Surface Gel Tek
Surface Gel Tek manufactures patented gelled acid products and the Flattoo stencil system for concrete surface preparation, cleaning, profiling, and decorative graphic etching, serving concrete contractors, architects, engineers, and DIY buyers across the U.S. via distributors and e-commerce.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersPensacola, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Surface Gel Tek does
Surface Gel Tek is a privately held, founder-led specialty chemical manufacturer founded in 1993 and headquartered in Pensacola, Florida. The company develops and sells patented gelled acid products for concrete surface preparation, cleaning, profiling, remediation, and decorative etching. Its core product line comprises four acid-strength variants — HD24 Pre Grind (24% acid, ~100–80 grit profile), Tek Gel for Profiling (20% acid, 120-grit profile meeting coating/sealer warranty requirements), Easy Etch (16% acid, milder), and Xfflorescence (efflorescence removal) — supplemented by Stain Mule, a color thickener for controlled acid and water-based stain application. The gel chemistry solves the well-known drawbacks of liquid acids (runoff, heavy fumes, inconsistent profiles, spalling and soft spots) and requires no special equipment, positioning the products as a safer, lower-fume alternative for contractors, architects, and engineers.
Complementing the chemistry, Surface Gel Tek offers the Flattoo Stencil System, a proprietary decorative graphics process that pairs the patented gelled acid with high-precision vinyl templates to etch permanent, custom images into concrete surfaces. The Flattoo catalog spans more than a dozen design categories (animals, Celtic knots, petroglyphs, fossils, rugs, western designs, etc.). Revenue is generated through hardware sales of chemical products and stencil kits, distributed primarily via a regional distributor network covering 11+ U.S. states, with additional direct channels including a Shopify DIY e-commerce storefront, the Concrete Decor Marketplace, and direct relationships with contractors, architects, and engineers. Pricing is per square foot at an average of approximately $0.22/sq ft.
The customer base is fragmented across education (UCLA, Cal Poly, ASU, UC Berkeley, University of Washington, Old Donation School), retail and hospitality (Starbucks Universal Studios, Gap, Wal-Mart Distribution Centers), automotive (Edmunds HQ), marine (Harborview Marina), and museums (Hot Air Balloon Museum). With 1–10 employees, no external funding, and a 30+ year operating history, the company operates as a stable, bootstrapped specialty niche business. Long-standing specification relationships with the Bomanite contractor network (15+ years) and a 'Pay It Forward' veteran discount program round out the company's go-to-market posture.
Surface Gel Tek firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Surface Gel Tek
- Legal name
- Surface Gel Tek
- Website
- https://surfacegeltek.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Surface Gel Tek manufactures patented gelled acid products and the Flattoo stencil system for concrete surface preparation, cleaning, profiling, and decorative graphic etching, serving concrete contractors, architects, engineers, and DIY buyers across the U.S. via distributors and e-commerce.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Surface Gel Tek industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Concrete Surface Preparation Chemicals
- NAICS
- Cement and Concrete Product Manufacturing (3273)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Concrete Admixtures & Curing Compounds (IMADAAAL)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Surface Preparation Equipment (Shot Blasting, Scarifiers, Grinders) (IMAHALAL)
Keywords
Where Surface Gel Tek is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pensacola
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Surface Gel Tek business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Gelled Acid Products: Sale of patented gelled acid products (HD24 Pre Grind, Tek Gel for Profiling, Easy Etch, Xfflorescence) for concrete surface preparation, cleaning, and etching applications.
- Flattoo Stencil Products: Sale of high-precision vinyl templates and stencil catalog items for decorative concrete etching and graphics applications.
- Color Thickener Products: Sale of Stain Mule color thickener product for enhancing acid and water-based stain control.
- Distribution Channel Sales: Products distributed through a network of distributors across multiple U.S. states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Per square foot pricing for surface preparation |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Surface Gel Tek product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Surface Gel Tek manufactures patented gelled acid chemical products for concrete surface preparation, cleaning, profiling, and decorative etching. Its portfolio includes HD24 Pre Grind (24% acid), Tek Gel for Profiling (20% acid), Easy Etch (16% acid), and Xfflorescence for efflorescence removal, along with the Stain Mule color thickener. The company also sells the Flattoo stencil system, a proprietary process using high-precision vinyl templates to etch custom graphics into concrete surfaces.
