Ghostshield 8510 results

[Miller54z]

All,

I've been using the information gained through my research on this forum to complete several projects on our new machine shop, and I wanted to provide everyone with the results I achieved using the Ghostshield product on our concrete.

The plan is to have part of the shop floor remain bare concrete for a welding and grinding area (the rest will be covered with an epoxy coating). I also wanted to treat the exterior concrete surfaces to include the sidewalks and driveway. My goal is to protect the new concrete from the elements, abuse, and stains to keep them looking nice for as long as possible.

After extensively searching this board for knowledge and experience, I decided to utilize the Ghostshield 4500 densifier, followed by the Ghostshield 8510 solvent. First, I wanted to test the product to ensure it would not change the color or finish of the surface. Below are some pics of a test I did with a spot of 8510 on bare concrete, and what it looked like one minute, one hour, and one day after the application. It became clear (pun intended) that it would not change the look of the concrete:

 

[Miller54z]

The concrete was brand-new and I allowed it to cure for about 6 months before I started the process. I did not want to stain or otherwise discolor the adjacent epoxy flooring, so I masked the edges with some all-weather masking tape and painter's plastic from Home Depot. Here is what the floor looked like just prior to the application:

 

[Miller54z]

I decided to use a 5-gallon backpack pump sprayer, and it worked great for the densifier and the solvent. The densifier went down quickly and the new concrete soaked it up like a sponge. Despite ordering extra (about 200 sq ft more than the area calculated), it seems like I was stretching it a little thin to get everything covered. I allowed the densifier to dry for several days before moving onto the 8510. I did notice that after a brief rain, the densifier treatment seemed to repel the water, therefore I was already optimistic about the product.

Next, I applied the 8510 with the same sprayer. The concrete did not soak up the 8510 solvent very well, obviously because of the effect of the densifier in pre-sealing the concrete. Here is what the floor looked like after the Ghostshield application:

 

[Miller54z]

This is where I ran into some trouble. The product instructions specifically state not to let the 8510 pool on the surface (although it does not say why). Just like the densifier, I had ordered enough of the 8510 to cover the surface plus another ~200 sq ft. As I mentioned above, the concrete did not readily soak up the 8510 solvent after the densifier had been applied, so even a light application resulted in some pooling.

Not wanting to waste any of the product, I applied a second coat before the first had completely dried. This was a fairly heavy application which resulted in some more pooling. At the time, I figured more was better- right?

Upon completion of the final application, I let the product soak in for several hours. After about four hours, I noticed that some of the areas where puddles had formed were leaving a crusty white film behind on the concrete. I recalled the warning in the instructions, and thought it would be best to soak up some of these pools with a sponge to avoid having this crusty surface all over the floor. It worked to some extent, but as the product continued to dry, I noticed more and more of the white crust forming along the edges of the wet spots. It was starting to look like I had a mess on my hands.

It was becoming difficult to soak up with a sponge, so I decided to dry mop up the remaining wet spots and ring out any excess solvent in my mop bucket. This seemed to do the trick, and I was able to get rid of most of the crusty residue. At this point, I had to depart for a 3-day work trip, so I let the product cure while I was away.

When I got back, the surface was completely dry but there was still some of the white, crusty residue left behind. Furthermore, as I unmasked the epoxy floor, I noticed that the solvent had eaten right through the all-weather outdoor "premium" masking tape, and I noticed the same crusty residue had dried on the surrounding edge of the epoxy coating.

I was a little worried, but after some vigorous mopping with hot, soapy water I was able to scrub the residue off the concrete as well as from the epoxy surface. After it dried this time, the floors were 90% clean and just required some additional scrubbing in a few area.

Based on this experience, I would strongly recommend spraying one medium coat of the 8510 and not allowing any of the fluid to stand on the surface or form a puddle- otherwise you may be in for a lot of extra work.

 

[Miller54z]

Finally, I wanted to test the product to see how it would perform vs. an untreated concrete floor. I poured a pint of water onto the floor treated with the Ghostshield 4500 densifier and 8510 solvent, and at the same time poured a pint of water onto an adjacent concrete floor that was left untreated. Below are the pictures of the untreated concrete after the spill, then at one minute, ten minutes, thirty minutes, and one hour. Lastly, I included a couple pictures of what it looked like after wiping it up with a rag and the stain that was left behind:

 

[Miller54z]

In comparison, below I've attached the images from the same spill test on the floor treated with Ghostshield. You will notice a dramatic difference, as the water does not seem to be absorbed into the concrete at all. Even after more than an hour, the liquid easily wiped up with a rag, and I could barely tell where the water had been despite staring right at the spot up close:

 

[Miller54z]

Lastly, I wanted to show a couple pictures of the exterior concrete that was treated with Ghostshield. These were taken after a rain storm several months after the product had been applied. The pics clearly show how the surface now repels water and even dirt from truck tires:

 

[Miller54z]

Overall, I would say the product is impressive and would strongly recommend to help preserve bare concrete surfaces. I would also caution that you can overdo it with too much product, so to avoid extra work and clean up, stick to the manufacturer's instructions and don't put down to much. I have no illusions that the product will last forever (especially outdoors), and I will try to re-apply every 5 years or so (as per the manufacturer's warranty). If anyone has any questions, let me know.

