Nitoflor HD: Liquid Floor Hardener & Densifier

Overview

Nitoflor HD is a liquid lithium silicate hardener and densifier designed to improve the durability and aesthetic appeal of concrete and masonry floor surfaces. This single-component product penetrates concrete substrates to provide enhanced wear resistance while reducing surface dusting, making it an excellent choice for new and existing concrete floors across various commercial and industrial applications.

Key Features & Advantages

Nitoflor HD offers several significant performance benefits:

• Hardens and densifies concrete - Strengthens the concrete surface through a chemical reaction with calcium hydroxide
• Reduces dusting - Eliminates loose concrete particles, minimizing airborne dust
• Improves wear and abrasion resistance - Enhances floor durability in high-traffic areas
• Single coat application - Simplifies installation with straightforward, one-step coverage
• No residues - Requires no flushing off after application, reducing cleanup time
• Retains concrete appearance - Maintains the natural look of concrete while providing protection
• Environmental benefits - VOC content of only 11 g/litre makes it an eco-friendly choice
• Easy to clean and maintain - Supports simple pH neutral cleaning procedures

Product Composition & Description

Nitoflor HD is a penetrating lithium silicate treatment that works by reacting with the calcium hydroxide naturally present in concrete. When properly applied to sound concrete, it creates a hardened, densified surface with improved stain resistance and extended durability. The finished floor retains its concrete appearance while exhibiting long-lasting aesthetics and durability.

The product is suitable for application to both natural and pigmented concrete surfaces, offering versatility across different facility types and design requirements.

Recommended Applications

Nitoflor HD is specifically designed for use in:

• Manufacturing facility floors - Industrial production areas requiring durable surfaces
• Warehouse floors - Storage facilities subject to heavy foot and equipment traffic
• Storage facility floors - Areas requiring reliable, low-maintenance concrete protection

Additionally, Nitoflor HD is used in concrete polishing processes, where it hardens the concrete surface before grinding and polishing operations to achieve superior finish quality.

Technical Specifications

Design Criteria

• Application rate: Approximately 7 - 10 m²/litre
• Number of coats: Single coat application
• Application method: Low-pressure sprayer or scrubber

Coverage

Coverage varies based on surface characteristics:

• Theoretical coverage: Approximately 7 - 10 m²/litre
• Practical coverage: Varies depending on the porosity and roughness of the concrete substrate being treated

Supply & Packaging

Nitoflor HD is available in convenient container sizes:

Product	Size	Product Code
Nitoflor HD	5 litres	FC605105-5L
Nitoflor HD	20 litres	FC605105-20L

Physical Properties

• VOC Content: 11 g/litre (environmentally friendly formulation)
• Appearance: Liquid hardener/densifier
• Application format: Ready-to-use liquid

Surface Preparation Requirements

For Hardened Concrete

Proper surface preparation is essential for optimal performance:

1. Substrate condition - Surface must be sound and structurally intact
2. Cleanliness - Remove all previous coatings, grease, oil, dirt, adhesives, and laitance
3. Cleaning method - Thoroughly clean with neutral cleaner followed by fresh water to remove contaminants and surface barriers
4. Moisture requirement - Surface must be completely dry before initial application

For Freshly Laid Concrete

Nitoflor HD can be applied as a stand-alone hardener and densifier to freshly laid concrete when:

• There is no free water on the surface
• The concrete is firm enough to walk on without leaving footprints

Application Instructions

Preparation

1. Agitate thoroughly before use to ensure uniform consistency
2. Confirm surface condition - Verify surface is sound, clean, and dry

Application Process

1. Apply with low-pressure sprayer or scrubber at approximately 7 to 10 m²/litre
2. Maintain wet conditions - Keep floor wet with material for 20 minutes
3. Re-misting - If an area begins to dry, re-mist with additional material
4. Water prohibition - Do not add water to the material or to the surface being treated
5. Allow drying - Let surface dry without puddling by brooming material around if necessary
6. Cleanup - After material dries, clean up any excess with a scrubber
7. Initial curing - Allow one hour to dry after final coat prior to foot traffic

Curing & Maintenance

• Initial cure period - Keep surface free from water contact for 24 hours at ambient temperature
• Humidity consideration - Reduce humidity using a fan to accelerate cure time
• After 24 hours - Surface can be damp mopped or scrubbed with auto scrubber and pH neutral cleaner
• Ongoing maintenance - Regularly clean with pH neutral cleaner to achieve optimum performance and longevity

Limitations & Important Considerations

Product Limitations

• Existing coatings - Will not penetrate curing compounds or other coatings; these must be removed mechanically (e.g., diamond grinding)
• Coverage variation - Consumption rates vary depending on porosity and roughness of the concrete substrate
• Surface characteristics - Stain resistance and sheen level vary based on substrate porosity and roughness
• Concrete quality - Products work by reacting with calcium hydroxide in concrete; insufficient calcium hydroxide in rain-affected or overworked concrete prevents proper penetration

Application Restrictions

• Temperature requirement - Cannot be applied in below-freezing temperatures
• Weather sensitivity - Adverse weather conditions or high humidity may affect cure time and application rates
• Slip resistance - Applying Nitoflor HD to concrete may affect the slip resistance of the surface; grinding and slip trials are recommended for external applications

Special Considerations

• Polishing implications - Grinding or polishing treated concrete may affect overall floor characteristics; trials are recommended where slip resistance is a concern
• Bad concrete - Nitoflor HD will not fix bad concrete lacking sufficient calcium hydroxide due to rain damage or overworking

Enhanced Performance Option

Nitoflor HD can be treated with Nitoflor HD-S (a complementary product) to provide:

• Enhanced appearance with defined sheen levels
• Improved stain resistance
• Higher sheen level compared to standard Nitoflor HD
• Similar abrasion resistance to the base product

This two-component system offers an alternative to traditional concrete polishing methods while maintaining durability.

Storage & Handling

Storage Conditions

• Location - Keep in dry store in original, unopened packs
• Temperature range - Store between 5°C and 30°C
• Container management - Keep container closed when not in use
• Safety protocol - Do not transfer material into other containers for storage or disposal
• Freezing protection - Do not allow to freeze

Safety Information

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are available from the Fosroc website and should be carefully read prior to use, as application and performance data may change over time. In emergencies, contact any Poisons Information Centre (phone 13 11 26 within Australia) or a doctor for advice.

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References

• [1] Fosroc_Nitoflor_HD_TDS.pdf
• [2] Fosroc_Nitoflor_HD-S_System_TDS.pdf
• [3] Fosroc_Nitoflor_PA_TDS.pdf
• [4] Fosroc_Nitoflor_N_TDS.pdf