PSA: Tried a cheap curing compound and ended up with spider cracks everywhere

I grabbed a no-name curing compound from the hardware store last week for a 50 foot driveway I was finishing. Saved maybe $30 over the stuff I normally get from the supplier. Big mistake. Two days later I start seeing these fine spider cracks running across the surface. My helper pointed them out and said the compound probably evaporated too quick or didn't bond right. I called a buddy who does flatwork full time and he said cheap compounds often lack the right sealers for our climate out here in Phoenix. Ended up having to grind down the top layer and reapply with a proper brand. Cost me an extra half day and materials I didn't budget for. Anyone else been burned by skimping on curing compounds?

2 comments

2 Comments

burns.jenny6d ago

Actually I've used cheap compounds plenty of times in Phoenix with zero issues, sounds like you just got a bad batch.

clairen856d agoMost Upvoted

Bet you a beer @burns.jenny that cheap compound woulda cracked before I even finished wiping it in this heat.