A good concrete sealer will make concrete much more resistant to weather, long exposures to water, abrasions, those pesky deicing salts that litter the streets of any Montana town following every snow, and it will even protect the concrete from grease and oil stains. A good concrete sealer will also enhance the beauty of the concrete. Also, if the concrete sealer is applied, the concrete will be more easily cleaned. But, for a concrete sealer to work, the sealer needs to be applied correctly. Remember that when applying a concrete sealer there is no one way that applies to all brands and types of sealers, so remember to follow the guidelines provided by the particular brand you are using.
The first step to apply a concrete sealer is to prepare the surface area of the concrete. Any stains or debris caused from dirt, oil, grease, and even dust must be removed prior to applying the sealer. If you do not prepare the surface of the concrete, then the sealer may not adhere to the concrete properly. Also, if you are putting down a concrete sealer over concrete that has already received a prior sealing treatment, all traces of the prior sealer should be removed from the surface of the concrete before applying the new sealer.
When you apply the concrete sealer to the concrete the two most commonly used tools used are the roller and the sprayer. The manufacturers guidelines will probably state which tool is right for the job and it will probably be dictated by the type of sealer, be it a a water-based sealer or a solvent sealer. A good coverage area for a concrete sealer is usually 250 to 300 square feet per gallon. It is also usually best to apply two thin coats of the sealer to the concrete instead of one big thick coat, because puddles or uneven areas on the concrete are possible if the sealer is applied too liberally. Also, if you are applying two coats of the sealer, it is best to follow the manufacturers instructions on the required wait time to dry out the first coat.
Environmental factors as well as the age of the concrete are important to consider before applying a concrete sealer. Try not to apply the sealer when the air temperature is below fifty degrees; it should stay fifty degrees at the time the sealer is applied and for twenty four hours afterward, and, while this is a difficult timeline to abide by in our state, just follow the manufacturers guidelines. Also don’t apply a sealer to concrete if the concrete is new. Concrete needs its full cure time before a sealer can be added.
