Green Flooring: RetroPlate

(Hello to Rachel, one of the bloggers trying out for a spot on the Re-Nest editorial team. Comments are welcome!)

If you have concrete floor that needs a little revamping, but don't want to get close to harsh chemicals and wax, the RetroPlate system may be the fix. RetroPlate is a nontoxic, low-maintenance concrete polishing system that naturally enhances the concrete and eliminates the need for a final finish.

According to the company, "The RetroPlate system uses no solvents or volatile organic compounds. The RetroPlate product, being a water-based sodium silicate, works by chemically interacting with the calcium hydroxide in the cement component of concrete." The process not only provides a long lasting finish, but also makes the concrete denser and stronger. No acids, no harsh chemicals, minimal maintenance - awesome.

The great thing about the RetroPlate system is it can be used on new and existing concrete floors. There are several finishes available, from matte to a high shine similar to marble. Retroplate can be used with integral color concrete, stains and color hardeners. The company provides a large variety of color, however because of the variation of aggregate mix in concrete, the final finish will be unique to each project.

More info: RetroPlate

-Rachel

Comments (13)

Retroplate sounds like a great product. Putting it on an existing floor would be a green thing by itself... keeping the existing floor in place and giving it a much more durable, good looking finish.

Keep the good ideas coming!

posted by Greenster on July 18th 2008 at 11:48am
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Any sense of what it costs to do, say, a 10X10 or 10X15 floor?

Also, should one be concerned about fading due to sun exposure?

posted by FeatsOClay on July 18th 2008 at 12:08pm
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Thanks for the info on Retroplate!! I love the sleek, modern, but comfortable look that it gives to the concrete. Can Retroplate be used on counter tops as well? What about on outdoor concrete surfaces?

Cool product.

posted by GreenDragon on July 18th 2008 at 12:08pm
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Diamond blade finish is great as well. It makes it look like terrazo! No chemicals or anything, just a huge machine and lots of dust, so it has to be performed on an empty house. We do it on the slab before we frame...

posted by barcelonaloca on July 18th 2008 at 7:12pm
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Retroplate looks awesome! I've been looking for something for my concrete basement floor and this might be it! How long has it been around? Any complaints? Do you see problems with dogs on it? Would scratches happen & if so, is there a solution to that? Thanks!

posted by SollieSukha on July 19th 2008 at 12:08pm
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Fantastic! I am preparing to finally finish the cement floor in the room off the garage. I wanted a stained surface but was hesitant to use the chemicals. I would also like to know if it can be used on countertops. Thanks again!

posted by artfulredesign on July 20th 2008 at 5:41am
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We used RetroPlate to refinish the concrete office entry. No bike marks or heel marks, and our resident office pug loves them (he's allergic to almost everything). Thanks for spreading the word on a great innovation.

posted by DrePacific on July 20th 2008 at 2:17pm
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Can this product produce a high coefficient of friction, between .6 and .8? Thanks for the information. I found your information to be succinct, exciting and promising!

posted by sarahde on July 21st 2008 at 9:20am
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Hi,

I'm the writer of the above post. Great questions & comments. Some answers:
- Yes, it can be used on any concrete slab, inside and out. For outdoor applications the desired finish and how the concrete is colored (stain vs integral) will effect whether or not it fades. Otherwise, no concerns about sun exposure.
- I would think that the retroplate could be used on concrete countertops, but before they are installed. While this would make for a super durable countertop, it might also be expensive.
- There is no topical finish, so there's nothing really to be scratched. The Retroplate system actually hardens the concrete and makes for a very durable finish.
- Like most finishes, the cost really depends on the the size of the floor. A 20'x20' room would be between $7-9/sf, while a much larger area could be as low as $2-3/sf.

posted by RLW on July 21st 2008 at 9:55am
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Is RetroPlate something I can do on my own as a novice DIY-er, or does a professional need to install?

posted by WannabeGreen on July 21st 2008 at 11:43am
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Great idea! Thanks Rachel!

posted by chicagojess on July 22nd 2008 at 4:56pm
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Rachel:

I asked about Retro at Home Depot and couldn't get it there. Where does one buy this stuff? Also - what kind of tools are needed to apply it?

Could I also use this on a garage floor - will it stand up to boots, tires, etc.?

Like your style, Rachel!

posted by nbk on July 24th 2008 at 4:03am
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nbk -

You'd be better off to contact the company directly because there are several options depending on what finish you're looking for. They have their own installers too.

If you go to this website, you can either call them, or fill out the form and your local rep will call you and walk through the process.
http://www.retroplatesystem.com/contact.html

Good luck!
Rachel

posted by RLW on July 28th 2008 at 7:36am
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