Surface Hardener vs. Concrete Densifier: Which One Does Your Job Need?

Are you planning on laying fresh concrete at your next job? You’ll want to make sure that it can last, whether it’s inside or outdoors. And the simplest way to do this is with the right application of a concrete hardener or densifier.

Raw concrete on its own is porous and prone to chipping, cracking and wearing away. Let’s find out how applying a densifier or hardener can help, and which one of these is the right choice for your job.

What is the Difference Between a Concrete Surface Hardener and a Densifier?

Do you want concrete that is harder, or denser? If we’re going off their names, the benefit of either one could be helpful. And to make it a little more confusing, many in the industry will use ‘hardener’ and ‘densifier’ to refer to the same thing–a product that is applied after concrete has been laid to make it stronger and more resistant to damage.

Technically, this is the difference between these two products:

A hardener is a dry powder that, when sprinkled over the top of concrete that has just begun to set, will create a durable and long-lasting layer on the surface. Certain dry shake hardeners can also be used to add colour to concrete.

A densifier is a liquid that, when worked into the open pores of dry concrete, can make it more resistant to damage, stronger, and waterproof. They can be used on old concrete floors that have been cleaned and prepared.

Like we said, many will refer to both densifiers and hardeners under one term, with the most common being hardener. But for the purposes of this article, we will keep them separate.

You can shop for concrete hardener in Australia online or in-store at Australian Slate-Crete Supplies.

The Right Concrete Strengthening Product to Use For Your Project

Now that you know what each product is, which is the best one to add to your concrete? Here are some examples, and when and where you can add either concrete surface hardener or densifier.

Warehouse Floors

These large-scale worksites will have concrete surfaces that can be under an extreme amount of pressure from heavy machinery, repeated foot and vehicle traffic, and sudden impacts from falling products, tools and storage containers. It stands to reason that warehouse floors will definitely need some extra protection!

If you are creating a brand new industrial or warehouse district, then applying dry hardener at the same time is the easier option that also gives you the chance to add some colour if you like. Coloured concrete hardener can be useful for use as line markers, or to display logos and branding for areas where customers or other visitors may frequent.

If you want to strengthen the existing concrete floors, then you’ll have to add a densifier or look into a concrete sealer (which we’ll discuss later on in the blog). Adding a densifier can be hard in larger areas, as you need to thoroughly clean the floor and make sure it is free from defects before applying, which can mean a lot of work in an older warehouse.

Overall, we believe a hardener is the best choice for a warehouse’s concrete floor!

External Driveways

Your driveway acts as part of your home or business’s outdoor facade, so it’s important you keep it looking good. Plus, one that is cracked and chipped may cause damage to vehicles and pose a trip or slip hazard for people walking on it.

Most of us will inherit the driveway on our property when we buy it, so you’ll usually only have a densifier as your option, unless you are adding an extra driveway, in which case you could use a hardener instead.

Most homebuyers, unless they are building their own house, will need to opt for a densifier.

Pool Surrounds

Concrete is the material of choice for many of us when a pool is installed, thanks to its grip and ability to retain warmth. It’s especially suitable when aggregates are added! However, constant exposure to moisture, as well as the weather, means our poolside concrete can deteriorate if it isn’t given a helping hand.

If you are installing a brand new pool, then applying a hardener while it is still moist is the easier option. It’s also a great opportunity to add some classy colours to the surrounds, like white, cream, charcoal or even a shade like green.

Pools often serve as a focal point in backyards for entertaining and relaxing, so if you have the opportunity, we recommend using a hardener to strengthen your concrete pool surrounds while beautifying it at the same time.

You can learn more in our article on the ‘Top 9 Benefits of Using Coloured Concrete Hardener for Your Projects’.

Extra Concrete Tools and Accessories You May Need

Having the right tools is essential if you want to be able to really work your hardener or densifier into the open pores of your concrete. Make sure you have stiff, durable concrete brooms and squeegees ready to use, as well as a pressure washer.

Keep in mind that there are other ways to add some visual interest to your concrete! Browse our excellent range of concrete stencils and colour supplies for some inspiration.

New to concreting? Read our blog on ‘8 Hand Tools Melbourne Concreters Need To Have’ so you know exactly what gear you’ll need to buy or hire.

Sealer: The Other Way to Protect Your Concrete

Applying a hardener or densifier is a smart way to strengthen your concrete, but did you know there is another method you can try? Applying the right concrete sealer can result in your concrete gaining an additional protective layer that also has decorative properties.

Here at Australian Slate-Crete Supplies, we offer two different types of concrete sealers for our customers to choose from.

1. Solvent-based sealers: The high-gloss look of a solvent-based concrete sealer can make the existing colour of your concrete much richer and more eye-catching, making it a great choice for businesses or homes with concrete entertaining areas.

However, these types of sealers have a strong odour, are high in volatile organic compounds, and need to be disposed of carefully; otherwise they can do a lot of damage to the environment.

2. Water-based sealers: These types of sealers have a more matte, natural look, so if you like the way your concrete looks now, they won’t change it too much. (And don’t worry, you will be able to find high-gloss options too!) They are a much more eco-friendly option, and are easier to apply, making them a good option for DIYers.

Keep in mind that your concrete will need to be properly cleaned before adding a sealer, which may necessitate the use of some pretty strong cleaning chemicals. You can find a great range of high-quality concrete acids and cleaning chemicals at Australia Slate-Crete Supplies!

If you’d like to know more about these types of concrete sealers, please read our blog, ‘Water Based Concrete Sealers vs Solvent Based Concrete Sealers’.

Buy Quality Plain and Coloured Concrete Hardener at Australian Slate-Crete Supplies

If it’s coloured concrete hardener you have set your sights on, then you’re in luck. Australian Slate-Crete Supplies is one of the most reliable suppliers of concrete hardener in Melbourne, with our flagship hardener available in 25 beautiful colours. It will increase the MPa (Megapascal) of a concrete to above 90 after 28 days, which is pretty incredible when 40 is considered above average!

If you have questions about how best to protect and strengthen your concrete, our passionate team is ready to help. You can get in touch with us by calling 03 9408 7722 or emailing sales@australianslatecrete.com.au, and our team will do their best to help you choose the right concrete surface hardener, sealer, or other product for your needs.

Shop online or at our store in Epping, Monday through to Saturday. If Epping isn’t a location that’s easy for you to access, please see our list of distributors and find the one closest to you.