FAQ
Below is a table of minimum and maximum thickness for Phoscrete concrete formulas. Same applies when using our Endure admixture. Note Phoscrete F3-VO can be feather-finished.
min | max | |
F1-HC | 2" (5cm) | None |
F3-HC | ½" (1cm) | None |
F3-VO | Feather | None |
The fibers blended in the HC bag mixes are resin coated basalt macrofibers. The coating prevents liquid absorption during mixing.
Phoscrete's two HC products (F1 & F3) contain fibers while F3-VO does not include fibers. The rigid fibers tend to poke through gloves when hand-packing.
Phoscrete recently changed our lot numbering system.
For products produced after November 9, 2022 [221109]:
[PNX-YYMMDD-LBB] is now the format for all Phoscrete products. YYMMDD is the "born-on-date." PNX is the product code and LBB is the production batch.
For products produced prior to 11/09/22, contact Phoscrete installation support for help.
Visit Phoscrete Best Practices - Labels, Shelf Life and Disposal for more details, and for shelf life and safe disposal information.
When stored properly:
Phoscrete Dry Mixes: 2 years
Phoscrete Liquid Activator: 1 year
Phoscrete Endure: 18 months
Aquaphalt: 1 year
Visit Phoscrete Best Practices - Labels, Shelf Life and Disposal for shelf life and safe disposal information.
While not designed as a water stop, there are techniques for underwater Phoscrete installation. Contact us to discuss your application.
Phoscrete's exothermic reaction can get hotter than 165°F (73.89°C). The mixed material "kicks" at around 115°F. These max and setting temperatures are influenced by the ambient temperature and the temperature of the substrate.
Yes! Phoscrete concrete formulas can be installed in lifts whether horizontal, vertical, or overhead. Phoscrete bonds so strong to itself wet or cured, it's practically monolithic. On horizontal installations, leave 1/2" to 1" depth for the final lift, taking care to finish level to the adjacent pavement. To get the best finish, allow time for the material to cool before placing the final lift.
The freezing point of Phoscrete F1 MALP-Series Activator is minus -20°F (-28.89°C). F1 will mix, activate, and set in sub-freezing temperatures. Use Phoscrete Fast-Set Admix to speed set times in cold temperatures.
Phoscrete F3 MKP-Series concrete formulas are water-activated, so sub-freezing installations are not recommended unless you can keep the water warm before mixing.
In hot temperatures, cool water [F3] or activator [F1] on ice to extend the working time. Use Phoscrete Slow-Set Admix to extend working times in hot temperatures.
Phoscrete bonds directly to clean, dry concrete. For high stress applications, use Phoscrete Primer and install a thin layer bond coat and then install Phoscrete.
Yes, and vice versa too! The Phoscrete to Phoscrete bond is practically monolithic!
Phoscrete stops rust on contact. Phoscrete also bonds to metal. At minimum remove all loose scales and replace any rebar that is no longer structurally sound. Anti-corrosion primers are not recommended.
Sandblasting is not required, but it always improves the bond by removing rust from rebar and residue from concrete. Sandblasting is recommended for oil-contaminated concrete.
Yes, but Phoscrete Formula 1 requires a dry substrate. Phoscrete Formula 3 bonds better to dry concrete. Use a propane torch and lightly kiss the prepared substrate to evaporate surface moisture before placing Phoscrete.
Always wear proper PPE when working with any concrete products! Read our safety data for proper handling. The exothermic temperature can get hot at 165°F (73.89°C) - do not touch it until it cools. Mixed Phoscrete has low pH (acidic). Phosphoric acid is considered corrosive, but not as caustic as the high pH (alkaline) mixes of ordinary Portland cement concretes. In normal use Phoscrete won't penetrate your jeans and burn your skin.
Yes and no. Phoscrete Dry Mix formulas do not include free, crystalline silica, the stuff OSHA warns about. That means the micro particles are not floating around when you open or mix a bag. However, Phoscrete contains alumino-silicate aggregates and other fine powders. So, it is always safe and best to wear particle filtration masks and all recommended PPE when working with any concrete products. Most important, free silica is released when performing demolition on existing concrete structures, and when grinding hardened Phoscrete.
Store Phoscrete Dry Mix formulas indoors, preferably in a humidity-controlled space. The dry mix bags are poly-lined paper and when properly stored will deliver a 2-year shelf life.
Formula 1 (MALP) Liquid Activator is packaged in HDPE jugs (4 to a box) and should be stored to avoid extreme temperature changes. When properly stored, the shelf life of Phoscrete Activator is 1 year.
Phoscrete Endure is packaged in water-tight PET jugs, metal drums, and totes. Store indoors and ensure the temperature does not fall below 41°F (5°C). When properly stored, the shelf life for Phoscrete Endure is 18 months. If you observe separation in Endure, mix/agitate the container to re-blend the components without concern for loss of efficacy.
