Concrete Densifiers Warehouse Floors
In high-traffic warehouses, bare concrete isn’t enough. Over time, forklift tyres, pallet jacks, and foot traffic grind away the surface, releasing dust and exposing the slab to moisture, oils, and wear. Concrete densifiers offer a permanent solution. By chemically reacting with free lime in the slab, densifiers close pores, increase abrasion resistance, and drastically reduce dust.
Unlike coatings, densifiers don’t form a film or peel over time. Instead, they become part of the concrete matrix — hardening it from the inside out. But not all densifiers are equal. This page explains how they work, compares the different chemistries available, and helps you choose the right one based on your warehouse environment and floor condition.
Sodium Silicate
- Reaction Speed: Slower, often requires scrubbing or reapplication
- Penetration: Moderate depth, may gel on surface without agitation
- Dust Control: Effective once fully cured
- Cost: Low, typically £1.50–£3.00 per m²
- Best For: Large warehouses needing a basic dust sealer on low-medium use slabs
- Considerations: May leave residue if not scrubbed in and removed properly
Potassium Silicate
- Reaction Speed: Medium, slightly faster than sodium
- Penetration: Good — better absorption and deeper densification
- Dust Control: Strong — especially in medium-duty environments
- Cost: Mid-range, £2.50–£4.00 per m²
- Best For: Mid-traffic zones or light forklift areas
- Considerations: Slightly more reactive than sodium but may still need cleanup after application
Lithium Silicate
- Reaction Speed: Fast and efficient, no scrubbing required
- Penetration: Excellent — uniform coverage with minimal surface residue
- Dust Control: Outstanding — ideal for heavy forklift and pallet movement
- Cost: £4.00–£6.00 per m²
- Best For: High-use areas, polished concrete finishes, or facilities with ongoing dust issues
- Considerations: Higher upfront cost, but better long-term performance and fewer application issues
When to Use a Densifier (and When You Might Need More)
Use a Densifier If:
- You want permanent dust control on bare concrete floors
- Your floor experiences abrasion but not heavy chemical attack
- You prefer a low-maintenance, breathable surface
- The slab is structurally sound and not flaking or delaminated
- You’re prepping a floor for polishing or burnishing
Consider Other Options If:
- The floor has oil stains, coatings, or curing compounds that block absorption
- You need high chemical or oil resistance (consider sealers or coatings)
- The surface is highly porous or cracked — repairs may be needed first
- You want a glossy or decorative finish without grinding
- You're sealing over an old epoxy or urethane floor
Do concrete densifiers stop dust permanently?
Yes — once cured, densifiers chemically bind particles and reduce dusting long-term. Lithium silicate performs best, especially in high-use or polished areas.
Can densifiers be used on old concrete?
Yes, but the surface must be clean, uncoated, and free from curing agents or oil. Grinding or deep cleaning is recommended before application to ensure penetration.
Will a densifier make the floor glossy?
Not by itself — densifiers do not add gloss. However, they are essential in polished concrete systems where the slab is mechanically burnished after hardening.