How to Seal concrete.

Concrete should be protected. To keep your concrete looking like it was brand new, you just need to apply a new coating. There are many water resistance sealers on the market. The best are acrylic sealers. One coat of an acrylic sealer is equal to about five coats of a water based sealer. Acrylic sealers dry faster and harder. Water based sealers dry slower and bond less. The only cons against acrylic sealers is the initial odor. Acrylics mostly contain xylene and lacquer thinner. These two chemicals are flammable. After sealing, the smell lingers for about an hour, depending on the ventilation. Although water based sealers are safer, the results never measure up to the acrylics. I advise to use acrylic sealers for outside applications only. Unless you are a professional and you know what precautions to take for an indoor application.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 3000 PSI pressure washer
• dish soap n water
• outdoor broom
• roller cage and cover
• acrylic or water based concrete sealer.

1. Start by pressure washing the slab. Do not come too close to the concrete for the pressure will rip the surface. Remove all moss, dirt, etc...from the surface and cracks.
2. While the slab is wet, use a small amount of soap and scrub the whole deck with a broom. Remove stains and oils.
3. Rinse the slab with the pressure washer. If there are any repairs that need to be addressed, Do those prior to sealing.
4. When the slab is 100% dry, use a roller to apply the sealer. Start at a far corner and work yourself out. Use plenty of sealer but don't let it puddle. Apply in a random fashion such as X's. Do this to avoid ghost lines.
5. Let the sealer dry. If you apply one coat of acrylic, give it 24 hours before introducing furniture. If you use water based sealer, give it one coat a day for three days in order to allow the sealer to dry between coats.

Tips & Warnings

• It is best to seal on a warm sunny day.
• Use water based sealers inside to avoid problems.
• Use a leaf blower to help dry wet areas.
• Keep the area clean. Don't seal over dirty or damaged areas, by doing this, you are locking the dirt or damage into the concrete.
• Do not use acrylic sealers indoor unless it is well ventilated with fans.
• Use masks for acrylic sealers in an indoor application.
• Do not use acrylic sealers near a flame or heat source.
• Do not apply another coat of water based sealer on a coat that is not dried.
• Never seal a slab that is still wet or moist.