Concrete
Surface
Retarder
Brickform Select-Etch — the professional surface retarder for consistent exposed aggregate finishes. 12 color-coded depth levels. Extends your stamping and finishing window in Las Vegas summer heat. In stock at both locations.
Same-day pickup
Mon–Fri 6AM–4PM · Sat 7AM–8:30AM
Veteran-Owned · Las Vegas Local · Brickform Authorized Distributor
Call Now →Brickform Select-Etch
Concrete Surface Retarder · 12 Controlled Exposure Depths
Select-Etch by Brickform is a topically-applied concrete surface retarder that prevents cement paste hardening at the surface to achieve controlled exposed aggregate finishes. Unlike sugar-based retarders with uncertain retardation levels, Select-Etch selectively slows the hydration process to a predetermined, repeatable depth — giving contractors consistent results pour after pour.
Twelve color-coded depths of exposure are available — SE-1 through SE-12 — providing consistent, repeatable cement paste removal and aggregate reveal. Because Select-Etch provides a longer window before surface paste must be removed, it allows the underlying concrete to harden properly, locking in aggregate and reducing pop-outs.
12 Controlled Depths
SE-1 to SE-12 — color-coded
Extended Work Window
More time to stamp & finish
Temporary Curing Agent
Polymeric film protects surface
Water-Soluble Removal
Washes off with pressure water
UV & Rain Protection
Barrier against early moisture loss
Reduces Pop-Outs
Aggregate locks in properly
Product Specifications
Full Data Sheet| Brand | Brickform (Solomon Colors) |
| Product Name | Select-Etch Concrete Surface Retarder |
| Application | Topical spray or roller on freshly-placed concrete |
| Depths | SE-1 through SE-12 (12 color-coded levels) |
| Coverage | 100–200 sq ft/gallon depending on SE level |
| Removal | High-pressure water wash + scrubbing |
| Secondary Use | Temporary curing agent and water retention barrier |
| Cleanup | Water-soluble — flush with water |
12 Exposure Depth Levels
Each level is color-coded for job-site identification. Hover any level to see the description. Choose your SE number based on desired aggregate visibility and surface texture.
Hover a level to see details
← Hover a color above to see depth details
All 12 Select-Etch Levels
| Level | Color | Name | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE-01 | White | ~1/32" | |
| SE-03 | Violet | ~1/16" | |
| SE-05 | Light Blue | ~3/32" | |
| SE-15 | Yellow | ~1/8" | |
| SE-25 | Beige | ~5/32" | |
| SE-50 | Light Green | ~3/16" | |
| SE-75 | Blue | ~7/32" | |
| SE-100 | Gray | ~1/4" | |
| SE-125 | Pink | ~9/32" | |
| SE-150 | Green | ~5/16" | |
| SE-200 | Salmon | ~11/32" | |
| SE-250 | Orange | ~3/8" |
Your Stamping Window
Can Be 30 Minutes.
In Las Vegas, air temperatures above 110°F and surface temperatures exceeding 140°F can compress your concrete working window to 30 minutes or less on summer afternoons. Select-Etch applied immediately after the pour creates a polymeric film that reduces moisture loss, slows surface set, and can effectively double your available finishing and stamping time on hot pours.
Without Retarder
~30–45 min
Summer afternoon pour
With Select-Etch
~60–90 min
Summer afternoon pour
Winter Morning
~2–3 hours
No retarder needed
In Stock Now
SE-1 Through SE-12
Available Today
Open at 6AM — pick up before the truck arrives.
(702) 749-63186-Step Application Guide
How to apply Select-Etch for consistent exposed aggregate finishes — with Las Vegas-specific notes at each step.
Select Your Depth
Choose your SE level (SE-1 through SE-12) based on your desired aggregate exposure depth. Reference the depth chart for guidance. Each level is color-coded for job-site identification.
Place & Finish Concrete
Pour, screed, and bull-float the concrete as normal. In Las Vegas summer heat, have Select-Etch ready to apply immediately — surface temperatures can exceed 140°F and moisture evaporates rapidly.
Apply Select-Etch
Spray or roll Select-Etch onto the freshly-placed concrete surface after the bleed water sheen disappears but before the surface stiffens. Apply evenly at the recommended coverage rate for your SE level.
Allow Concrete to Cure
Select-Etch forms a polymeric film that acts as a temporary curing agent and water retention barrier — protecting the surface from light rain and reducing moisture loss while the concrete below hardens.
