PT Efflorescence Remover (PTER) is a new cleaner designed for the removal of thin to moderately heavy deposits of concrete, mortar and grout without the use of corrosiveness of muriatic and other acids. Based on a highly concentrated blend of surfactants and salts, PTER has been used to remove ½ inch of cementitious materials from masonry and metal surfaces. PTER is significantly less corrosive than mineral acids, therefore enough material to remove stubborn deposits can be used without worries of damaging ferrous metal parts. Depending upon the temperature, type, hardness, age and thickness of the material to be removed, reaction times may range from 15 minutes to several hours. Current testing has not produced stains on metallic sensitive clay masonry however some color changes have been noticed of darkly colored concrete blocks. PTER is suitable for use on masonry as well as metallic surfaces found on concrete trucks, mortar mixers, grout pumps and similar equipment. PTER will etch cementitious materials and is not suitable for polished masonry surfaces.

This product is also highly effective at removing efflorescence from brick, stone, and other masonry surfaces. In many situations the substrate is saturated with salts. The surface is being cleaned and it is possible for the salts lying below to migrate to the surface unless the moisture issues pushing the salts out are addressed.

PREPARATION

Provide protection for foliage, pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Test all non-masonry surfaces for possible adverse reactions. Protect all surfaces and situations where damage may result from spillage or material drift. Conduct testing to determine the proper dilution requirement, application method and dwell time for each project.

APPLICATION

Masonry: To remove excess mortar and concrete splash, brush or spray properly diluted PTER on the material to be removed after pre wetting the surface with water. Heavy deposits can be spot treated without prewetting to encourage deeper penetration. Dwell times of up to one hour may be required depending upon conditions and method of removal. On softer masonry, extended dwell times will produce better results than using more aggressive rinsing methods. A thorough rinsing is required for all applications. Dilution ratios may be from zero to two parts water to one part cleaner.

Metallic Surfaces: For most grout and cement removals from equipment, PTER will be used undiluted. Do not prewet the surface. Apply PTER with acid brushes or low-pressure spray to the areas with contamination. Dwell times up to 24 hours may be required. In cold weather, move the equipment into a heated area during the dwell time. In certain cases, reapplication and an extended dwell time may be required. Rinsing may be done with hoses and stiff brushes or high pressure rinsing equipment. For some exceptionally heavy deposits, scrapping may be required.

Efflorescence Removal: PTER is very effective at dissolving efflorescence salts. Care must be taken so that the dissolved material does not migrate into the substrate rather than out of the substrate. Therefore, prewet the surface with water then apply the PTER to avoid saturation into the surface. Allow the product to dwell 15-20 minutes without drying then rinse lightly with clean water. DO NOT PRESSURE WASH. This may cause more efflorescence to rise to the surface. In extreme cases two to three applications of PTER may be necessary before rinsing with clean water.

TECHNICAL DATA

SAFETY

All applicators must wear OSHA recommended protective equipment. While PTER does not meet the classic definitions of DOT corrosive materials, the product does have a very low pH. Diluted and undiluted product can cause burns. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not ingest or inhale the cleaner, modify the cleaner with any material other than clean water or use the cleaner for any non-recommended purpose. Refer to the proper MSDS Sheet for treatment of persons exposed to or reacting to the cleaner.