1. Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure all Markham personnel understand the causes of whiting and gelling during product application and follow the correct application techniques to prevent product failure, surface staining, and safety hazards.

Correct application is essential to achieve the specified product performance and maintain warranty compliance.

2. Scope

This procedure applies to all applications of CONQOR and other Markham concrete treatment products.

It must be followed on all internal and external concrete slabs regardless of finish type.

3. Responsibility

All installers are responsible for:

• Assessing concrete absorbency before application.

• Applying products in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

• Monitoring product absorption throughout the application.

• Taking immediate corrective action if whiting or gelling occurs.

• Reporting any concerns to their Supervisor or Operations Manager.

4. What is Whiting?

Whiting is the formation of a white residue on the surface of the concrete after product application.

It occurs when product dries on the surface instead of penetrating into the concrete.

Whiting is primarily a cosmetic issue but may indicate incorrect application techniques.

5. What is Gelling?

Gelling occurs when excess product remains on the surface and forms a thick, sticky or gel-like layer instead of penetrating the concrete.

If not removed immediately, the gel can:

• Become a slip hazard.

• Dry and stain the concrete.

• Affect the appearance of the finished surface.

• Require additional cleaning or remedial work.

6. Common Causes

Whiting and gelling typically occur due to one or more of the following:

• Excessive product application.

• Product being applied faster than the slab can absorb it.

• Highly burnished or polished concrete surfaces.

• Cold ambient temperatures slowing absorption.

• Poor air movement or enclosed environments.

• Low concrete porosity.

• Failure to monitor slab saturation during application.

7. Prevention Procedure

Step 1 – Assess Concrete Absorbency

Before commencing work:

• Inspect the slab finish.

• Test the concrete absorbency in a small area.

• Identify burnished or low-porosity surfaces.

• Adjust the application method accordingly.

Step 2 – Apply Product Correctly

Apply multiple light coats rather than one heavy application.

Allow sufficient time between coats for the product to penetrate the concrete.

Avoid flooding the surface.

Important:

Higher spray pressure generally delivers greater product volume.

Reducing spray pressure and applying lighter coats provides better control and improves penetration.

Step 3 – Monitor the Surface

Continuously observe the slab during application.

If product begins to:

• Pool,

• Puddle,

• Gel, or

• Remain on the surface,

the slab may have reached its saturation point.

This is common on highly burnished concrete.

Do not continue applying product until the excess has been addressed.

Step 4 – Water Coat (Burnished Concrete)

For highly burnished exposed concrete:

Once product application has been completed:

• Apply a minimum of two water coats.

• Use a soft broom to evenly distribute the water.

• Break down any puddled product remaining on the surface.

This process assists product penetration and significantly reduces the likelihood of whiting.

8. Corrective Actions

If Product Begins to Puddle

Immediately:

• Stop applying product.

• Apply two light passes of clean water.

• Use a soft broom to distribute the water evenly across the slab.

• Continue brooming until excess product has dispersed.

If Gelling Occurs

If the product forms a gel:

• Remove it immediately using a suitable floor scrubber or scrubbing equipment.

• Do not allow the gel to dry.

• Continue cleaning until the surface is free from excess product.

Failure to remove gel promptly may result in permanent staining and create a slip hazard.

9. Additional Notes

Some highly burnished slabs may not absorb the required product volume during the initial visit.

If the specified spread rate cannot be achieved due to slab saturation:

• Record the actual application rate.

• Notify the Project Manager or Supervisor.

• Arrange a return visit if additional product application is required to achieve the specified coverage.

Do not exceed recommended application rates simply to achieve coverage in a single visit.

10. Quality Assurance Requirements

The installer must record:

• Concrete condition.

• Surface finish.

• Estimated absorbency.

• Product spread rate.

• Any instances of puddling, whiting or gelling.

• Corrective actions taken.

• Photographs where applicable.

All records must be included in the ITP and uploaded to the corresponding MJM project file.

11. Key Points to Remember

• Always test the concrete before commencing work.

• Apply multiple light coats rather than one heavy coat.

• Monitor the slab continuously during application.

• Never allow product to remain pooled on the surface.

• Apply two water coats to burnished concrete after application.

• Remove gel immediately to prevent staining and slip hazards.

• Record all observations and corrective actions as part of the project Quality Assurance documentation.