The numbers were up for World of Concrete 2016, although not in the temperature department, as nearly 1,550 exhibitors displayed their wares Feb. 2-5 in the expansive Las Vegas Convention Center. Occupying more than 740,000 square feet in three halls and spilling out into the surrounding parking lots, the show was the largest it’s been in seven years. The final tally puts the number of attendees at more than 60,000.
Although we could not present every featured item, here are products, tools and pieces of equipment Concrete Decor staff learned about during the show.
Equipment and machinery
The two phrases heard over and over again at equipment manufacturers’ booths were propane powered and remote controlled. With propane, power is not an issue. Contractors don’t have to look for an electrical outlet or lug their own generators to jobsites. And remote-controlled machinery is great for multitasking while drastically reducing worker fatigue and increasing productivity. Feedback on both has been very positive.
Scanmaskin
In the propane department, Scanmaskin Sweden introduced a new member of the ScanCombiflex family, the 650 DSP, which is a smaller version of the line’s 800 DSP. The propane-powered grinder features a control panel connected to an integrated computer that guide users through the grinding process. Through sensors that continuously measure the wear of the diamonds, the machine warns the operator when the tool wear is too high or when the tool is worn out. It also monitors the operator’s speed to help further optimize the square footage grinded per hour. A company spokesman maintains it’s a very useful tool for projects that involve floors poured years apart where the hardness of the concrete varies widely.
Superabrasive
Superabrasive introduced a new propane vacuum, the V-32-G, and a 25-inch, self-propelled grinding and polishing machine to its Lavina line. The L25LM-X grinder features a second motor that propels the machine forward, making it much easier on the operator. It also minimizes mistakes, improves productivity, reduces job time and promotes a consistent scratch pattern. The vacuum, which will be available this summer, features a Kawasaki propane engine, Longopac bagging system and HEPA filter. The propane-powered pair eliminates electric power issues and allows for a faster, easier setup.
EDCO
To help contractors quickly switch out surface prep, floor grinding and removal tools, Edco now has Magna-Trap systems. Featuring a magnetic trapezoid (hence the name), the line’s versatile equipment will accept different-height accessories that will solve most surface prep tasks. Slide-on tool changeovers are very fast as no hammer is required. The tooling options are designed to bring consistency and simplicity to the rental industry as the same surface prep tooling fits all Edco grinders and turbo grinders.
HTC
HTC launched its first propane grinder at the show, the 800 RXP. Except for its power source, it’s almost identical to the popular remote-controlled 800 RX electric model but goes one better. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the new four-head 800 RXP offers up to 50 percent higher productivity. A floating grinding cover helps reduce airborne dust. Expect more propane products to follow, a spokesman says.
Husqvarna
Husqvarna just released the PG 680 RC, a remote-controlled concrete floor grinder with an oscillation control that proponents say promotes consistency in the floor’s finish. With a grinding width of 27 inches (680 mm), the machine easily fits through a standard doorway. It can be used for floor prep and repair, as well as polishing and grinding, both wet and dry.
Makita
Makita promoted its Advanced Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT), a synchronized three-component system that reduces vibration without sacrificing performance. WOC attendees had the chance to experience the difference between traditional pneumatic tools and AVT models with side-by-side tests of a variety of products, including the HR 4013 rotary hammer. Makita’s expanding AVT lineup includes selections in every major concrete hammer category. In other news, the company celebrated its 100th cordless tool last year. This year, it has its sight set on reaching 125. A company spokesman says Makita’s cordless equipment now exceeds its corded offerings.
Bosch
Among the many offerings from Bosch was the new cordless 36V rotary hammer with a 30-minute fast-charging battery. The Bosch RH328VC-36 Bulldog’s Electronic Precision Control (EPC) gives users better control over drilling thanks to the advantage of a 70 percent power soft-start. Bosch also introduced the RH328VC-36 Bulldog 36V Rotary Hammer to the market. This tool also has EPC and delivers 4,100 bpm. EPC provides virtually no walking or skating and helps with controlled chiseling.
