brighter concrete solution?

[detailpowerwash]

I know there are lots of solutions but I'm trying to keep it basic , my customers are impressed alone with just running my hammer head but additionally I'd like to brighten it up some without getting to technical...I've seen somewhere a mixture of bleach/dawn and water prior to washing is good? Any suggestions?? Thanks!

 

[Larry Millette]

Ds'ing is good before and helps/makes it easier to remove the mold, dirt, stains etc...We always reapply a second coat after rinsing. This helps to ensure that any remaining mold spores are dead and also brightens the concrete a bit more.

 

[Doug Rucker]

Ds'ing is good before and helps/makes it easier to remove the mold, dirt, stains etc...We always reapply a second coat after rinsing. This helps to ensure that any remaining mold spores are dead and also brightens the concrete a bit more.

What he said.....

 

["Red"]

What he said.....

What he said about what Larry said.

 

[Matty P]

We use old house mix. Whatever small amount that is leftover goes in a bucket just for concrete. If it seems week I'll add a little SH and that's it.

 

[detailpowerwash]

Hahaha ...also I have to jump on these code words since I'm new here

 

[Pat Norman]

Hahaha ...also I have to jump on these code words since I'm new here

SH usually means bleach.
12.5% commercial bleach to be exact. Larry is talking about downstreaming a housewash mix. Housewash mix is usually a five gallon bucket 1/2 bleach 1/2 water or stronger and soap or detergent commonly Simple Cherry bought from Pressure Tec.

 

[detailpowerwash]

SH usually means bleach.
12.5% commercial bleach to be exact. Larry is talking about downstreaming a housewash mix. Housewash mix is usually a five gallon bucket 1/2 bleach 1/2 water or stronger and soap or detergent commonly Simple Cherry bought from Pressure Tec.

Thanks for that reply. Helps me get in the groove of things here! I have a feeling I'm gonna like this forum!

 

[detailpowerwash]

Ds'ing is good before and helps/makes it easier to remove the mold, dirt, stains etc...We always reapply a second coat after rinsing. This helps to ensure that any remaining mold spores are dead and also brightens the concrete a bit more.

Sounds good ....ill keep this in mind next time I'm out!! Thanks!!

 

[814jeffw]

Although the liquid hypo mix will make easier and faster cleaning,....the brightening you're maybe looking for will come from an application of oxalic,...mix 1 cup per gallon and downstream. Will make concrete about 2 times brighter and also has a bleaching affect of it's own to help hide some stains.

Jeff

 

[Rance]

Although the liquid hypo mix will make easier and faster cleaning,....the brightening you're maybe looking for will come from an application of oxalic,...mix 1 cup per gallon and downstream. Will make concrete about 2 times brighter and also has a bleaching affect of it's own to help hide some stains.

Jeff

Jeff , what effects will the oxalic have on black top pavement? A lot of times you have a concrete sidewalk with a black top parking area.

 

[Steven Rowlett]

I can answer that. The oxalic will make the black top white. The best thing to do is rinse the black top as soon as it hits the black top.

 

[814jeffw]

Yes, also most likely any blacktop will already be wet from the cleaning itself,...and if not get it wet first and then apply oxalic to concrete and then rinse off right away,..as mentioned above.

Jeff

 

[al9226]

Yes, also most likely any blacktop will already be wet from the cleaning itself,...and if not get it wet first and then apply oxalic to concrete and then rinse off right away,..as mentioned above.

Jeff[/QUOTE

Oxalic acid is the way to go. Mix it at one cup per gal. and put it in a pump sprayer. Put it down when you're done and walk away. It brightens it lighter than new. It will also remove light rust like the iron deposits from watering with shallow well water.

 

[detailpowerwash]

Thanks for all the suggestions I'll try the 1cup to a gallon method!

 

[jeffnc226]

I'm assuming oxalic has no effect on grass?

 

[Larry Millette]

I'm assuming oxalic has no effect on grass?

Yes it does. Keep the edging wet. It WILL burn grass if your not careful.

 

[dave mac]

I always herd a pound of oxalic per gallon, how do you get it disolve

 

[al9226]

I always herd a pound of oxalic per gallon, how do you get it disolve

It actually mixes well. Start with warm (not hot) water.

 

[jeffnc226]

Yes it does. Keep the edging wet. It WILL burn grass if your not careful.

So basically what you're saying is keep the grass wet in the area near the edges of the driveway, and you should be OK?