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Decorative Concrete Techniques - Cleaning and Re-Sealing Exposed Aggregate

3 Tips on Cleaning Exposed Aggregate Concrete

How to clean exposed aggregate step by step
How to clean a pool deck with dirty exposed aggregate concrete deck

Exposed aggregate is a common theme around many backyard swimming pools, and it's often a gorgeous accent to poolside appeal. When these surfaces are heavily used and begin to lose their luster, we here at Concrete Decor found a couple of great products that clean exposed aggregate of hard water/mineral deposits and other chemicals that make them look less than appealing.

How to clean exposed aggregate concrete
Process of cleaning exposed aggregate pool deck

With new products hitting the market all the time, we found The Profiler by Surface Gel Tek an outstanding method for cleaning these surfaces. Because The Profiler (a muriatic acid in a gel form) lays on the surface of the concrete without absorbing into the cement, it only removes hard mineral deposits from the surface without deteriorating the cement. This helps to keep the exposed aggregate in place. The Profiler actually need only sit on the surface for about 5 to 15 minutes before it can be pressure washed away to the sewer.

How to clean exposed aggregate concrete around pool
Cleaned pool deck after cleaning exposed aggregate

That's right, the Profiler is also safe for the environment. After 24 to 48 hours of drying time we then apply two coats of clear Ultra Surface Sealcoat 1000 by Concrete Solutions, Inc. Compared to the unsightly, untreated surface, this tip offers a great solution for most of your customers' stained or tarnished concrete surfaces.

Note: the second coat also included a slip resistant additive call Shark Grip. This product is a powder that mixes into the sealer and applies per manufacturer's specifications.

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