Why You Should Use Concrete Sealer
Concrete sealer should be applied for 2 reasons. First, it helps protect the surface of the any decorative concrete from stains. This includes, rubber marks from tires, oil leakage and colour fading. Not only will sealer help protect from these stains, but it will also make your concrete look like new and help give it a glossy finish.
Regular Sealer vs Cure and Seal
Before you go out and buy concrete sealer, ensure that you have the right sealer for your application. If you have just poured concrete and are looking to seal it for the first time you want to purchase a cure and seal sealer. This sealer provides a layer of protection while still allowing moisture from the concrete to escape. The concrete is then able to cure properly and become extremely hard and durable. It is recommended that you do not apply this sealer on the day after the pour. This is because it will increase the amount of time for concrete to cure and decrease its strength. Instead, give it a week to cure before applying the sealer.
On the other hand, for applications where concrete will be re-sealed a regular sealer should be applied. Due to Canadian winters concrete sealer should be applied every 2-3 years.
Types of Concrete Sealer
Assuming you are looking to re-seal your concrete, you will be overwhelmed at the amount of variety in types of concrete sealers. To combat this confusion we will divide them into 2 categories. Water based sealers and solvent based sealers.
Water based sealers do not have any scheen and therefore are not glossy. They normally have lower VOC’s and odours than solvent-based sealers. Water based sealers are usually not as durable and do not last as long as solvent based sealers. Alternatively, solvent based sealers have colour enhancing scheen, which will make your concrete look glossy.
Therefore, we recommend you apply a solvent based high gloss sealer. If you are going to apply the sealer yourself please read manufacturers instructions carefully. For a more comprehensive description of concrete sealers click Here.
How to Apply Concrete Sealer
Before you Start Sealing
Before you begin sealing your concrete ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. This will include a pressure washer, cleaning chemicals and enough sealer. The sealer will usually cover 200-300 sq/ft per 5 gallon container. Follow manufacturer’s instruction for best results.
The first thing you want to do is clean off the surface of your concrete. A pressure washer will do most of the dirty work. Remove any oil stains with TSP and make sure to scrub off any tougher stains with a hand brush and dawn soap. For stains that cannot be removed by hand or by pressure washer try using acetone. Acetone can also be used to remove old concrete sealer.
Applying the Sealer
Before you start sealing you want to ensure the surface of your cleaned concrete is dry. Any pockets of moisture beneath the sealer will become trapped and could cause discolouration.
You can either apply the sealer with a roller or a spray can. You want to make sure that every part of the concrete surface gets coated with the sealer. I personally prefer using a spray can and spraying the sealer in a circular fashion. Making sure that I pass over every spot twice.
If you are sealing freshly poured concrete it is common to think that you have done something wrong if the surface does not look evenly glossy. It is common for this to happen and will disappear within 6-12 months.
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