Tools
Multiquip
Multiquip heralded the benefits of LED lighting with its GloBug 4-Spot 1,200 LED Light Tower that can be run off regular house power. This compact tower, which is also used in the film industry, is equipped with 40,000-hour lamp lights that have several advantages over metal halide lamps. LEDs have significantly less glare, distribute light more uniformly, produce fewer shadows and improve visibility — all with fewer lumens than MHs and a significant savings in electricity and maintenance costs.
Padco
“Think thin” was the catch phrase at the Padco booth as company representatives touted the new NanoFlock floor coater refill that fits snuggly on a T-bar. Users can get 2,000 square feet per gallon of acrylics, UV coatings, sealers, guards, waxes and even stains. Two people can apply up to 10,000 square feet per hour. Refills come in 12-, 18-, 24- and 30-inch floor coaters.
Blastrac
Just out from Blastrac is an easily maneuverable, heavy-duty yet lightweight Hose Dolly. Weighing just over 9 pounds, it fits 5- to 6-inch hoses. Another new product is the Blastrac 05-73900 Loop Handle 
specifically designed to fit the 05-BL233 7-inch handheld grinder. It allows users to more easily grind along walls, around protrusions and in those hard-to-access areas. Mounting hardware is included in the purchase.
Arizona Polymer Flooring
Not quite available just yet, a free mobile-friendly online project estimator app will soon be downloadable courtesy of Arizona Polymer Flooring. Registered users will be able to determine how much APF materials will be required for a job and at what cost without having to pick up a calculator.
Concrete treatments, toppings and stains
Increte Systems
New from Increte Systems, the decorative concrete division of Euclid Chemical, is Renovate, a two-component microtopping that can restore old, tired-looking stamped concrete, mask repairs or change the color of any slab concrete surface. The polymer-modified cementitious overlay, designed to be applied very thin with a pump sprayer or a paint roller, doesn’t affect the texture or pattern of the concrete it covers. Renovate can be integrally colored with Thin-Crete color packs or stained after applied. It dries in 48 hours.
Prosoco
Designed specifically for steel-troweled or burnished concrete floors, Consolideck Blended Densifier from Prosoco is a one-step solution that creates a hard, dense surface which can be quickly burnished to an attractive sheen. The deep-penetrating product, which requires no scrubbing or flushing after application, cures quickly. Reportedly, most floors can be burnished and opened to traffic within one hour of treatment.
Vexcon
Vexcon spotlighted its tried-and-true PowerCoat line of breathable epoxy and urethane floor coatings, including its quartz and vinyl chip systems. The coatings allow vapor to pass through, eliminating adhesion problems caused by trapped moisture. Made for interior and exterior applications, they are very UV stable and chemical resistant.
Mapei
While Mapei introduced a below-grade waterproofing system at the show, Ultratop PC remains the newest resurfacing treatment for decorative concrete. The high-performance, self-leveling, cementitious topping is designed to set quickly for fast-track resurfacing. Very thin and extremely dense, the product holds a brilliant polish that’s perfect for high-end applications.
Glaze ‘N Seal
Glaze ’N Seal showcased Concrete & Masonry Impregnator, a penetrating sealer that leaves nothing on the surface. The breathable water-based product, released last year, protects against oil, grease and stains and also resists efflorescence with just one coat.
Quikrete
Quikrete unveiled a line of decorative concrete coatings encompassing translucent, penetrating and etching stains. The water-based translucent stains, which come in eight colors, and penetrating opaque stains, which come in four, are UV-resistant, low in VOCs and odor, and dry to a matte finish. The etching stains, available in five colors, are acid-based but the formula doesn’t require neutralizing.
Professional Products Direct
Professional Products Direct introduced its newest line of products, including Single Seal/Freeze Protect. Freeze Protect is a liquid concrete sealer and blanket applied with a brush, sprayer or roller that dries in two to four hours. It creates a glasslike barrier deep in the pores of concrete to prevent spalling, flaking and scaling. With this product, the company maintains, you don’t need concrete blankets.