Product overview
Surface Gel Tek manufactures gelled acid products for concrete surface preparation and decorative etching. The core product line consists of four etching/cleaning solutions: HD24 Pre Grind (24% acid, most aggressive), Tek Gel for Profiling (20% acid, medium-grade), Easy Etch (16% acid, mild), and Xfflorescence (efflorescence removal). These products are complemented by the Stain Mule color thickener for controlled stain application. Additionally, the company offers the Flattoo Stencil System, a proprietary decorative graphics process that uses patented gelled acid combined with high-precision vinyl templates to etch custom images and patterns into concrete surfaces. The portfolio ranges from industrial surface preparation products to artistic decorative concrete solutions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Flattoo: A process of etching images into concrete using patented gelled acid and high precision vinyl templates for graphics.
Products and services
- HD24 Pre Grind The most aggressive gelled acid product (24% acid) for concrete etching, providing approximately 100-80 grit sandpaper profile for pre-grinding polished concrete floors and removing contaminants including grease, oil, mold, and mildew. Designed for concrete contractors performing surface preparation.
- Tek Gel for Profiling (TGP) Medium-grade gelled acid (20% acid) producing a 120-grit sandpaper profile that meets most coating, sealer, and paint manufacturer warranty requirements. Used for concrete surface preparation that achieves uniform acid staining results.
- Easy Etch A milder gelled acid (16% acid) for concrete etching and surface preparation applications requiring less aggressive profile opening.
- Xfflorescence Product designed specifically for removing efflorescence from concrete surfaces.
- Stain Mule Color Thickener A color thickener that thickens both acid stains and water-based stains, used when color placement control is necessary, including on vertical surfaces.
- Flattoo Stencil System A process of etching images into concrete using patented gelled acid and high precision vinyl templates. Uses custom vinyl adhesive templates created via graphics software for acid etching and coloring concrete in decorative patterns, available across multiple design categories.
Quantifiable outcome
- Removes rust, mold, mildew, efflorescence, calcium build up, grease, oils, and toxic materials from concrete surfaces
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Surface Gel Tek
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Surface Gel Tek technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Surface Gel Tek partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered regional, core, strategic and minor.
- Granicrete (Arizona)regionalArizona-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Westside Concrete (California)regionalCalifornia-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Spec-West (California)regionalCalifornia-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Garage Flooring LLC (Colorado)regionalColorado-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Concrete Equipment Supply (Colorado)regionalColorado-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Color-Crown / Star Dek (Florida)regionalFlorida-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Decorative Concrete Institute (Georgia)regionalGeorgia-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- CTI Southeast (Louisiana)regionalLouisiana-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Concrete Central (Michigan)regionalMichigan-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Concrete Accessories (Nevada)regionalNevada-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Duraamen (New Jersey)regionalNew Jersey-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- SpecCon (New Jersey)regionalNew Jersey-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Concrete Texturing (Pennsylvania)regionalPennsylvania-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- El Paso Concrete Systems (Texas)regionalTexas-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Barnsco Distribution (Texas)regionalTexas-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- BC Decorative Concrete (Texas)regionalTexas-based distributor for Surface Gel Tek products.
- Carolina Bomanite Corp.coreDecorative and architectural concrete contractor that serves as a key design participant and installer for projects using Surface Gel Tek's gelled-acid Flattoo process. Collaborated on the Old Donation School Geologic Time Walk project.
- Rebekah & CompanycoreTerrazzo flooring company that served as install contractor for Edmunds HQ project where Surface Gel Tek provided concrete floor graphics.
- Gulf Coast BomanitecorePolished concrete floors specialist that has worked with Surface Gel Tek for over 15 years on decorative concrete projects including the Recovery Room corporate logo installation.
- Matcrete Decorative Concrete ProductsstrategicSupplier of stamp tools (Fossil Effects product line) that works alongside Surface Gel Tek's gelled-acid process for decorative concrete projects.
