How to Use Polyurethane for Sealing Acid Stained Concrete
Concrete floors that have been treated with an acid stain are a popular form of decorative concrete. This type of floor usually represents a significant investment, and it is therefore important for you to protect this investment. To make sure the beautiful finish of an stained concrete floor is a long-lasting one, it is necessary to apply a sealer. Polyurethane sealers are thick and will give the floor resistance to abrasion, chemicals and spills. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Respirator
- Polyurethane sealer
- 2 rollers, 1/4-inch nap
- Paintbrush
- Paint rolling pan
- Mineral spirits
- Cotton socks
Instructions
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Make sure that the room is properly ventilated. Don rubber gloves and safety glasses. Wear a respirator, as the sealer will produce fumes. Polyurethane sealers are highly flammable, so turn off the pilot lights and the gas supply to all gas appliances. Remove your shoes. Shoes often contain oils that will show up on the concrete surface as footprints. Wear a thick pair of cotton socks while applying the sealer.
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Apply the sealer to the floor using a nap roller and a paint rolling pan. Begin in a corner and work your way backward so that when you finish you will not have to step on the concrete. Apply the sealer to the nap roller moderately or you may cause bubbles to form in the finish.
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Use a paintbrush to get the sealer in hard-to-get areas like baseboards and the edges of the floor. Dispose of the nap roller and clean the pan with mineral spirits.
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Keep everyone off the floor for at least 24 hours while the polyurethane sealer dries. The majority of this coat will soak into the concrete. The concrete will have a dull, rather than a glossy finish.
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Use a new nap roller to apply the second coat of sealer in the same way you did the first. This coat will provide the final glossy finish that is associated with polyurethane finishes. Let the sealer dry undisturbed for at least 72 hours.
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