First Cut with Densifier — Grind and Densify Concrete Floors in One Consolidated Step
Consolideck® First Cut with Densifier is a water-based blend of surfactants and silicates formulated for application to concrete surfaces prior to and during wet-grinding. Designed for contractors performing wet-grind and power-trowel polishing work, it simultaneously acts as a grinding aid and a concrete hardener, eliminating the traditional requirement to wait for floors to be clean and dry before densifying. The result is a harder, denser surface after grinding with a significantly reduced overall project timeline.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Grind and densify floors in one consolidated step |
| Application Method | Wet-grind and power-trowel polishing |
| Speed Improvement | Wet-grind applications up to 40% faster |
| Container Size | 5 Gallon |
| Form | Clear, water-like liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.05 |
| pH | 11.3 |
| Weight per Gallon | 7.9 lbs |
| VOC Content | <0.5% |
| Flash Point | >212°F (>100°C) — ASTM D3278 |
| Freeze Point | 32°F (0°C) |
| Shelf Life | 2 years in tightly sealed, unopened container |
| Application Temperature Range | 40°F–90°F (4°C–32°C) |
| First Application Coverage | 300–600 sq. ft. per US gallon |
| Subsequent Application Coverage | 600–1,000 sq. ft. per US gallon |
| Dilution | Use as packaged — do not dilute |
| Item Number | 46078 |
| Manufacturer | PROSOCO, Inc. |
Unlike conventional densifiers applied after grinding, First Cut with Densifier combines surfactant and silicate technologies in a single product, enabling wet-grind applications to proceed up to 40% faster. This dual-action formulation lifts and suspends concrete slurry solids away from diamond tooling while simultaneously penetrating and reacting with the concrete surface — a combination not achievable with separate grinding aids or densifiers used independently.
Key Features & Benefits
Combined Grinding Aid and Densifier
First Cut with Densifier performs as both a surfactant-based grinding aid and a silicate-based concrete hardener in a single application step. Contractors eliminate the separate densification phase, reducing the number of passes and overall project labor.
Up to 40% Faster Wet-Grind Applications
By lifting and suspending slurry solids away from diamond tooling, the product clears the path for diamonds to remove concrete surface material more efficiently. This directly translates to faster bulk removal rates during grinding and a shortened overall project timeline.
Minimizes Scratches from Lower Grit Diamond Tooling
The formulation reduces scratches created during metal and lower grit resin-bound diamond tooling steps. Less scratch depth per pass means contractors spend less time at each grit level before progressing to the next stage.
Extends Diamond Tool Life
By suspending slurry solids and keeping them from interfering with diamond tooling, First Cut with Densifier reduces wear on diamond segments. Extended tool life lowers tooling costs across projects.
Ideal for Power-Trowel Polishing
The product is specifically formulated to support power-trowel polishing workflows, making it a practical fit for contractors working on large commercial slabs where trowel machines are standard equipment.
Penetrates and Hardens Quickly
First Cut with Densifier penetrates and reacts quickly to harden the concrete surface during the grinding process. This rapid reaction supports continuous workflow without extended wait times between steps.
Easier Post-Grinding Cleanup
The surfactant blend keeps slurry solids suspended rather than packed against the surface or tooling, making post-grinding cleanup easier and reducing time spent on site cleanup.
VOC-Compliant, Non-Flammable, Non-Toxic
With a VOC content below 0.5%, First Cut with Densifier complies with all national, state, and district VOC regulations. Its non-flammable and non-toxic classification simplifies handling and storage on job sites with strict safety requirements.
Common Applications
Wet-Grind Concrete Floor Preparation
Applied to concrete surfaces prior to and during wet-grinding to accelerate material removal and reduce scratch depth at each tooling stage.
Power-Trowel Polishing Projects
Specifically suited for power-trowel polishing workflows on new or existing concrete slabs, enabling simultaneous densification during the polishing process.
New Concrete Slabs
Works effectively on freshly placed concrete, allowing densification to be integrated into the initial grinding phase without waiting for a separate treatment window.
