- Big Guy surface cleaner
- Hot water
- Areas where I overlapped turned dark grey
- No matter how many times I go over them after they dry the first time, they never go away
- Only happens on certain jobs...what the hell
There are a few reasons for the overlap marks: there is rust on the concrete or the concrete is fairly new and the top is soft.
My solution, while not eliminating lap marks, will make them less noticable: I go with the "grain" of the concrete. In other words, I run the surface cleaner in the same direction as the brushed surface of the concrete.
You’re biting into the concrete with your surface cleaner. This will not happen on every job. Are you using and acid based chemical? If you’re not the concrete is just sub-standard. That’s doesn’t mean we should not worry about this. Simply just test and area and let it dry before proceeding over the rest. These types of surface cleaners have no adjustment up and down? If they do raise the surface cleaner so your not getting as aggressive.
Sometimes when the damage is done theirs really nothing to do. If you find that no matter how many times you go over and theirs no change. The surface has been etched. Once you etch the surface the only way to get the other areas to match is etch those areas. I wouldn’t recommend that right now.
On concrete there is a cream about a 32second to a 1/16 of and inch. This cream is done when they finish the concrete. This cream is the first layer of protection.
Kris I still have some interesting things to tell you about surface cleaners. Call me or e-mail me your number.
I am not using any chemicals in the areas with the stripes, only hot water. I believe the factory nozzles are 15 degrees? Would it help if I change them to 25 degrees? Ron, you are right, there is no way to adjust the height. If I do the test area and it stripes, do you just recommend I don't do it?
Kris,
Are you sure that is not stained areas from tire tracks? I do a 50% overlap when doing drives and walks. Never have etched the concrete. I do know that certain stains that are there before the job just won't come out. Did the the customer notice the marks after you were done?
welcome Huey,
Gav here, from Coventry but living in Texas, contracting in Spain, well I'm jealous, its one of my favorite places, used to go with the lads, my father in law is from Dublin...God help me!
Gav
Hi Gav,
Im actually back in Dublin again to spread the good word about the wonderful world of PWing across this fair isle. Contractors here have a very limited choice of machines.
Anyhow, this is not the place to plug my company, but I will keep in touch.
I washed 3 other locations that day, and the first location was the only one with the stripes. I'd have to say it was definately the concrete pour. Thanks for all the input.