices, correctional facilities, distribution centers, stadiums, convention centers, and other locations where exposed concrete or terrazzo needs protection, ease of maintenance and an aesthetic finish.  For more information visit our Markets Served page.

Can RetroPlate be used with colored concrete?

Yes. RetroPlate is effectively used in conjunction with integrally colored concrete (where a pigment is added into the concrete mix), acid stained concrete, dyes, and dry shake colored floor hardeners.  Visit our RetroPlate Dyes page for more information. 

When can the floor be used after the RetroPlate process is complete?

The floor can be used immediately. There is no drying or waiting time.  Visit our Application page for more information.

When will the floor be fully “cured” or “mature?”

As soon as the RetroPlate 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 RetroPlate System a coating?

No. The RetroPlate 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 RetroPlate application process take?

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. A certified RetroPlate applicator will be happy to look at a floor and layout and give an accurate application time estimate. As a general timetable, the RetroPlate process will be equal to or faster than the application of an epoxy or urethane system.

Need more information? Application

Can the RetroPlate System be used in tilt-up construction?

Yes. The RetroPlate System is compatible with tilt-up construction, however all bond-breakers 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 RetroPlate floor?

Because the RetroPlate System is not a coating, any vapor migration can pass through the concrete and be released into the air without consequence. With the RetroPlate System, there is nothing to re-emulsify and detach from the floor. Because the RetroPlate System densifies the surface, it will also help reduce the amount of moisture passing through the floor. If the RetroPlate System is desired as a vapor barrier, Curecrete recommends that calcium chloride tests be performed before and after in order to determine its effectiveness.

Are RetroPlate floors slippery?

By closing off the pores at the surface, the floor does become slightly more slippery. However, the RetroPlate System can fall within OSHA and ADA recommendations for coefficient of friction. Click here to review the RetroPlate coefficient of friction testing.

Who is allowed to apply the RetroPlate System?

The RetroPlate System is applied by certified applicators only, thus allowing Curecrete to provide the highest quality and greatest service possible.

Is the RetroPlate System environmentally friendly?

Yes. No solvents or volatile organic compounds are used in the RetroPlate process. It is an odorless, non-flammable, and non-hazardous system. Curecrete prides itself on providing a completely “green” and environmentally friendly floor finish.  Need more info? Visit our Green section.

Can the RetroPlate System be used in freezer or refrigerated facilities?

Yes. RetroPlate can, and has been, used in these facilities.

Are there any areas where the RetroPlate System is not recommended?

The RetroPlate 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 RetroPlate System comply with USDA standards?

Yes, a USDA letter of compliance is available upon request.  Contact us.

Is there RetroPlate representation in my area?

Yes, we have independent representatives in the U.S. and distributors and applicators in many countries. Please contact us for a representative nearest you.

Has RetroPlate been used on LEED projects?

Yes, RetroPlate has been used on silver, gold, and platinum LEED projects!  View more now!

Can a floor treated with steel or poly fibers receive the RetroPlate System?

Yes, however, the fibers will not react with the RetroPlate densifier and will not hold a shine, therefore, the overall look of the floor may be different on a fiber floor.

Can the RetroPlate System be used on a floor containing fly ash?

Yes, but we recommend not exceeding 15% fly ash (of total cement content). While we appreciate the environmental characteristics of using fly ash, the RetroPlate densifier only reacts with the calcium hydroxide in the portland cement. We want to maximize our chemical reaction with the concrete to provide a truly densified concrete surface.

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