How to Apply Concrete Floor Sealer
One of the most important parts of ensuring your concrete floors are protected is making sure to apply concrete floor sealer every few years. A concrete floor sealer helps protect your floor, enhances the color, and adds a sheen to the floor’s surface.
A sealer essentially preserves the aesthetic of your floors by protecting them from abrasions, stains, and moisture damage. Depending on the type of sealer you use, you may find either a protective film-forming on the surface of your floor or the sealer may penetrate into the floor in order to protect it.
It is important that you apply sealer every few years, even if you do not see any visible damage. Concrete floor sealer essentially acts as a form of preventative protection. By applying sealer before you have a problem, you can avoid having to pay for expensive damage repairs.
The first time sealer is applied to your concrete floors will be done after the floors are installed, and the concrete has dried. However, after the first time, you will have to perform maintenance by applying concrete floor sealer as required.
How to Apply Concrete Floor Sealer
There are a few steps involved when it comes to applying floor sealer. These include:
Choose Your Sealer
There are a variety of sealers available on the market. You will need to select the one that works best for your floors. Some options that will be available to you include:
Acrylic Sealer – This is best for basement floors and concrete that will not come into frequent contact with oil and grease. If you are looking for a floor sealer for your garage floors, this is not an ideal choice.
Epoxy Sealer – This is far more durable than acrylic and protects your floors against grease and oil. This makes this sealer the perfect option for garage and basement floors, as well as outdoor surfaces. Epoxy sealer is available in several colors.
Polyurethane Sealer – This is more durable than both acrylic and epoxy sealers. It protects your surfaces against UV damage and is often used as an overcoat on top of an epoxy sealer. It is a common option for indoor floors and concrete surfaces.
Siloxane Sealer – This sealer can last for up to 20 years and is a common option for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Clean Your Floors
Make sure your floors have been thoroughly cleaned. If there is any debris, it can get trapped under the sealer once it is applied. Sweep away any dust and debris, and remove all oil and grease from your floor. Rinse off the concrete and let it dry for 24 hours.
Fill in Cracks
Once your floors are both clean and dry, fill in any holes and cracks that may be present in your floor. These holes can be applied using concrete repair caulk.
Apply the Sealant
Once you have selected your sealant and prepared your floors, you can apply the sealant. When applying the sealant:
Make sure windows are open, and the area is fully ventilated.
Apply the sealant using a roller. You can use a paintbrush in order to ensure the corners and edges have been fully and properly sealed.
Allow the sealer to dry. Check the manufacturer’s directions for drying time. This period of time can range between two hours and two days.
Apply a second coat of sealer.
Let the final coat set according to the manufacturer’s directions. If there are no directions, leave it to set for three to four days.
Final Thoughts
Many people choose to perform maintenance and apply concrete floor sealer on their own. However, if you have never applied sealer before, you may find it to be a complicated process.
If you need help in applying a sealer to your concrete floors, contact Xpedite Coatings at (713)365-0444 today. We are available to answer any questions that you might have!