High-Pressure Wash
After the underlying concrete reaches sufficient hardness (typically 4–24 hours depending on conditions), high-pressure wash the surface to remove the retarded cement paste and reveal the aggregate.
Seal the Surface
Once washed and dried, apply a penetrating sealer or film-forming sealer to lock in the aggregate, enhance color depth, protect against Las Vegas UV, and provide surface durability.
Retarder + Color +
Complete System.
- Depth Selection Guidance — Not sure which SE level is right for your aggregate and finish? We'll help you choose based on your mix design, aggregate size, and desired exposure.
- Full Stamping System — Color hardener, antique release, stamp rentals, and retarder — every product in the stamped concrete system under one roof.
- Open 6AM — Both locations open at 6AM Monday–Friday — pick up retarder before the truck arrives and the crew starts.
- 30+ Years Las Vegas Local — We've been supplying Las Vegas concrete contractors for over 30 years. We know desert pours and we know Select-Etch.
Two Locations.
Open 6 Days.
South Las Vegas
4125 Wagon Trail Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89118
North Las Vegas New!
4601 E Cheyenne Ave Ste 107, Las Vegas, NV 89115
Mon–Fri 6AM–4PM · Sat 7AM–8:30AM · Sun Closed
Retarder FAQ
What is Brickform Select-Etch concrete surface retarder?
- Brickform Select-Etch is a topically-applied concrete surface retarder that prevents the cement paste at the surface from hardening while the concrete below cures normally. After the underlying concrete hardens, you high-pressure wash the surface to remove the retarded paste and reveal the aggregate below. Unlike sugar-based retarders with unpredictable retardation levels, Select-Etch offers 12 predetermined, color-coded exposure depths — SE-1 through SE-12 — for consistent, repeatable results across every pour.
Why is concrete surface retarder especially important in Las Vegas?
- Las Vegas summer conditions — air temperatures above 110°F, direct sun, low humidity, and surface temperatures that can exceed 140°F — cause concrete to set extremely fast and unevenly. Select-Etch extends your working window by retarding the surface paste while the slab cures underneath. It also forms a polymeric film that reduces moisture loss from the surface, acting as a temporary curing agent and protecting against premature surface drying that causes checking and surface defects. For stamped concrete specifically, Select-Etch can double your stamping window on hot days.
What is the difference between the 12 SE levels?
- Each SE level corresponds to a different depth of cement paste removal — from approximately 1/32" (SE-1, cream polish) to approximately 3/8" (SE-12, maximum depth full aggregate exposure). Lower numbers expose fine aggregate with a smooth, subtle texture. Mid-range numbers (SE-4 to SE-6) are the most common for residential driveways, patios, and pool decks. Higher numbers give aggressive texture and heavy aggregate prominence for commercial, architectural, and high-traction applications. Each level is color-coded for identification on the job site.
Can I use Select-Etch on stamped concrete?
- Yes — Select-Etch is commonly used on stamped concrete to extend the working window, particularly in Las Vegas where summer heat can compress the stamping window to 30 minutes or less. Apply Select-Etch after the bleed water disappears and before stamping. It keeps the surface workable longer so your crew can properly stamp the entire slab. The color hardener and release agent are still applied as normal — Select-Etch works underneath the system.
How is Select-Etch removed after the concrete cures?
- Select-Etch is water-soluble and is removed by high-pressure water washing combined with scrubbing equipment. The retarded cement paste washes away cleanly to reveal the aggregate below. Removal is typically done 4 to 24 hours after application, depending on concrete mix, temperature, and the SE level used. In Las Vegas heat, the underlying concrete often hardens faster than in cooler climates — check hardness after 4–6 hours in summer conditions.
What coverage rate does Select-Etch provide?
- Coverage varies by SE level. Lighter levels (SE-1 through SE-4) typically cover 150–200 sq ft per gallon. Heavier levels (SE-8 through SE-12) may cover 100–150 sq ft per gallon as more product is needed to achieve greater retardation depth. Refer to the Brickform technical data sheet for exact coverage rates by level. We stock the data sheet in-store and it's available via the link below.
Do you carry Brickform Select-Etch in Las Vegas?
- Yes — we stock Brickform Select-Etch at both Las Vegas locations. Call (702) 749-6318 to confirm the SE levels you need are in stock before your pour date. We open at 6AM Monday through Friday so you can pick up before the crew starts.
Complete Your Stamped Concrete System