Q&A for How to Cure Concrete

Around 50°F (10°C) is a good temperature for curing concrete. Just make sure that it hasn't rained recently or heavily around the time of your project.

Depends on the mix, but usually 24 hours. You may want to water cure the slab for a few days. If this is the case, you should wait until finished water curing.

In today's world, concrete is sold in units of psi. For example: Most places require at least 2000 psi concrete for such things as footers, and slabs (like floors) will be at least 3000 psi. Basically, the higher the psi, the more cement is used. A local concrete company in your area can expertly guide you for the proper mix for your project.

It's best if you don't try to speed it up. Be patient and wait it out. "Pushing" a cure will weaken it.

Spray a white or clear curing compound on it. The public could walk on it the next day. You can get it from The Home Depot or White Cap.

It completely depends on the steel frame project you have in mind. We've done monolithic pours (footers and slab in one pour) and been able to start erecting steel buildings within a couple of days.

Seal it once or twice a year. If it's a driveway, try to get salt off of it immediately during winter.

Apply clean water. Spray the water directly onto the concrete using a fan spray nozzle. Keep the concrete wet usually on an hourly basis.

They're readily available from home improvement stores, Wal-Mart, and many other places. Be sure to follow the directions!

It's most likely an agent used to slow curing of the concrete (slows evaporation of water). It's probably more waxy than sticky.