What is a densifier and how does it work?

A concrete densifier is a liquid chemical spread evenly across the floor that penetrates the top surface layer of concrete. Its purpose is to fill the porous holes formed from water evaporation during the curing process, similar to how water fills the pores of a sponge.

A densifier works by penetrating into the surface of the concrete and fusing the inert compounds and sand particles into a crystalline bond. By bonding these loose and weak materials more tightly together, the surface density and abrasion resistance of the concrete surface is greatly increased.

Chemical densifiers are used on polished as well as non-polished concrete to reduce dusting and to make the surface less permeable to liquid spills.

Densifiers Help Polished Concrete Really Shine

Contractors use densifiers on polished concrete to achieve a better shine. Polishing works by smoothing out peaks and valleys in the surface. It is done with a systematic application of diamond grit pads starting with a course grit and moving to very fine grit.

If the concrete is too porous, this abrasion process can remove micro-chunks that decrease the surface uniformity and quality of shine. A densified concrete surface is less easily damaged by micro-scratches because the pores are filled and the loose particles inherent in all concrete are chemically adhered together by crystal growth.

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