How SCOFIELD Revive Exterior Concrete Stain Works on Orlando Concrete

A Closer Look at Portland-Limestone Cement
and the Questions It Raises

In the race toward reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future, the construction industry has placed significant emphasis on material innovation. One of the most talked-about shifts in recent years is the rise of 1L concrete, also known as Type 1L Portland-limestone cement (PLC). While its environmental intentions are clear, the execution and field performance of this material have sparked deep concerns among contractors, finishers, and construction professionals across the country.

What Is 1L Concrete?

1L concrete is a blended cement product made by intergrinding Portland cement clinker with up to 15% finely ground limestone. It falls under ASTM C595 and was promoted as a more sustainable option than traditional Type I or Type II cement, with a claimed reduction in embodied carbon of about 10%.
This transition is part of a broader movement toward lowering the construction industry’s carbon footprint. However, for many professionals working in the field every day, the reality of 1L’s performance has not aligned with its promise.

Why the Push—And Why the Pushback?

Advocates of 1L cement cite decades of successful use in Europe and a growing need for climate-conscious practices. Major producers in the U.S. began shifting almost entirely to Type 1L in 2022 and 2023, often with little consultation or consideration for the practical realities faced by contractors and specialty finishers.
This sudden change, often framed as a “drop-in replacement,” has led to a number of serious challenges:
Surface Defects & Finish Failures
Many contractors have reported inconsistent finish quality, scaling, dusting, and difficulty achieving color uniformity in decorative and exposed applications. In some cases, these issues have led to litigation over failed installations.

Lack of Field Testing & Support

Although some densifiers and admixtures are being promoted as compatible with 1L, most have not undergone sufficient independent testing to ensure reliable long-term performance. Contractors are left to troubleshoot on their own, often at their own expense.

Distrust from the Field

For many in the construction world, especially those working on architectural concrete, decorative finishes, or high-performance surfaces, the lack of transparency and technical support has created a deep sense of frustration and mistrust.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

While many material producers remain committed to 1L cement, an increasing number of contractors, specifiers, and consultants are raising red flags. Some are now avoiding 1L altogether in high-exposure projects or are specifying additional treatments, sealers, or surface hardeners to compensate for performance issues.
Yet even these remedies come with asterisks: most haven’t been thoroughly tested alongside 1L, and results vary based on climate, substrate, and finishing practices. While some contractors are beginning to find combinations that work, there is no universally endorsed solution at this time.

Proceeding with Caution

There’s no question that sustainability is an urgent priority—but true sustainability must also account for durability, performance, and constructability. When cement fails in the field, the environmental impact of replacement materials and labor far outweighs any initial carbon savings.
As the industry continues to explore lower-carbon alternatives, many experts are calling for a more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive approach—one that includes rigorous testing, real-world data, and support for the contractors on the front lines of implementation.

The Bottom Line

1L concrete may represent a step toward sustainability, but for now, it’s a step that should be taken with full awareness of its limitations. The current landscape demands caution, continued evaluation, and an honest dialogue between producers and practitioners.
Until field data improves and manufacturers take stronger accountability for performance, the use of 1L cement should be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially in projects where finish quality, color uniformity, or long-term durability are critical.

Concrete stain orlando

Concrete stain Orlando- Revive by Scofield

When you want your exterior concrete to have new color, you want a concrete stain that Orlando weather can’t even infiltrate. You need something that is going to stand up to the wear and tear, UV rays, and everything that can be thrown at it. SCOFIELD Revive Concrete Stain is a superior VOC-compliant product that is ideal for adding new color to concrete. It can also be used to renew the color uniformity of concrete that was previously colored. Patches can be concealed and repairs can be hidden.

How SCOFIELD Revive Works

Rather than just coloring the concrete on the surface, SCOFIELD Revive penetrates the concrete. It reacts with the concrete so that it becomes a part of the surface rather than a separate entity. There is no film when it’s said and done, but there is an attractive luster that will make it appear as if new concrete was laid down. SCOFIELD Revive is designed for easy installation on horizontal and vertical concrete surfaces using rollers and hand-pump sprayers.

Where Can You USE SCOFIELD Revive?

Because SCOFIELD Revive can be used on vertical and horizontal surfaces, it can be used to revive the following surfaces:

  • Concrete with uneven color
  • Faded concrete
  • Concrete with mismatched color
  • Uncolored and unsealed concrete
  • Colored and unsealed concrete
  • Concrete hardscapes

There is also a wide range of colors of this concrete stain that Orlando property owners will love. There are variations of brown, gray, tan, beige, and red. This product is a surefire way to make a statement. Because the outside of a residence or commercial establishment makes the first impression, it is very important to take great care ensuring it looks great for the long term. As soon as colors begin fading or it is simply time for a new look, SCOFIELD Revive is a fast way to make sure that the first impression is always a good one.

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