Will Bond Breaker Inhibit Stain Reaction?

Question:
We have a project where the owner would like to install a stained concrete floor in the lobby of an office. Tilt-up wall panels will be cast on the floor slab, and the contractor is concerned the bond breaker will inhibit stain reaction. Can you please review and give recommendations?

Answer:
Tilt-up construction usually requires applying a bond breaker (a low-solids resin) to the slab on which the panels will be cast. If applied at the right coverage rate, the bond breaker will exhibit very little transfer to the base slab. However, any that does remain can inhibit the stain from reacting.

Zep® Industrial Purple Cleaner, available at Home Depot, does a great job of removing most bond breaker residue that remains on the surface. A bit of scrubbing with a broom or walk-behind floor scrubber helps to loosen and remove the resin. (For more information, visit www.zepcommercial.com). To make sure no bond breaker residue remains after cleaning, spray the entire area with water. If the water beads up on the surface, more cleaning will be needed. Once you’re sure all the bond breaker is gone, apply a stain sample to the surface to see how well the stain reacts and to allow all parties to agree on the final color.