There are so many types of concrete sealers on the market today, and this makes it very difficult for a homeowner to find and simply seal there concrete.
So let me explain tips and tricks to get your concrete sealed. Wet cure for new concrete; Under 10 days with temps above 10 degrees you will need to keep the concrete wet with burlap and lots of water. Wet curing helps the concrete create a more dense crystal matrix within the concrete, crystals create a stronger concrete. What you need to ask when buying concrete sealers; -Addresses of where the sealer has been used for more than 1 year? -Is there a warranty? -Is the sealer breathable? concrete needs to breathe and so does the sealer. -How fast does it set-up? Some are instant reaction. -Application processes How to apply concrete sealers; #1. Take a look at the weather forecast/radar. You'll want to seal with no rain in forecast. #2. Rent or buy a good quality Chapin sprayer, purchase a adjustable nozzle tip for the sprayer. This will help the sealer dispurse evenly. This sprayer will allow faster application and even thin coat. #1. Put on safety glasses or the appropriate safety wear. #2 The concrete will need to be pressure washed off with water, all expansion joints and surface area. Washing in the evening is best. #3. Allow concrete has to be dry for sealer adhesion, using a leaf blower will help dry the concrete. Applying sealer in the morning is best. #4. Wear the appropriate respirator and safety glasses or apparel. A good quality sealer will stink up the neighborhood. #5. Stir the concrete sealer; fill the Chapin sprayer only half way. Pump and start spraying, keep in mind wind direction. Types of sealers; -There is water-based sealers, very good products to work with. more than one coat is usually needed. Can be applied with a chappin sprayer. Easy clean-up. Cure and seal available and regular sealer also. -Acyrilic sealers- The option can be done with only one coat of sealer, usually brings out the most colour and gloss. Sticky clean-up, can be slippery due to an acrylic finish. Cure and seal available and regular sealer also. -Sealers with anti-slip are great but typically jam sprayers, minimal silica sand clear can be casted as the sealer is being sprayed. Sealing new concrete; After 3-4 days of watering the newly poured concrete allow to dry and apply a good quality commercial grade cure-and-seal. After 30 days the concrete needs a thin coat of commercial grade regular sealer, very important part of sealing concrete. Sealing Old Concrete; If your concrete exceeds 30 days old and has not been sealed ever. it is very important to understand that the concrete will change dramatically. Applying concrete sealers will always superimpose the surface, meaning the sealer will make all texture very visible. Please keep in mind that once you start sealing concrete it will require it for the life of the concrete. Let us know if you have any further questions or where to buy some sealer. Thanks for reading.
3 Comments
6/23/2020 04:00:38 am
Thanks for share the information about Concrete sealer.
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Kitchener, Canada
AuthorFounder of The Art of Concrete; Archives
March 2023
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