Mystery liquid question that hardens portland cement FAST

jay24k · #1 04/05/2007, 03:54 PM

I used to buy this liquid from a store local but the owner went out of business so I'm unable to get any anymore. Does anyone know what possibly could do the same thing?

I was told possibly a calcium mix might do it. Basically you mix this with portland cement and it turns into a putty form. It dries fairly quickly and turns hard as cement. Corraline covers it as if it was normal rock.

Here is the link to where he used to sell it locally at a store. He said he invented it but I'm sure it is something pretty simple. I've used a ton of it and it works well.

fishmanblue · #2 04/05/2007, 05:56 PM

it sounds like calcium cloride that the cement companies use to harden cement in cold temps.

jay24k · #3 04/05/2007, 06:53 PM

Will any calcium chloride work? like the one in 2 part?

RicksReefs · #4 04/05/2007, 07:35 PM

yup, we used to use pool calcium (which just happened to be dowflake) to speed up the cure. basically, it's the heat generated that quickens the cure, but you'll end up with weak crete if you use to much.

jay24k · #5 04/05/2007, 07:52 PM

Yea I have a bunch of calcium. I'm kind of shocked because it's sold for 8 bucks for 8 oz and I can make 4 gallons for 8 bucks lol.

Thanks guys. Gonna give it a whirl.

RicksReefs · #6 04/05/2007, 11:26 PM

mix the dry calcium into the already mixed crete a few minutes before your ready to mold, it can start to set fast.

jay24k · #7 04/06/2007, 10:37 PM

Did you wet the crete with water and then mix the dry calcium? I was just going to make some calcium liquid and then use that onto the powder portland cement.

RicksReefs · #8 04/07/2007, 07:16 AM

you need to mix the crete up normally then add the calcium powder to the mix just before use. you may end up with unworkable/partially hardened crete if you work it in to soon. if you make up a liquid before hand, then the calcium has already reacted and there'll be no heat released when added to the mix.