Know More About Concrete Sealing

Have you heard about concrete sealers? It is one such product that is used to protect concrete from decay, staining, and corrosion. These sealers will reduce the absorption rate of the concrete by blocking the pores in it. It also creates an impermeable layer that prevents water and salts from entering the concrete pores. Given the importance of it, here let's go through the types of sealers, how to apply a sealer, and some of the best products available in the market 

Types of Sealers 

Earlier concrete sealer protections were limited only to wax and oil, whereas today concrete sealers can protect surface moisture through two main sealer variants:- 

• Topical Sealers – also referred to as coatings, provide a visual appeal in addition to protecting the concrete from stains as well as chemicals. Best applied on a dry, clean surface to gain adhesion has a lifespan of 1-5years. 
• Penetrating Sealers – termed as reactive sealants, this can be applied on dry or moist surfaces and it should be mixed properly with porosity in order to successfully penetrate to the surface and has a lifespan of over 5years

How to apply concrete sealer:

Sealers will make the concrete more resistant to weather exposure, water, grease, and oil marks; In addition, they give an unmatched beauty to the concrete surface and make it easier to clean. For best results, it’s vital the sealers are applied properly to give you the desired outcome. The step-by-step process on how to seal concrete as below 

1. Remove oil, grease mark, and dust from the concrete

2. Take-off any existing sealer completely as suggested by manufacturers because different sealer brands may not be compatible with each other, 

3. Open up the concrete with an etching solution to have the best adhesion 

4. Apply a thin first coat of sealer using the roller or sprayer and wait for it to dry. Recommended to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to choose between the roller and sprayer.  

5. Put the second coat in the opposite direction (ideally about 2-4 hours after the first coating)

6. Allow it to dry fully for about 3 days before using it. 

Top 3 Sealers in the market:-

• Concrete Sealers USA PS101 Silicone Sealer 

If you are looking for a penetrating concrete sealer, there is nothing better than this product. This sealer penetrates into hard floors e.g. garage or warehouse floor and other thick surfaces such as brick and stone and is used across residential and commercial buildings. 

• EnduraSeal Concrete Sealer

This is a solvent sealer gives the floor a damp and shiny look. Reviews show that the stained or painted surface always looks better than what it was before applying, credit to the sheen of the sealer. It’s recommended to avoid direct sunlight on these surfaces as the surface turns milky white. 

• Quest Chemicals Concrete Sealer

Another variant of penetrating sealers is best suited for the outdoor surface. The product is environmentally safe and will protect against corrosion, salt damage, as well as water. You must remove the protective coat before using this sealer on any coloured surface. This will allow better penetration and give excellent results.