Rapid Set® Cement All™ — FAQs
Concrete Repair with Cement All™, Non-Shrink Grout
How to repair concrete with Cement All™?
What is Rapid Set® Cement All™?
Is this a modified portland cement product?
How soon can Cement All™ be painted/coated/sealed?
Is a bonding agent necessary?
Can I blend other products with Rapid Set® Cement All™?
How thick can I apply this product?
Is Rapid Set® Cement All™ air entrained?
What are common applications for Rapid Set® Cement All™?
How do I mix it?
How do I place and finish it?
How do I cure Rapid Set® Cement All™?
How do I increase the working time?
Can I use color?
How do I prepare the surface?
Where can I purchase Rapid Set®?
How much do I need?
Can I use it in wet applications?
What is the shelf life?
Does temperature affect Rapid Set® Cement All™?
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A: Concrete repair begins with prepairing the concrete surface, roughen the concrete surface and remove all damaged or contaminated concrete. Make sure the concrete repair surface is not contaminated by oil, paint, acids, dirt or other materials that will prevent a good bond. Immediately prior to placement, saturate the concrete repair surface with water then remove any standing water. After preparing the concrete surface proceed by mixing the Cement All™ concrete. Once Cement All™ concrete is mixed place and strike-off to desired level. Rapid Set® is fast and does not bleed water so apply your final finish immediately after placing. Then, water cure Rapid Set® Cement All™ concrete repair area. The objective of water curing is to maintain a wet surface until the Cement All™ has achieved sufficient strength. Begin curing as soon as the surface has lost it's moist sheen and continue for a minimum of 1 hour.
Q: What is Rapid Set® Cement All™?
A:Rapid Set® Cement All™ is a blend of high-performance Rapid Set® Cement with fine graded sand. It provides rapid strength gain, high durability and low shrinkage. Use for grouting, anchoring, leveling, and general concrete repair. Simply mix with water and it will reach STRUCTURAL STRENGTH IN 1 HOUR!
Q: Is this a modified portland cement product?
A: No. The high-performance properties come from the Rapid Set® Cement in the mix.
Q: How soon can Cement All™ be painted/coated/sealed?
A: Rapid Set® reduces the waiting time prior to coating. Under dry conditions, water based coatings such as latex paint can be applied after the products is hardened and dry which usually takes 1 to 4 hours. Solvent based and impermeable coatings such as oil based paint and epoxy can be applied in 16 hours.
Experience has shown that some coatings can be applied in much less time. Follow the coating manufacturer's recommendations for surface condition.
Q: Is a bonding agent necessary?
A: Bonding agents are not required. Proper surface preparation is the main component in achieving a good bond. If bonding agents are desired, they should be used as a supplement to good surface preparation, not as a substitute.
Q: Can I blend other products with Rapid Set® Cement All™?
A: Blending with other products may give unpredictable results and is not recommended. The use of Rapid Set® approved additives and various colors are acceptable.
Q: How thick can I apply this product?
A: From 0 to 4 inches.
Q: Is Rapid Set® Cement All™ air entrained?
A: Rapid Set® Cement All™ is air entrained except for the product made in California.
Q: What are common applications for Rapid Set® Cement All™?
A: Rapid Set® Cement All™ is a multi-purpose product. The most common applications are concrete repair, grouting, anchoring, casting, and underlayments.
Q: How do I mix it?
A: Just add water. The use of a mechanical mixer such as a mortar mixer or drill mounted mixer is recommended. To maximize working time, organize work so that all people and equipment are in place before mixing.
Q: How do I place and finish it?
A: Using traditional methods, place and strike-off to desired level. Rapid Set® is fast and does not bleed water so apply your final finish immediately after placing. Organize your tools and people so you can work quickly.
On flat work, fill to full depth and proceed horizontally. Do NOT place in layers.
Q: How do I cure Rapid Set® Cement All™?
A: Water cure all Rapid Set® Cement All™ installations. The objective of water curing is to maintain a wet surface until the product has achieved sufficient strength. Begin curing as soon as the surface has lost it's moist sheen and continue for a minimum of 1 hour.
Q: How do I increase the working time?
A: You can increase the working time by lowering the mix temperature or using set retarding additives. Lower the mix temperature by keeping product cool and using chilled mix water. Set Control® additive will increase working time and is available through our Concrete Pharmacy®.
Q: Can I use color?
A: Yes. The color of Rapid Set® Cement All™ can be modified by using dry powder pigments designed for use in cement mixes.
Q: How do I prepare the surface?
A: Roughen the surface and remove all damaged or contaminated concrete. Make sure the repair surface is not contaminated by oil, paint, acids, dirt or other materials that will prevent a good bond. Immediately prior to placement, saturate the repair surface with water then remove any standing water.
Q: Where can I purchase Rapid Set®?
A: Rapid Set® products are available nationwide through contractor supply yards and home improvement centers.
Q: How much do I need?
A: One bag of Rapid Set® Cement All™ yields approximately 0.5 cubic feet. That's one square foot six inches deep. If you need an answer more specific to your application, contact us and we'll help you figure it out.
Q: Can I use it in wet applications?
A: Yes. Rapid Set® Cement All™ is made with Rapid Set® Cement which is a hydraulic cement. A hydraulic cement hardens under water.
Q: What is the shelf life?
A: When stored in a dry location, in an undamaged package, Rapid Set® Cement All™ has a shelf life of 12 months.
Q: Does temperature affect Rapid Set® Cement All™?
A: Cold temperatures will slow the setting time of Rapid Set® Cement All™ and warm temperatures will speed it up. Greater changes in temperature will have a more pronounced affect.