Flowcrete
Although Flowcrete didn’t have any new products, the company displayed its Flowtallics (at right) hard-wearing polymer flooring, a metallic which was introduced about two years ago, and Flowshield Quartz (at left), a self-leveling epoxy with a decorative, hygienic quartz-bead finish that stands up to rigorous cleanings. Both are made for high-traffic areas.
RetroPlate Concrete Polishing System
The RetroPlate Concrete Polishing System was among the first in the industry to combine diamond grinding and polishing with a one-application densifying sealer that proponents say never needs to be reapplied. The patented process permanently strengthens concrete floors while making them highly reflective and resistant to abrasion and impacts. RetroPlate can be used on new or existing floors in residential, commercial and industrial settings.
Westcoat
Westcoat promoted TC-29, a proprietary cement blend used indoors to patch and fill holes, spalls and minor cracks. Not a system, it can be used with all Westcoat stains but is compatible with most other stains and concrete polishing systems. Just add water and it’s ready to go. The concrete patching product dries in four hours.
Stamps and textures
Butterfield
Butterfield rolled out its new line of texture roller sleeves in two widths. The 18-inch sleeves, which fit over a 3/4-inch nap roller, come in five patterns: Italian Slate, Bluestone, Chiseled Slate, Coarse Stone and Rock Salt. The 9-inch sleeves are available in six: Chiseled Slate, Coarse Stone, Bluestone, Italian Slate, New Brick and Old Chicago. The smaller sleeves, which are designed to be used as touch-up or stand-alone tools, fit on a standard paint roller frame.
Solomon Brickform
Solomon Brickform unveiled its newest stamp pattern, Bridges of Madison County, inspired by the book, movie and Broadway musical of the same name. The stamp, which stems from real planks and timbers dating back to the late 19th century, will be available later this year.
Proline
In addition to a new line of coatings that run the gamut, Proline debuted a new hybrid Edgeliner/Stepliner made of half foam and half urethane. 
Not only are the liners easier to handle at half the weight, but they give contractors the option of pouring cantilever steps. These innovative, reusable liners can also be used to add molded textures to edges, corners, countertops and copings.
As for the new coatings, Proline’s Nature Shield 100 is garnering attention. Proline modified the solvent-based acrylic concrete sealer with reactive alkyl silicones to enhance penetration and make it more water repellent.
Protective coverings, tape and form release
Skudo
Skudo rolled out two new mats at WOC, a three-times-as-thick, high-impact version of the Tack-Mat and the orange All-Terrain Mat. The All-Terrain is just that — it can go on the ground, over mud and rocks, or on a concrete slab to mark a slip-resistant safe-zone walkway. Its free-draining structure allows water and dirt to pass right through. The High-Impact LT Tack-Mat, designed to protect floors from damage during construction and renovation, blocks dirt and debris. The slip-resistant mat also protects the surface from stains and damage from carts and foot traffic.
Ram Board
Tape in two new varieties was introduced by Ram Board. The company launched Edge Tape. Edge Tape is a board-to-floor, easy-to-remove, no-residue temporary masking tape that helps keep Ram Board in place around the edges during construction. It also unveiled Pro Tape, the first tape the company has made that’s not meant to used specifically with Ram Board. It’s billed as a great all-purpose duct-type tape meant to be used wherever needed.
Franmar
Franmar has added Blue Bear 800GP to its Blue Bear line of concrete form releases. Formulated to work on wood forms — but it also works on metal, plastic, fiberglass, styrene and urethane — this biodegradable form release is nonstaining and leaves a paintable surface with no additional work. Applied properly, it results in fine detail with little to no dusting. 800 GP comes in a super-concentrated formula mixed with water at a 1:20 ratio. A gallon applied with a sprayer can cover between 2,000 and 2,500 square feet. You can use the release successfully on forms where someone may have previously used an oil release.
