The cause of many concrete penetration problems is most likely plasticizer migration. Plasticizers are chemicals added to plastics, vinyl, and rubber to make them softer and more flexible. The softer or more flexible the material, the more plasticizer it contains. Since rubber mats are fairly flexible, they contain a lot of plasticizer. Over time, the plasticizers migrate out of the rubber or plastic and are absorbed into surrounding materials (in this case, your concrete floor). Heat and pressure can speed the process. Since concrete is porous like a sponge, plasticizers migrate into the pores easily, filling them with small amounts of plastic that inhibit the penetration of water or stains. That’s why on this project the stain was lighter only in those areas where the mats had been laying for years.
Unfortunately, removing plasticizers from concrete is very difficult. A good degreaser or stripper can be used if the problem is detected prior to staining. If stain has already been applied, a dye or color wash can be put down to help darken the color in the affected areas. If the area has already been sealed, try applying a tinted sealer. Be sure to soften the edges of the tinted sealer to avoid turning a lighter color problem into a darker color problem.
Advantage Chemical Coatings can help with concrete floor coating problems, with innovative, industrial strength epoxy coating materials like Advacoat polyaspartic garage floor coating. With over 45 years of combined experience in the concrete coating industry, ACC is backed by a technical team with superior product knowledge and skill. ACC has an unrivaled understanding of what the finished product needs to be, ensuring 100% customer satisfaction from concept to completion.
