Concrete Floor Hardener & Densifier — Silicate Densifiers, GH8080

How a silicate densifier works

As cement hydrates, it leaves calcium hydroxide (free lime) in the pores of the concrete. This lime adds no strength and is the main source of surface dusting. A silicate densifier penetrates the capillary pores and reacts with the free lime to form calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), the same binding phase that gives concrete its strength. The pores fill from the inside, and the surface layer becomes one hard, dense body with the slab. It is not a coating that sits on top and can peel off.

What it improves

Surface hardness and abrasion resistance: less wear from forklifts and foot traffic;
No more dusting: free lime no longer works loose from the surface;
Lower porosity: water, oil and spills penetrate less, so the floor is easier to clean;
A better base for polishing: densified concrete takes a higher, longer-lasting gloss when ground and polished.

It is used on new floors, once the slab has cured enough, and on existing floors that have started to dust or wear. Typical sites are warehouses, factories, car parks, logistics centres, retail and commercial spaces.

Our products

Product	Basis	Use
GH8080 concrete hardener	Inorganic silicate	A ready-made penetrating hardener and densifier for concrete floors
GHSL lithium silicate	Lithium silicate, modulus 2.5–4.8	Raw material for formulators who make their own densifier
Potassium silicate	Potassium silicate	An alternative or blending silicate for floor hardeners

GH8080 appearance: Colourless, odourless, transparent to slightly turbid liquid
pH: ≈ 11
Dilution: Miscible with water in any proportion
Packaging: 25 kg / 140 kg drums, or to order
Storage: 5–35 °C, ventilated, out of direct sunlight; shelf life 6 months
Classification: Non-hazardous for transport, non-flammable; SDS available

Lithium, potassium or sodium silicate?

Floor densifiers are made from sodium, potassium or lithium silicate. Lithium silicate is the most widely chosen for finished floors. It reacts cleanly in the surface layer and leaves little residue, and it has the lowest tendency to efflorescence, the white bloom that sodium silicate can leave behind. Potassium silicate sits between the two and is also used, alone or blended.

Application notes

The concrete must be clean, sound and free of curing compounds, sealers, oil and laitance so that the product can penetrate.
Apply evenly, and keep the surface wet with product long enough for it to soak in.
Remove any excess before it dries on the surface. Dried excess can leave a white residue.
On polished floors, the densifier is usually applied between grinding and polishing steps.

Coverage depends on the slab: porosity, age, finish and any earlier treatment all change how much hardener a floor will take. Tell us about your floor and we will recommend a rate. Always test a small area first, especially on old floors with unknown treatments.

Frequently asked questions

What does a lithium silicate concrete densifier do?

It penetrates the concrete and reacts with the free lime inside to form calcium silicate hydrate. That makes the surface harder, stops dusting, and reduces how much liquid the floor absorbs.

Can it be used on old concrete floors?

Yes. It works on both new and existing floors, provided the surface is clean and open enough for the product to penetrate. Remove old sealers or coatings first.

Is a densifier the same as a floor coating?

No. A coating forms a separate film on top. A densifier reacts inside the concrete and becomes part of it, so it cannot peel or flake.

Lithium, potassium or sodium silicate — which is best for floors?

Lithium silicate is the usual first choice for finished floors because it leaves little residue and has the lowest efflorescence risk. Potassium silicate is also used, alone or blended. Sodium silicate is cheaper but more prone to white residue. We supply lithium and potassium silicate.

Concrete floor hardener and densifier