Clear Concrete Sealer

Concrete sealers are a cost-effective and quick method of achieving a professional, long-lasting finish to your concrete project. Should be used on concrete surfaces to prevent surface damage, corrosion, and staining. Concrete pavers create a more attractive look to your yard, add beauty and value to it, and make the care of the surface much easier. They also help your concrete last longer.

What is a clear concrete sealer and what are its benefits

A clear concrete sealer is a hard-wearing semi-gloss wet look sealer that is used for the protection of surface deterioration from UV traffic and dirt, restoration and beautification of concrete. It provides a waterproofing effect, as well as resistance to stains. When used on new surfaces it reduces the porosity and roughness which makes water (including puddles) run off the surface more easily. The concrete sealer will make your driveway or backyard patio look new even after years.

One of the simplest methods to preserve your concrete floors from everyday usage is to apply them. The pricing has improved as technology and chemical formulations have advanced. A concrete sealer is a substance that coats or insulates your concrete work to shield it from the dangers mentioned above.

• Water absorption reduction is one of the benefits.
• It increases the life of your concrete.
• Protection from salt deterioration in coastal areas
• Oil, pollutants, and contaminants are all prevented by it.
• Non-slip coating
• Pests, fungus, germs, and moulds are all fought against.
• Provides better UV protection plus more.

The best time to apply a clear concrete sealer

It is usually best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying a concrete sealer, but we have discovered that applying most concrete sealers in the late afternoon or early evening is ideal. Any moisture present from condensation or morning dew will have evaporated by the end of the day during the late afternoon. 

In addition, the surface and air temperatures are both decreasing, making it easier for concrete sealers to absorb and bind to the foundation. Late-afternoon application of concrete sealers helps to prevent such issues as bubbles, rapid evaporation, discolouration and blushing.

How long does the clear concrete sealer last?

It takes about one hour for the sealer to completely dry after it is applied. Reactive chemical sealers will endure the longest and only wear away if the underlying substrate surface erodes, which may take ten years or more. Acryl resin sealers offer the longest performance life, typically lasting 5 to 10 years in heavy-traffic areas. Epoxy or urethane systems can provide similar results; however, they may last 5 to 10 years depending on the degree of traffic exposure. The shortest living is acrylic-resin sealers, which will endure 1 to 3.

Clear concrete sealers vs other types of sealers

The first is to protect the concrete by providing a protective layer. The second purpose of a clear concrete sealer is to make it appear better. Concrete surfaces, especially garage floors, are susceptible to stains and wear from oil, chemicals, dirt, road salt, and other substances. In addition, they are susceptible to water erosion and high temperatures. A protective barrier that separates harmful components from the concrete and prevents it from spalling, pitting and cracking is provided by a clear concrete sealer. Seal concrete can help to extend the service life of the concrete by avoiding costly repair or replacement. Concrete sealers may be used on both new and old concrete, whether inside or outside.

Acrylic Concrete Sealer

The most common water-based acrylic concrete sealer is also the most popular, due to its colour enhancing qualities, rapid drying time, and ease of use. Acrylic concrete sealers are also simple to apply and generally more cost-effective than other concrete sealers. The acrylic concrete sealer has its benefits and drawbacks. It is not as long-lasting as other types of clear concrete sealers, which means that it must be recoated more often. Water-based and solvent-based acrylic concrete sealers are available. Water-based sealers are generally preferred since they are more long-lasting than solvent-based sealers. It also aids in reducing brush marks and bubbling. One advantage of a solvent-based acrylic concrete clear sealer is that it improves the concrete colour better.

Penetrating Concrete Sealer

For outdoor usage, a popular waterproofing sealer that goes into the concrete is one that absorbs into the material and prevents water from entering but allows water vapour to escape. Water trapped in concrete can freeze and expand, causing the concrete to crack. Penetrating sealer with a matte finish is popular for outdoor use since it does not have a glossy sheen that might make you slip when wet. Silicate concrete sealer, silicone concrete sealer, and silane concrete sealer are three types of penetrative concrete sealers.

Epoxy Concrete Sealer

Epoxy transparent concrete sealer is much more difficult to apply than acrylic concrete sealant, offering a thick and durable finish that is resistant to abrasion. Epoxy sealant has a high sheen and enhances the colour of the surface. Epoxy is a popular preference for kitchen countertops and high-traffic areas like walkways. Because epoxy is highly susceptible to yellowing due to UV radiation, its most common use is indoors.

Polyurethane and Urethane Concrete Sealers

Polyurethane and urethane clear concrete sealer has a 4- to 8-year lifespan, is almost twice as thick as an acrylic concrete sealer, and resist chemicals, contaminants, and scuffing well. The UV-resistant sealants protect against yellowing and make the option for both indoor and outdoor usage. Acrylics and epoxies are available in water-based and solvent-based versions. This sealer is extremely durable, performing well in high-traffic locations such as concrete roadways. The flexibility of the coating enables it to withstand impacts that would destroy an acrylic clear concrete sealer.

Choosing the proper clear concrete sealer is a question of determining what characteristics it must possess to best fulfil the demands of the job. You may obtain a beautiful finish that lasts and looks fantastic by conducting extensive research and selecting high-quality goods.