Product Data Sheet Safety Data Sheet Show all documents

Sika® Rugasol® MH

Concrete surface retarder for horizontal and vertical surfaces

Sika® Rugasol® MH is a surface retarder used mainly for on site exposed aggregate work. Sika® Rugasol® MH surface retarder is used to expose aggregate on formed Portland cement based concrete surfaces, both vertical and horizontal.

Sika® Rugasol® MH dries on the formwork to form a tough, water-insoluble, abrasion resistant film. It is not affected by light foot traffic or by light showers. Forms may be coated before or after erection. Reinforcing steel is placed as usual. The depth of retardation depends upon the thickness of the coating, the time elapsed before the retarder is removed, the cement content and the quantity of water in the mix. The ambient temperature will also affect the depth of retardation. Advantages:
  • It can provide a decorative architectural finish to precast or insitu concrete surfaces.
  • Can be applied to most types of clean formwork such as steel, timber, plywood, etc.
  • Can be used in conjunction with Rugasol® C to provide constant aggregate exposure to both vertical and horizontal surfaces.
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Product Data Sheet Safety Data Sheet Show all documents

Usage

Sika® Rugasol® MH provides an efficient, economical method of obtaining a rough bonding surface without the need of hacking, chipping or sandblasting. It can be painted directly onto formwork for:
  • Walls
  • Ceilings
  • Vertical construction joints
  • Precast panel
 

Advantages

Sika® Rugasol® MH dries on the formwork to form a tough, water-insoluble, abrasion resistant film. It is not affected by light foot traffic or by light showers. Forms may be coated before or after erection. Reinforcing steel is placed as usual. The depth of retardation depends upon the thickness of the coating, the time elapsed before the retarder is removed, the cement content and the quantity of water in the mix. The ambient temperature will also affect the depth of retardation. Advantages:
  • It can provide a decorative architectural finish to precast or insitu concrete surfaces.
  • Can be applied to most types of clean formwork such as steel, timber, plywood, etc.
  • Can be used in conjunction with Rugasol® C to provide constant aggregate exposure to both vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Packaging

10 litre container

Colour

Pale red liquid

Product Details

Product Information

Chemical Base

Solvent base emulsion

Shelf Life

Twelve (12) months from date of manufacture if stored as stated

Storage Conditions

Store at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C in unopened original containers, protected from direct sunlight and frost.

Density

1.05 kg/litre approx.

 
Technical Information

Specific Advice

For optimum results forms should be removed as soon as possible after the concrete is poured. Normally two days in warm weather and up to 3 days in cold weather. If the forms must remain in place longer, use two or even three coats of Sika® Rugasol® MH to ensure deep penetration. A sample slab should be made first to see if the effect given is that which is required.

Some of the soft cement paste will stick to the forms when shuttering is stripped. This can be removed, while still soft, by a light wire-brushing or with a high pressure water jet. Always clean off immediately after stripping the shutters as the soft cement paste soon hardens. The concrete should be kept moist and cured as usual. In special conditions ie. high cement contents, very hot weather etc., consult our Technical department. It is advisable to undertake a small test in all cases prior to use, as cements and conditions of use can change from site to site. When using untreated wood and porous forms for the first time we recommend a minimum of two coats of Sika® Rugasol® MH. This will impregnate the surface and aid in uniform exposure of the aggregates.

Depth of Etch: 3-5mm approx.

Application

Application Information

Ambient Air Temperature

10°C – 30°C
Consumption

Yield

4 – 5 m²/litre/coat
Application steps

APPLICATION

Sika® Rugasol® MH is ready to use straight from the container. It should be stirred before use and must not be diluted. Sika® Rugasol® MH can be applied to any type of clean form. Apply a heavy coat with a brush or roller, and allow to dry (normally 2 to 4 hours). Brushes and equipment can be cleaned before the material hardens, using Sika Thinner C. Mould oils should not be used on the forms. Coated surfaces should be protected from strong sunlight.

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