How To Wet Cure Concrete

How do you wet cure concrete? There are a number of different methods to wet cure concrete effectively. What method you use depends on the type of concrete project you have. If you are working with a concrete slab or sidewalk, you may want to use a plastic tenting method. If your project is a much smaller scale, for example a concrete garden plaque or small stepping stone, you could wet cure the piece fully submerged in water. Learn why wet curing is good for concrete and how to do a wet cure process - when to start it, how long it takes, is there any real benefit, and see a quick demonstration. A concrete mix (cement, sand, gravel, and water) uses the water component to begin the actuation or hardening process of the portland cement. Through this chemical process, along with regular evaporation, the water is used up from within the concrete. Water lost too quickly puts stress on the newly hardening concrete that it can not withstand and will often begin to crack. Wet curing prevents water loss and gives the chemical process of actuation the moisture content it needs to cure the concrete to its fullest strength. Concrete that has not been wet cured will still be very strong, but it is more likely to fail early compared to concrete that has been wet cured. There are certain types of concrete, more specifically concrete admixtures and additives, that should not be subjected to wet curing methods. Often, when an acrylic or latex admixture has been added to the concrete mixture, it is not wet cured because they need to dry initially in order to work properly. Wet curing will substantially increase the finished strength of most concrete projects, regardless of the size. It is not suitable for all concrete applications, but is well suited for concrete castings, smaller concrete statuary and other items. 00:00-00:37 - Introduction 00:37-01:40 - What does wet curing concrete mean? 01:40-02:31 - Advantages of wet curing concrete 02:31-03:25 - When to add water for wet curing 03:25-04:14 - Cure concrete castings under water 04:14-05:37 - Demonstration 05:37-07:30 - When to NOT use wet curing 07:30-08:16 - Conclusion Referral links to products featured in Creating Concrete videos - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. https://amzn.to/3VIEmDX – universal mold release https://amzn.to/3TQ9e30 – silicone mold release https://amzn.to/3J7Q2II – sonite sealing wax https://amzn.to/43H3cpO – powdered concrete pigments https://amzn.to/4cDYz3T – Quikcrete red pigment https://amzn.to/4cIlDOK – Quikcrete brown pigment https://amzn.to/43EuVHL – Quikcrete charcoal pigment https://amzn.to/4cyIKeG – bulk acrylic paint set https://amzn.to/4aB9oBU – airbrush and compressor kit https://amzn.to/3J0MLee – Quikcrete bonding adhesive (PVA) https://amzn.to/3xlzwlW – Quikcrete bonding adhesive 4L (PVA) https://amzn.to/4aiGGGg – Sika acrylic fortifier 4L https://amzn.to/3U29Y6c – high range water reducer https://amzn.to/3vqjdUw – Drylok hydraulic cement https://amzn.to/3J3aDhv – Bosch mortar mixing drill https://amzn.to/4aiwQUS – 4.5" diamond cup wheel https://amzn.to/4aisWvb – mortar mixing paddle whip https://amzn.to/49nsDOq – Budget mortar mixer and paddle https://amzn.to/4cFsYPi – 5 gallon mixing bucket https://amzn.to/4ayjR1z – Sea sponge set for texturing https://amzn.to/3xvpE96 – Masonry / grout sponges https://amzn.to/3TGrZ8H – Marshalltown margin trowel (rubber grip) https://amzn.to/3VEhntP – Marshalltown margin trowel (wood grip) https://amzn.to/3xujXbx – Marshalltown point trowel (rubber grip) https://amzn.to/3TCp9Se – Marshalltown point trowel (wood grip) https://amzn.to/4ale5A4 – Marshalltown 12" square trowel https://amzn.to/4aEsUNI – 16" pool trowel set https://amzn.to/4avz2Is – fine sponge float https://amzn.to/3TGModV – fiberglass reinforcement 3/4" strands https://amzn.to/4cEd87w – alkalai resistant chopped glass fibers 3/4" https://amzn.to/3J0YzNR – perlite 4 cubic foot bag (coarse) https://amzn.to/3xiCYxI – vermiculite 4 cubic foot bag (coarse) https://amzn.to/43H2xV8 – Aircrete FM-160 liquid foam maker https://amzn.to/4aHPFk9 – RTV 100% silicone (10 pack) https://amzn.to/3VKbWcS – Smooth-On Vytaflex 30 urethane rubber https://amzn.to/3xiEhg6 – Smooth-On skin safe liquid silicone rubber https://amzn.to/3vtmang – interlock stone mold https://amzn.to/3VE04cj – slate texture skin https://amzn.to/3J0QEAb – bluestone texture skin https://amzn.to/3xmZfdR – basalt texture skin https://amzn.to/4aFjSQE – Variable speed wet grinder step sanding kit https://amzn.to/43I090s – 4.5 cubic foot cement barrel mixer 0.5hp #CreatingConcrete #concrete #DIYconcrete