- Concrete Decor MarketplaceminorOnline marketplace (store.concretedecor.net) where Surface Gel Tek products are sold alongside other decorative concrete offerings.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Surface Gel Tek competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Mapei: Mapei is a large global manufacturer of construction chemicals including concrete admixtures, surface treatments, sealers, and decorative concrete products. Comparable in product category but with vastly broader portfolio, global reach, and institutional distribution.
- W. R. Meadows: W. R. Meadows manufactures concrete construction products including curing compounds, sealers, and surface treatments. Comparable in product category and contractor-focused distribution, but operates as a larger, broader-line specialty construction products manufacturer.
- Sika AG: Sika is a global specialty chemicals company with a major concrete and surface treatment portfolio including admixtures, sealers, and decorative concrete systems. Comparable product overlap but operates as a multinational incumbent with substantially larger R&D and distribution scale.
- Euclid Chemical: Euclid Chemical supplies concrete admixtures, sealers, hardeners, and decorative concrete products. Comparable in concrete specialty chemicals manufacturing and contractor/specifier channels, with broader product portfolio and larger-scale operations.
- BASF Master Builders Solutions: BASF's Master Builders Solutions division supplies concrete admixtures, surface treatments, repair systems, and decorative concrete chemistry. Comparable in chemistry category but with global institutional scale and a much broader product portfolio.
Direct peers
- PROSOCO: PROSOCO manufactures specialty cleaners, sealers, and surface preparation chemicals for concrete, masonry, and stone. Directly comparable to Surface Gel Tek in product category (concrete surface prep chemistry), end customers (contractors, architects), and application focus.
- Conproco: Conproco manufactures concrete repair mortars, surface coatings, and protective treatments. Comparable as a specialty concrete chemicals manufacturer serving contractors and specifiers, with overlapping surface preparation and decorative concrete applications.
- ChemMasters: ChemMasters produces specialty concrete chemicals including surface retarders, curing compounds, sealers, and cleaners. Closely comparable product portfolio, customer base (concrete contractors), and specialty-chemicals distribution model.
- L&M Construction Chemicals: L&M Construction Chemicals makes concrete hardeners, sealers, dyes, and surface preparation products. Comparable in concrete specialty chemicals manufacturing, contractor-focused distribution, and product positioning around surface treatment.
Others
- Bomanite Corporation: Bomanite is a franchised network of decorative concrete contractors that has worked with Surface Gel Tek for 15+ years. They are a complementary customer/channel rather than a competitor, as Bomanite installers specify and apply SGT products on decorative concrete projects.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Surface Gel Tek social profiles
Digital presenceSurface Gel Tek financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Surface Gel Tek leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Surface Gel Tek funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Surface Gel Tek M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Surface Gel Tek
What does Surface Gel Tek do?
Surface Gel Tek manufactures patented gelled acid chemical products for concrete surface preparation, cleaning, profiling, and decorative etching. Its portfolio includes HD24 Pre Grind (24% acid), Tek Gel for Profiling (20% acid), Easy Etch (16% acid), and Xfflorescence for efflorescence removal, along with the Stain Mule color thickener. The company also sells the Flattoo stencil system, a proprietary process using high-precision vinyl templates to etch custom graphics into concrete surfaces.
Is Surface Gel Tek a public or private company?
Surface Gel Tek is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Surface Gel Tek founded?
Surface Gel Tek was founded in 1993. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Surface Gel Tek based?
Surface Gel Tek is headquartered in Pensacola, United States, in the North America region.
How does Surface Gel Tek make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Gelled Acid Products are the primary driver. The others are flattoo Stencil Products, color Thickener Products and distribution Channel Sales.
Who are Surface Gel Tek's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Mapei, W. R. Meadows, Sika AG, Euclid Chemical and BASF Master Builders Solutions. Direct peers are PROSOCO, Conproco, ChemMasters and L&M Construction Chemicals. Bomanite Corporation is listed as an others.
Does Surface Gel Tek have an API?
No public API is recorded for Surface Gel Tek.
What industry is Surface Gel Tek in?
Surface Gel Tek's product category is Concrete Surface Preparation Chemicals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMADAAAL, Concrete Admixtures & Curing Compounds, with a secondary code of IMAHALAL, Surface Preparation Equipment (Shot Blasting, Scarifiers, Grinders). Its NAICS code is 3273 and its SIC code is 2890.