Salt Retarder

Description

Salt Retarder is a water-repellent admixture that inhibits the penetration of salts and moisture when added to cement/sand renders. This 3-in-1 formulation provides water and salt resistance while also plasticising the mix. By using Tech-Dry Salt Retarder, there’s no need for separate plasticisers or waterproofing additives.

Recommended Uses

Use Salt Retarder as a water‑repellent admixture for cement/sand render after installing a silicone damp course to prevent residual salt and moisture migration. It also suits new walls, providing water and salt resistance to cement/sand render. Additionally, it can be used as a water-repellent admixture in cement/sand mortars.

Features

• Non-toxic water-based formulation.
• Improves workability of cement/sand renders.
• Increase adhesion of cement/sand renders.
• Reduces water penetration, efflorescence and water-borne staining.
• Does not significantly change vapour permeability of cement/sand renders.
• Easy to use and cost effective.

Use Instructions

As cement/sand renders vary significantly, a test MUST be carried out prior to application to find out the suitability of this product for the purpose.

Application

Please read the product information for the correct application and safe handling before use.

Use a cement‑to‑sand ratio of 1:3 for maximum effectiveness. Other ratios may be possible, but they can reduce the performance of Tech‑Dry Salt Retarder. Conduct trials to determine the most suitable ratio for each specific application.

Lime, plasticiser or other admixtures may be added but is NOT recommended.

Perform small‑scale trials before application to determine the most suitable render ingredients when using Tech‑Dry Salt Retarder.

For a typical mix containing 40 kg of cement and 120 kg of sand, follow this procedure:

• Measure 1 litre of Tech‑Dry Salt Retarder.
• Dissolve it in 20 litres of clean water.
• Blend the cement/sand render mix while adding the Salt Retarder solution.
• Add clean water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Dosage Rate

1 litre of Salt Retarder per 40kg of cement is recommended for a general cement/sand render mix. However, as masonry materials vary, dosage rate may vary significantly from 0.75 to 1.5 litres per 40kg of cement. The applicator should carry out trials to determine the best dosage rate for their particular application.

Pilot Testing and Quality Control

Please note that Salt Retarder may cause some property changes to the render mix. Tech-Dry Salt Retarder improves workability of the render but may cause the render mix to become too runny to work with. It may also slow the curing of the render mix particularly when the ambient temperature is low. Adjust the dosage or add compatible admixtures such as a cement accelerator to maintain water resistance, adhesion, and workability. Because masonry materials vary, conduct a small‑scale pilot test on site before application to confirm product suitability under different conditions.

Typical Data

• Appearance: Pale yellow clear liquid
• Solids content: <50% by weight
• Specific Gravity: 1.0 g/ml at 20 oC
• pH value: 8-9
• Solubility in water: Soluble in water
• VOC content: Nil
• Flash point: Not allocated

Important Note

Salt Retarder acts as a water‑repellent admixture by depositing hydrophobic materials into the render matrix without significantly blocking capillaries or affecting vapour permeability. It reduces water absorption through capillary action but offers limited resistance to water penetration under prolonged contact or hydrostatic pressure. In highly permeable renders or extreme wind‑driven rain, resistance to water penetration or water‑borne staining may be inadequate.

At temperatures below 10 °C, Salt Retarder may precipitate solids, but it re‑liquefies at higher temperatures over time. Store the product above 10 °C to prevent precipitation, and ensure it is in liquid form before adding it to render mixes.

Handling & Storage

Salt Retarder is classified as non‑hazardous. Follow good industrial hygiene practices when handling. Wear appropriate protection to avoid vapour inhalation and skin or eye contact, and wash hands thoroughly after use. Store the product in closed containers in a cool, dry place, away from fire or ignition sources, at temperatures preferably between 10 °C and 25 °C. Keep the product in its sealed original container to ensure a 12‑month shelf life.

Use with sufficient ventilation

Keep out of reach of children

Packaging

Salt Retarder is available in 5, 20 and 200 litre plastic drums.