CONCRETE SEALERS EXPLAINED

There are a myriad of concrete sealers on the market. How do I choose the right sealer for my concrete.

Sealers can generally be broken into 3  categories. Surface sealers, penetrating sealers and densifiers. Some new sealers on the market claim to be both. Many customers are looking for a colour enhancing sealer or wet look sealer. These are generally surface sealers.

Let me explain.

Surface sealers:

These are generally designed to protect your concrete from grease and oil stains. They also protect against the ingress of moisture into the concrete which can in time break down the concrete or cause rusting in the reinforcing. Surface sealers come in solvent based and water based form and deliver a gloss or satin finish to your concrete. BEWARE though, surface sealers are generally slippery without the use of tiny silicate granules called sealer grip. Be sure to ask for sealer grip in your sealer. Surface sealers will protect you concrete anywhere from eighteen months to three years depending on the quality of the sealer and the amount of UV rays the concrete is subjected to. It is best to acid wash and waterblast the surface before reapplying.

Penetrating sealers:

Penetrating sealers as the name implies are used to seal deep into the concrete to protect against moisture ingress which can destroy the integrity of your concrete both from a durability and structural aspect. Penetrating sealers penetrate deep into the concrete and unlike surface sealers do not form a surface film. Penetrating sealers do not generally change the colour of the surface, although technology and chemistry are changing to accommodate that wet look in these sealers.

Densifiers:

Densifiers are an extension of penetrating sealers causing a hard durable surface to form on the concrete. Densifiers are categorised into two types. Silicate and lithium based. Such sealers are used in many ways. Rain damaged concrete can be solidified by using penetrating sealers. Densifiers are used in the concrete polishing process to induce durability and shine to the finished concrete. Densifiers are used on warehouse floors to counter heavy wear and tear from forklift traffic and the like.

Whilst all sealers and densifiers are relatively simple to apply, it is best to have a professional do the job, for as in most things there are tricks to the trade.

Be sure to ask advice from your professional as to the best sealer to use on your project.

Kind Regards

David Schofield

Concrete Applications