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Chemicals

Bonding agents, curing compounds, concrete admixtures, form release agents and specialist cleaners.

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Chemicals products

Chemicals buying guide

Curing compounds

Concrete and render that dry too fast never reach their design strength and craze at the surface. A curing compound holds moisture in the slab through the critical early period. If the slab is going to be tiled or coated later, use a dissipating or removable compound — a permanent curing membrane will prevent adhesive and coatings bonding, and grinding it off costs more than the compound saved.

Admixtures

Plasticisers let you reduce water while keeping workability, which raises strength and reduces shrinkage. Retarders extend working time in hot weather; accelerators speed set in cold. All are dosed by weight of cement in small quantities, and over-dosing has serious consequences — an over-dosed retarder can leave concrete soft for days. Measure precisely and follow the supplier's rate.

Bonding agents

Bonding agents create a key between old and new cementitious material. Some are applied and allowed to become tacky before the topping goes on; others must be wet. Getting this wrong means the topping bonds to a dry film rather than to the substrate. Read whether the product is a wet-on-wet or tacky-film system before starting, because the two are not interchangeable.

Safe handling and storage

Most construction chemicals are alkaline, acidic or solvent-based, and many are sensitisers that cause worse reactions with repeated exposure. Keep safety data sheets accessible on site, store products in their original labelled containers away from heat, keep acids and alkalis apart, and never mix products to see what happens. Dispose of surplus through a licensed waste contractor rather than down a site drain.

Frequently asked questions

Will a curing compound affect tiling later?
Yes, if it is a non-dissipating type. Either use a dissipating compound or plan to mechanically remove it before tiling.
Can I pour surplus chemicals down the drain?
No. Construction chemicals are regulated waste and must go through a licensed contractor. Discharging to stormwater carries significant penalties.

stocked at both jaden services trade counters — fairfield heights and prestons — with australia-wide delivery and trade pricing for regular accounts. Get in touch