How to Time Cinder Block Sealing
Cinder blocks are building blocks that are made from concrete and coal cinders that are pressed together in a form. This type of building block is often used in basements. Cinder blocks are porous and absorb moisture and water into them. Unsealed blocks that absorb moisture and water will eventually lose their strength and break or crumble. Paint and liquid-based sealants enter and fill the pores of the blocks to fill them entirely and leave no space for water absorption. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Apply the first coat of cinder block sealant according to the package directions. Liquid sealant can be sprayed, rolled or brushed onto cinder blocks. Paint sealants are generally rolled onto the blocks and worked into the crevices with a paint brush. Start in one corner of a room and work around the room.
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Wait 15 minutes after applying a liquid sealer or 30 minutes after applying a paint sealer.
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Press a paper towel on the area where you started the application process. Blot the paper towel on the first cinder block that is treated. Observe the paper towel for moisture from the sealant. If the paper towel is dry, apply the second coat of sealant. If not, check the moisture content every five to 10 minutes.
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Check the cinder blocks with a paper towel after each coat of sealant is applied before adding additional coats. Each coat after the first coat of sealant will take longer to absorb into the cinder blocks as the porous material fills with sealant. Each additional coat will also use less sealant than the first coating.
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Tips & Warnings
The use of a construction heater speeds up the absorption process as it pulls moisture out of the air.
Paint-based sealants are thicker than liquid sealants and require more time to absorb into cinder blocks.
References
Resources
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