How to Apply Concrete Sealer

If you just completed a project involving the use of concrete, then to make sure that water and other materials will not seep through, you need to apply some kind of sealer. Also, there are some concrete projects that can be beautified if stained properly. Regardless of what your concrete project is – a patio, an aggregate pathway or a paver driveway, you might want to think about the advantages of staining and sealing your work.

Concrete sealers are necessary for those projects that need the material to be made impenetrable. Concrete sealers are basically finish coatings that are used as protection for concrete. They function to prevent any damage that could be caused by water, traffic and other chemical elements. They also lessen the concrete’s porosity and prevent dirt and water from seeping through it.

To determine the amount of sealant you will need for your project, you need to first measure the dimensions (the width and length) of the area you are planning to seal. Multiply the width and the height to get the area in square feet of the space. Basically, the amount of sealant that you need would depend on the type of sealer you will be using and the porosity of your concrete. It is most advisable to check the directions of the manufacturer to make sure that you already have the sufficient amount of concrete sealer to do your project.

Step by Step - How to apply concrete sealer

Surface Preparation

For the surface preparation, you need to make sure that the surface of the concrete is clean and has no mildew, oils, grease, dirt or any loose debris. It is also recommended to make use of a portable power washer so that you would have a deep clean. If there would be any grease, oil, dirt or petroleum residue (even if it is from other concrete cleaners), the concrete sealer would not be able to penetrate the concrete completely.

1. Wet the surface of the concrete that you will be sealing.
2. Apply some detergent or cleaning solution, following the directions. There are some cleaners that have bleach, which may be able to brighten the concrete’s appearance, resulting in a more attractive finish.
3. To loosen oil and dirt, make use of a stiff brush with bristles to optimize the cleaner.
4. With the use of the power washer, thoroughly rinse the concrete, making sure that suds and dirt and other loose debris are completely removed.
5. Dry the concrete completely before moving on to the application of the concrete sealer.

Concrete Sealer Application

You can use a roller, a low-pressure sprayer or a brush to apply concrete sealer. If the sprayer is used, it is advisable to use a medium nap roller for back rolling it for proper penetration to be ensured.
 
1. Carefully stir the concrete sealer to make sure that it is mixed completely. Make sure that you will not be shaking the sealer as this may bring about nasty air bubbles that can ruin the final product.
2. Apply the concrete sealer to the surface. Apply an even and thin layer that will be able to cover the surface well and not pool in any area. Allow to completely dry.
3. Once dry, you can then apply another coat of concrete sealer. Dry again. Check if there are any additional instructions for the manufacturer. Make sure that you will be doing those as well.