Existing Concrete Floors
Compatible with existing concrete surfaces, making it applicable for renovation, restoration, and re-polishing projects where densification is required alongside surface grinding.
Compatible Materials
- New concrete
- Existing concrete
Product Documents
- Product Data Sheet
- Product Data Sheet (Canadian French)
- Safety Data Sheet
- Safety Data Sheet (Spanish)
- SDS Canadian French
Application Instructions
Surface Preparation
- Protect all people, vehicles, property, plants, and adjacent surfaces from product splash and wind drift using polyethylene or other proven protective materials.
- Ensure all surfaces are clean and free of grease, oil, dust, dirt, and standing water before application.
- Confirm surface absorbency with a light water spray — the surface should wet uniformly. If not, use the appropriate PROSOCO surface preparation cleaner or mechanical process to remove remaining contaminants.
- Verify that surface and air temperatures are between 40°F (4°C) and 90°F (32°C) before beginning application.
Mixing and Dilution
- Do not dilute or alter the product. Use as packaged.
- Mix well before use.
Application
- Always test a small area of each surface first to confirm suitability, coverage rate, and desired results before overall application. Use the same equipment and procedures planned for the full job.
- Apply using a low-pressure sprayer, or pour directly from the container onto the floor and spread with a soft-bristled push broom.
- First Cut with Densifier can also be used with an autoscrubber.
- Apply only during wet-grinding. Do not allow the concrete to dry during the process.
Coverage Rates
- First application: 300–600 sq. ft. (28–56 sq. m.) per US gallon.
- Subsequent applications: 600–1,000 sq. ft. (56–93 sq. m.) per US gallon.
- Note: Variations in concrete quality, porosity, job-site conditions, temperature, and relative humidity will affect coverage rates and drying times.
Storage and Handling
- Store in a cool, dry place with containers tightly closed when not dispensing.
- Maintain storage temperature between 45–100°F (7–38°C).
- Do not double stack pallets.
- Dispose of unused product and container in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Shelf life is 2 years in a tightly sealed, unopened container stored upright in a dry place.
Safety Data Summary
Hazard Information
- Causes skin irritation (Skin corrosion/irritation Category 2)
- Causes serious eye damage (Serious eye damage/eye irritation Category 1)
- Slippery when spilled
- Do not allow into any sewer, on the ground, or into any body of water
- Incompatible with strong acids
Personal Protective Equipment
- Wear protective gloves
- Wear protective clothing
- Wear eye protection and face protection
- Wash face, hands, and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling
Safe Handling
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing
- Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place
- Keep out of reach of children
- If in eyes: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing; immediately call a poison center or doctor
- If on skin: wash with plenty of soap and water; if irritation persists, seek medical attention
- If inhaled: remove to fresh air
- 24-hour emergency information: INFOTRAC at 800-535-5053
- Business hours emergency: 785-865-4200 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST, Monday–Friday)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can First Cut with Densifier be used with dry grinding?
A: No. First Cut with Densifier is formulated for wet grinding only and should not be used in dry-grinding applications. Do not allow the concrete to dry during the process.
Q: Does First Cut with Densifier need to be diluted before use?
A: No. The product should be used as packaged without dilution or alteration. Mix well before use.
Q: What equipment can be used to apply First Cut with Densifier?
A: It can be applied with a low-pressure sprayer, poured directly from the container and spread with a soft-bristled push broom, or used with an autoscrubber.
Q: Is First Cut with Densifier suitable for both new and existing concrete?
A: Yes. The product works on both new and existing concrete surfaces.
Q: What are the coverage rates for First Cut with Densifier?
A: The first application covers 300–600 sq. ft. per US gallon. Subsequent applications cover 600–1,000 sq. ft. per US gallon. Actual coverage will vary based on concrete porosity, job-site conditions, temperature, and relative humidity.
Q: What temperature conditions are required for application?
A: Surface and air temperatures must be at least 40°F (4°C) and below 90°F (32°C) during application.