With so many variables, It’s really hard to say. Every surface will cure differently. I suggest doing a test area when you see this type of design.
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Major factor is quality of concrete and surface finish imo
A few weeks ago I used a surface cleaner on new commercial concrete just over 1 month old rated at 45mpa and had no dramas on 99% of area.
One area was poured slightly off level and water pooled up against edge, this surface was weaker and I immediately saw the surface cleaner changed the colour of the concrete as I moved over it.
Closer inspection confirmed it had removed some grains.
I avoided the rest of that section with sc and just rinsed off with ball valve.
I’m actually going back tommorow to do final areas where temporary fence was sitting and I’m going to see if problem area has hardened sufficiently to accept sc.
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I was thinking the same with f9. Maybe it will at least even out the wand marks.
Walk away. The time and effort spent won’t be worth it as you can’t guarantee a perfect outcome.
The fix is to resurface with a concrete grinder to a uniform finish and then reapply the cream/skim.
Unless you have the tools - leave it to the concrete guys.
I passed on one the other day that was less than 2yrs old…if it ain’t 3…it won’t be done by me.
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Do you have any advice for exploring cleaning concrete with SH and Citric Acid? I’ve heard of using Hypchlorite, but never anything about Citric Acid.
Did some touch up work for a builder today(getting ready for the higher ups to do a walk through). The model home had crazy damage done to it with a wand. Pointed it out(to make sure he knew I didn’t do it) and I think I’m going to get a lot more of the work from this builder. Hope my surface cleaner doesn’t cause damage as well on these new homes 
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That’s a strange looking finish on the concrete.
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Hipster art deco look
The more grooves for water, the more mould. (And dirt). 
Rough finish caused by concrete being too wet when broomed. Wand will leave marks, surface cleaner will leave marks also.
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Discovered this old thread, and I’m about to bring it back to life! I believe the cream coat has been strip off of this walkway, i believe this because the orangeish spot would be where the cream coat exist and the whiter Parts is where it was stripped also note the out edges of the concrete (the skirt) is darker also noticed creamy water is my diagnosis right? I believe this walkway is 2+ years. As read @BigJake some drivesways aren’t done right causing easy stripping of the cream, I immediately pulled my tips my pressure isn’t above 3000 at the unloader so that should give me about 1500 at either tip with 150ft hose, I’m hoping it’s just my bent bar causing tiger striping that I’m replacing ASAP maybe that’s just wishful thinking. Opinions fellas?
Not the worst ive seen, using a bent bar wouldn’t help you either.
Blockquote[quote=“MuscleMyHustle, post:33, topic:17242”]
Not the worst ive seen
[/quote]
Here is another picture, of gouging on the concrete, pre wash, soft concrete? After checking my tips, i ran over just a small portion of driveway and noted same stripping and some gouging, it is unclear whether i gouged that portion as I didn’t check before hand… that portion is not in the pictures. Here is
!
And here is a picture To illustrate the texturing
the picture of the concrete now… no washing
You’ve lost me bud, I don’t understand what your trying to put forward.
You didn’t gouge that. It’ll probably stripe a little bit regardless unless you pre or post treat since it’s so filthy. If that’s what you’re talking about.
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I seem to have that effect on people 
Just trying to give as much information as possible.
Bottom line, am I striping the cream coat and why, how to fix from continuing to do it, if it is user error.
Thanks grunt, so it’s not cream coat striping? I’ll be sure to pre and post sh
Your first photo could possibly be some cream coming off if you’ve noticed some milky run off, the second photos you’ve posted isn’t new concrete and hasn’t been cleaned let alone gauged, if your talking about the 2 vertical gauged lines at the bottom of the photo gauging like that isn’t even possible with a surface cleaner. But I’m still confused lol.
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That driveway is too old to worry much about stripping cream coat. It’s likely all gone anyway from what I understand about concrete. Just need a pre and post treat and wash away.
