SLABHARD® GUARD is a copolymer high-gloss concrete protector that improves the surface sheen and stain resistance of conventional, hardened or cement terrazzo floors. It provides professional contractors with a durable, long-lasting finish for indoor concrete floor coatings. Designed for commercial and industrial facilities, this breathable and UV-stable protector eliminates the need for temporary floor waxes or liquid polishes.
Intended Users and Applications
Professional resinous floor installers, concrete polishing crews and facility maintenance teams use this product for high-traffic indoor spaces. Typical environments include retail spaces, commercial buildings, institutional facilities and industrial settings requiring easy maintenance. It’s ideal for standard gray concrete, integrally colored concrete, color-stained concrete, cement terrazzo and floors treated with SLABHARD® DENSIFIER XL. This product is for indoor use only and must not be applied to surfaces exposed to standing or pooling water.
Problems This Product Solves
- Replaces the ongoing maintenance cycle of applying conventional floor waxes and temporary liquid polishes
- Prevents staining from incidental spills by improving the early water resistance of treated floors
- Eliminates peeling, flaking and yellowing associated with traditional resin-based coatings exposed to UV light
- Protects colored and acid-stained concrete while enhancing color intensity without reducing surface slip resistance
- Helps facilities meet strict indoor air quality requirements through a low-odor, VOC-compliant formulation
Key Features and Benefits
- Copolymer Formulation: Produces a long-lasting, high-gloss finish that stands up to heavy traffic.
- Fast Drying Time: Allows surfaces to be tack-free in 20 to 60 minutes so crews can burnish and complete phases rapidly.
- Breathable and UV Stable: Ensures the finish will not yellow, discolor or peel over time.
- High Coverage Rate: Yields 2,000 to 3,000 square feet per gallon for excellent material efficiency on large-scale projects.
- Low Odor and VOC Compliant: Meets California Collaborative for High Performance School standards to support LEED points.
Performance Characteristics
- Form: Opaque white liquid
- Specific Gravity: 1.08
- pH: 11.0
- Total Solids: 22 percent (ASTM D 2369)
- VOC Content: <100 g/L
- Flash Point: >212 degrees F (>100 degrees C)
- Freeze Point: 32 degrees F (0 degrees C)
System Compatibility and Use Context
SLABHARD® GUARD functions as a premium topcoat finish for polished concrete systems. It works seamlessly alongside Desert Polymer Flooring surface preparation cleaners and chemical strippers. For maximum gloss and surface hardness, install this protector over floors previously treated with SLABHARD® DENSIFIER XL. A waterproof barrier must be present beneath the concrete flatwork to prevent upward moisture migration.
Installation and Application Overview
Ensure concrete substrates are clean, structurally sound and free of bond breakers, curing agents or standing water. Apply the product in ambient temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees F. Use a low-pressure sprayer fitted with a 0.5 gallon per minute tip to apply a light spray, then immediately spread it evenly with a damp microfiber pad. Once tack-free, burnish the floor with a high-speed burnisher until surface temperatures reach 91 degrees F. Apply up to three thin coats for maximum gloss, burnishing between each application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for SLABHARD® GUARD to dry?
The product typically dries tack-free in 20 to 60 minutes. The surface is ready for traffic within one hour of final burnishing.
Can I use this product on exterior concrete?
No. This product is formulated exclusively for indoor use and should not be exposed to standing water.
Does this concrete protector reduce slip resistance?
No. The gloss and hardness achieved by the protector do not reduce the slip resistance of the concrete floor.
Do I need to dilute the product before application?
Don’t dilute the product when applying to cured or honed concrete. You may dilute one gallon of the product with up to one gallon of fresh water when applying to highly polished concrete.
How do I maintain a floor treated with this product?
Sweep the floor daily with a dry dust mop or microfiber pad. You can dry buff the surface with a high-speed burnisher to refresh the gloss when needed.
SLABHARD® is a shared product brand of Star Step Performance Coatings Group available through both Desert Polymer Flooring and Alta Paints Coatings, delivering high-performance flooring materials and the SLABSEAL™ AutoShield system.