HEBAU CSE® Deactivators: How They Work
HEBAU CSE ® Deactivators are liquid, paint-like materials specifically developed for the controlled creation of exposed aggregate concrete surfaces. They contain active ingredients that temporarily delay the hydration of the cement paste in the top layer of the concrete. This process is carefully limited to a pre-defined “exposure depth.” While the surface layer remains inactive, the concrete below this depth hydrates and hardens normally.
That’s the whole trick!
In practice, this means the CSE® Deactivator reacts only with the fresh cement paste in the targeted surface zone. Once washed, this controlled neutralisation reveals the desired texture, ensuring consistent and precise results across the entire surface. This simple but highly effective principle is the key to producing attractive, durable exposed aggregate finishes.
To make application as straightforward as possible, we have created four detailed “How-to-Use” Guides. Each guide walks you through the process step by step and includes visual examples of the different surface finishes that can be achieved with HEBAU CSE® Deactivators.
Whether you are working with positive applications, precast elements, or fibreglass moulds, these guides provide clear, practical instructions to help you get the best results every time.
Application Examples CSE® Deactivators
You can find the above application explanations and other downloads, such as technical data sheets for all of our HEBAU products, in our download center.