Frequently Asked Concrete Sealer Questions

What should be sealed?

Exterior concrete in any area subject to freeze-thaw cycles should be sealed, should be sealed for specific purposes such as stain repellence, dust reduction, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance or to maintain an attractive appearance.

What if I don't seal my concrete?

Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. In freeze-thaw areas frozen liquids can damage the surface. Salt, fertilizer, and other household chemicals can discolor and damage unsealed concrete.

What will the sealed surface look like?

That all depends on the type of sealer you apply. Most sealers are nearly invisible because they penetrate into the concrete. Some sealers and epoxies provide significant color enhancement and give concrete a high-gloss wet look. Water-based acrylic resin sealers provide moderate color enhancement and a satin appearance.

When do I apply sealer?

Some sealers and certain reactive penetrating sealers can be applied as soon as new concrete can withstand people penetrating sealers and most high-performance coatings, such as epoxies and urethanes, should only be applied after the concrete is fully cured (generally 28 days). Almost all sealers can be applied after concrete the is 28 days old. As long as old concrete is clean and free of dirt and oil.

How long does sealer last?

Depends on the type of sealer chosen, reactive chemical sealers will last the longest because they penetrate the concrete. You can get similar performance by using an epoxy or urethane system, which generally lasts years depending on traffic exposure. Acrylic-resin sealers offer the shortest performance life generally a few years.

Can sealer make concrete slippery?

Reactive penetrating sealers generally have little effect upon the concrete surface or traction. Most topical coatings can affect concrete surface, and may require the use of anti-skid additives in areas exposed to foot traffic.