SEMCO Formulates Concrete Sealers

Continuation of the series profiling Samel (Sam) Sem, founder of SEMCO:

Customers who bought SEMCO’s concrete cleaning products asked Sam for a sealer that would protect their newly cleaned concrete floors.  Concrete was porous and clients needed a product that would reduce this porosity so that oil, grease, or other spills would remain on the surface instead of being absorbed into the concrete floor.  This would provide the user with enough time to clean up the spill before it could penetrate the concrete.  Other factors that could damage unsealed concrete over time included high traffic, harsh weather conditions, water, dirt, abrasives, and salts.  

Sam went to work and developed X-Crete 500, a waterproofing sealer that would work well even under harsh conditions.  The secret to the X-Crete 500 performance was its low molecular weight which provided excellent penetration into the pores of the substrate.  Once X-Crete 500 filled into the pores, a chemical reaction would occur resulting in the creation of a solid, breathable membrane.  X-Crete 500 provides long lasting protection with a natural looking finish for many surface types.

Today, SEMCO offers three other concrete sealers along with X-Crete 500.  Customers can choose the concrete sealant that best meets their needs.

X-Crete 400 is formulated with the latest technology in polyurethane blend resin to provide the most environmentally-responsible, water-based sealer available in today’s market.   X-Crete 400 is a high quality, multi-faceted product.   It dries clear, creating a shiny look as it simultaneously seals, dust proofs, and protects.   X-Crete 400 is a unique, one-of-a-kind high-gloss topcoat, which provides a durable barrier resistant to stains and chemicals while providing a polished look for exterior and interior use.

Xtra Gloss is a one-part solvent-based polyurethane sealer, able to provide exceptional durability and shine for interior, exterior, and below grade use.   Xtra Gloss is a high quality, multi-faceted product which dries clear, creating a wet look, as it simultaneously seals, dustproofs, and protects for long lasting durability.   Xtra Gloss is a unique, high-gloss top coat which provides superior and durable resistance to stains, many chemicals and vehicle traffic.

Xcel is an exceptional waterproofing sealer designed specifically for natural stone.   Xcel’s low molecular weight allows for excellent penetration.   Xcel fills into the pores of the substrate, in which the chemical reaction that follows creates a solid, but breathable membrane.   Xcel provides long lasting protection for a vast array of surfaces over which it leaves a natural finish.

For help in resolving problems associated with concrete stains, concrete coatings, and cleaning and renovation of concrete floors, visit www.semcomfg.com.

Next:  SEMCO formulates the innovative X-Bond.

SEMCO Formulates Concrete Cleaning Products

Having settled into Las Vegas, Samel (Sam) Sem turned his attention to earning a living and starting a business.  With a background in chemistry, he had an interest in one particular material that was extremely important to many industries:  concrete.  It was the most widely used construction material in the world; its use went back over 2000 years, possibly beginning with the Romans who used concrete to build roads, bridges, and aqueducts.  More than one cubic meter of concrete for every person on earth is made each year.  In the United States, concrete is a $35 billion dollar industry.

Sam saw that companies and individuals had a difficult time keeping concrete surfaces clean.   Concrete was a porous substance and thus needed frequent cleaning.  The customary way to clean concrete was to sandblast it and / or scrub it with bleach or muriatic acid.  These methods, besides being hazardous, would deteriorate concrete over time.  Acids in particular would eat into concrete.  Sam saw that there was a need for a cleaner that would be safe to use and not damage concrete.  This led to the formulation of SEMCO’s first products:  Power Cleaner and Nu Lift Cleaner. 

Power Cleaner was a remarkably versatile commercial strength cleaner, degreaser, and wax remover.  It was comprised of a blend of softening agents and nonionic surfactants.  It worked by penetrating, suspending, emulsifying, and dissolving surface contaminants.  It was successful at degreasing the dirtiest substrates and removing the toughest grease, oil, and wax stains from industrial and commercial surfaces. 

Nu Lift Cleaner was named for its ability to lift out and remove alkalinity, efflorescence, hard water deposits, magnesium, dirt, and stains from surfaces like grout and natural stone.  It contained a mineral acid that was environmentally friendly; thus Nu Lift would not cause harm or discoloring to the substrate.  It was also a very safe product to use.

Both cleaning products are very popular today with SEMCO customers who use them for maintaining and cleaning floors, decks, walls, and other surfaces.  They are also used during the preparation stage of the SEMCO modern seamless surface application system.

SEMCO’s very first customer to purchase and use Power Cleaner and Nu Lift Cleaner was Bally’s Hotel on the famed Las Vegas Strip.

Next:  Ahead of the “green” movement, Sam creates environmentally friendly products.

Remodel without Removal: The Future of Surface Remodeling

Conventional surface remodeling requires the elimination of the present surface. These conventional methods are no longer effective in staying competitive in a market where products are manufactured outside of the United States at a fraction of the cost. Other than trying to compete on a product to product level, SEMCO Modern Seamless Surface has a proven method of being highly competitive, while still producing high quality products.  

SEMCO Modern Seamless Surface is presenting its proven system of Remodel without Removal. This system eliminates the need to remove an existing solid surface, and enables the creation of a new seamless cement surface. SEMCO’s X-Bond System is the key to this revolutionary method of surfacing. In eliminating the need for demolition the total surface cost can be reduced up to 30% of conventional high grade surfacing.

The X-Bond System is a surfacing material that creates a true seamless cement surface. SEMCO’s X-Bond System is manufactured in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has been used on every major hospitality facility in Las Vegas. The X-Bond System has been in use, worldwide, for over 20 years, most notably in Japan, Germany, and Australia.

The finishes created with the SEMCO’s X-Bond System combines the benefits of flexibility, performance value, green/sustainable materials, cost value, and modern design.

Take a look at the website www.semcoremodeling.com; and see the benefits for you.