Get Set, Go: NATCEM®’s Fast-Setting Power

As the weather turns warmer, no one wants to spend more time on site than they have to. Luckily, with Natural Cement products, you don’t have to.

Our mortars, grouts and shotcretes – all based off a 200 year old Natural Cement binder –  set fast. Much faster than many of the alternatives geared towards concrete repair. We’re not just talking minutes. We’re talking practical, real-world gains in setting and curing time that get you off-site sooner.

So, what makes it so quick?

Natural Cement is based on argillaceous limestone — a rare, naturally reactive blend of limestone and clay. It contains just the right amount of silicates and aluminates to kick-start the setting process, without any chemical additives.

When mixed with water, this natural blend hydrates rapidly. Unlike alternatives, which rely on added compounds to react over hours (or even days), Natural Cement reacts straight away. It begins to stiffen within minutes, and depending on the product, can be completely set from 2 & 1/2 minutes up to a maximum of an hour – all of which is a completely naturally occuring reaction, without the use of any additional accelerators which would introduce higher levels of carbon emission, and cost. If the set needed to be slowed in a Natural Cement product, it’s as simple as using a NATCEM Retarder – which itself a fully naturally-occuring product, citric acid (powdered lemon juice!).

Beyond this, our materials boast a 1-hours curing time. It’s this part of the process that can expedite work so effectively, as many alternatives used for concrete repair, water-proofing, screeding or similar require their users to hold for a period of up-to 28 days before they’re available for overcoating or return to service. 

Speed meets strength in fast-setting mortar

Fast-setting doesn’t mean weak. Our products gain strength rapidly and continue to build long after initial set. Whether you’re plugging leaks, patching structures, or doing ground repairs, you get a product that doesn’t just go off fast — it lasts.

Why does speed matter?

Because time matters. Especially now. Longer days mean warmer temperatures, better working conditions, and… well, the pub opens earlier too. The quicker the job’s done, the quicker you’re off-site.

It also reduces downtime, traffic disruption, and risk. On track, on site, or underwater, less setting time means less exposure to movement, washout or cold joints.

Are there downsides to fast-setting mortar?

Only if you’re not prepared. Once it’s mixed, the clock starts ticking. It’s not a product you can leave in a mixer. That’s why training and preparation are key — but with the right know-how, it’s smooth sailing. Also, if you’re that worried about it – talk to us about our NATCEM® Retarder, a natural substance-additive used to slow down the set in NATCEM products (to a point).