 

[RPH]

Nice write up. I was just as impressed with the 8505 application I did. This stuff is great for working shops. I used aa long handled roller to minimize any puddling. No crusties on my application.

 

[Miller54z]

Thanks. Yeah, the roller may have been a better idea- I will definitely try that next time.

 

[RPH]

You will be impressed by the performance of the material. This is great for working garages.

 

[Miller54z]

You will be impressed by the performance of the material. This is great for working garages.

That's great to hear. Have you had to re-apply another coat over time, or has the original application held up well?

Thanks,

-Matt

 

[RPH]

Still on the original. Instructions said about ten years for commercial use so that may mean once in my life. Kids, that’s their issue.

 

[Quick240]

Thanks for the detailed write up! Considering these products myself so it's always good to see some real world results!

 

[Armorpoxy]

Hi
Sometimes even with the best technique some pooling can occur and we find a microfiber mop works well to handle those areas for our Ghostshield customers.

 

[Miller54z]

Hi
Sometimes even with the best technique some pooling can occur and we find a microfiber mop works well to handle those areas for our Ghostshield customers.

Yeah, it wasn't a huge deal- it just required several additional hours of work to clean up the residue. I do wish that the instructions were a little more specific to say that any liquid that is not absorbed into the concrete can lead to this opaque film crusted to the surface. I wish I had taken a few pictures, but I wanted to get it scrubbed off as quickly as I could so I forgot.

In any case, I am very happy so far with the overall results, and the people at Armorpoxy were very helpful in answering my questions about the product (although I wish they would have mentioned the importance of mopping up excess solvent ).

-Matt

 

[Garage Flooring]

This is where I ran into some trouble. The product instructions specifically state not to let the 8510 pool on the surface (although it does not say why). Just like the densifier, I had ordered enough of the 8510 to cover the surface plus another ~200 sq ft. As I mentioned above, the concrete did not readily soak up the 8510 solvent after the densifier had been applied, so even a light application resulted in some pooling.

Not wanting to waste any of the product, I applied a second coat before the first had completely dried. This was a fairly heavy application which resulted in some more pooling. At the time, I figured more was better- right?

Upon completion of the final application, I let the product soak in for several hours. After about four hours, I noticed that some of the areas where puddles had formed were leaving a crusty white film behind on the concrete. I recalled the warning in the instructions, and thought it would be best to soak up some of these pools with a sponge to avoid having this crusty surface all over the floor. It worked to some extent, but as the product continued to dry, I noticed more and more of the white crust forming along the edges of the wet spots. It was starting to look like I had a mess on my hands.

It was becoming difficult to soak up with a sponge, so I decided to dry mop up the remaining wet spots and ring out any excess solvent in my mop bucket. This seemed to do the trick, and I was able to get rid of most of the crusty residue. At this point, I had to depart for a 3-day work trip, so I let the product cure while I was away.

When I got back, the surface was completely dry but there was still some of the white, crusty residue left behind. Furthermore, as I unmasked the epoxy floor, I noticed that the solvent had eaten right through the all-weather outdoor "premium" masking tape, and I noticed the same crusty residue had dried on the surrounding edge of the epoxy coating.

I was a little worried, but after some vigorous mopping with hot, soapy water I was able to scrub the residue off the concrete as well as from the epoxy surface. After it dried this time, the floors were 90% clean and just required some additional scrubbing in a few area.

Based on this experience, I would strongly recommend spraying one medium coat of the 8510 and not allowing any of the fluid to stand on the surface or form a puddle- otherwise you may be in for a lot of extra work.

Finally, I wanted to test the product to see how it would perform vs. an untreated concrete floor. I poured a pint of water onto the floor treated with the Ghostshield 4500 densifier and 8510 solvent, and at the same time poured a pint of water onto an adjacent concrete floor that was left untreated. Below are the pictures of the untreated concrete after the spill, then at one minute, ten minutes, thirty minutes, and one hour. Lastly, I included a couple pictures of what it looked like after wiping it up with a rag and the stain that was left behind:

In comparison, below I've attached the images from the same spill test on the floor treated with Ghostshield. You will notice a dramatic difference, as the water does not seem to be absorbed into the concrete at all. Even after more than an hour, the liquid easily wiped up with a rag, and I could barely tell where the water had been despite staring right at the spot up close:

Lastly, I wanted to show a couple pictures of the exterior concrete that was treated with Ghostshield. These were taken after a rain storm several months after the product had been applied. The pics clearly show how the surface now repels water and even dirt from truck tires:

Great write up. A couple of things I want to mention here -- more for the sake of the next person to come along.

8510 Has two application methods. In most cases we suggest the flood coat method. A link to that method can be found on our 8510 product page or downloaded directly here: https://www.garageflooringllc.com/images/8510-Modified-Floor-Coat-Application.pdf

The standard application would be two coats wet on wet. Flood coat is exactly what it sounds like.

Another thing to consider is you don't get full protection for 7 days after. That's when you really see the beading effect.

4500 (and 8505) is really a stress point. You cant let any sit on top