Bucket Mixing
Phoscrete full kits mix well using standard 5-gallon buckets. When using the Endure Admix, the mixed material quickly flows out of the bucket leaving the bucket clean for the next mix. Two kits of Phoscrete concrete formulas can be mixed at once using an 8-gallon bucket (available from Phoscrete link). For best performance, Phoscrete recommends using the Phoscrete Urethane Auger Mixer (link) to quickly mix Phoscrete concrete formulas. The mixed material does not stick to the urethane, so it is very fast to mix multiple kits and also easy clean up.
Use a powerful drill mixer that is designed for mixing, not just drilling, Both the Bosch GB-9M and the Collomix XO have been tested and approved for use by Phoscrete. Note Phoscrete offers a version of our auger mixer with a notch cut to fit the Collomix motors.
Mortar Mixer
You can mix and place up to 8 kits of Phoscrete Formula concretes using a paddle-style mortar mixer. Phoscrete tested and approves use of the Whiteman WM70PH8 Polyethylene-Drum Mortar Mixer with rubber-tipped paddles for quick mixing and placement when working in larger volumes. Be sure to cool the Liquid Activator in Formula 1-HC on ice or to a maximum temperature of 40°F to provide enough time to mix, place and finish. Phoscrete Formula 1-HC Liquid Activator can be supercooled down to 0°F (-17.78°C) in a chest freezer for even more working time. Mix Phoscrete Formula 3E-HC kits with icy water to maximize working time in hot weather.
Pumping/Spraying
Contact Phoscrete to discuss large volume pumping and shotcrete applications.
Finishing
Finish Phoscrete using standard concrete finishing tools. Phoscrete recommends Kraft Tools' polymer concrete float for the best finish because Phoscrete concrete formulas do not stick to plastics. When working with Phoscrete Formula 3-VO, use a tight weave stucco sponge to get the best finish on vertical and overhead structures.
Good question! Phoscrete bonds to concrete, to itself, to metal, and to wood. Phoscrete does not bond to plastics, including urethane and polystyrene foam board. Apply urethane paint to wood forms for slip-casting. You may also use release agents like superlube on wood forms for quick release but consider if you intend to bond more Phoscrete after removing the form, the release agent will break the bond.
Foam board is recommended for establishing the joint gap in when installing expansion joints. When working with Endure Admix (Formula 1 and Formula 3), Endure will dissolve polystyrene, so prior to placement, apply tape (e.g. painters, duct) where Phoscrete will meet the foam board.
Yes, you can use polystyrene foam board (blue board). It will not melt at the max temperature of the Phoscrete exothermic reaction [approx. 170°F (76.67°C)]. Per the question above, Foam board is recommended for establishing the joint gap in when installing expansion joints.
However, when working with Endure Admix (Formula 1 and Formula 3), Endure will dissolve polystyrene, so prior to placement, apply painters' tape (blue tape) where Phoscrete will come in contact with the foam board.
It depends. The short answer is, Phoscrete Formula 1-HC is traffic ready in 1-hour and Phoscrete Formula 3-HC is traffic ready in 3-hours.
FHWA advises concrete repair materials to achieve a minimum of 2500 psi before you can open a lane to traffic. Some states' specifications require higher compressive strength. For example, SCDOT calls for 3600 psi and testing of 4x8 cylinders (ASTM C-39)
Phoscrete Formula 1 (MALP-Series) achieves 4000 psi compressive strength in 30 minutes and 5000 psi in 1 hour when the temperature of the Dry Mix and Liquid Activator are both 70°F (21°C).
Phoscrete Formula 3 (MKP Series) reaches 3000 psi in 2 hours and 4000 psi in 3 hours when the Dry Mix and Water are 70°F (21°C).
Phoscrete sets faster in warmer temperatures and slower in colder temperatures. Use Phoscrete Fast-Set Admix to speed the set time and use Phoscrete Slow-Set (plus cool the activator/water) to extend the working time.
Use water to easily clean tools and buckets and clothes and boots. For the best results, clean everything right after use. Clean hands with soap and water.
That all depends on how local you are to our stocking locations. Our headquarters is in Pompano Beach Florida, and we maintain some inventory for local customers. We have some stocking distributors. Mostly we ship material to our customers.
Visit our Contact page to see our stocking locations, or to place an order for fresh and fast delivery.
In addition to our flagship concrete repair products, Formula 1-HC, Formula 3-HC, and Formula 3-VO, Phoscrete also distributes the following products and tools:
Products
- Phoscrete Endure, SME-PS non-film-forming concrete durability enhancer
- Aquaphalt fast asphalt patch
- ATC JF flexible joint filler for control joints
- Willseal open cell foam expansion joint sealants
Tools
- Phoscrete urethane auger mixers
- Bosch GBM-9-16 mixing drills
- Makita cordless pencil vibrators
- Kraft Tools orange thunder plastic trowels
- Coleman 150 quart insulated coolers
Phoscrete is rarely the lowest cost per pound concrete material. However, Phoscrete is often the lowest in-place cost, and lowest lifecycle cost concrete.
Our sales engineering team is happy to help you determine the volume of material you need for a particular project, and help you make an informed decision whether Phoscrete is a good fit for your concrete repair work.
End-user prices, including material coverage, are posted in the Products area of our website.
For large volume applications or assistance comparing the different phoscrete product options, Contact us.