Strengthen, Enhance, and Protect the Surface with Concrete Sealer

"Concrete sealer will make your concrete look better and last longer!"

Concrete sealer has become an essential part of almost all concrete finishes. It is widely used as a curing agent for new concrete and a protective barrier for existing concrete.

Acid stained floor before applying the clear coat of sealer. The floor is very porous and will be tough to keep clean if left unsealed.	The colors really "pop" once the concrete sealer is applied. There are other sealers that won't drastically change the look if you like it as is.

Almost all concrete contractors use sealer instead of the old school curing methods. And for decorative concrete its like putting icing on a cake. It's the final step that makes the appearance pop.

When fresh concrete is placed, sealer is applied to the surface (best when done immediately) to trap moisture. This keeps the surface from drying or curing too fast. When the surface cures too fast, a weak bond is created between the surface and the rest of the concrete and greatly increases the risk of scaling down the road.

The other main purpose of sealers is to protect the surface after it has cured.

Although known for it's strength and durability, it doesn't last forever. Maintaining the sealcoat will significantly increase its lifespan and keep it looking good.

Sealers protect against the elements, especially in harsh climates where there are many freeze and thaw cycles throughout the year. When water penetrates the surface and freezes, it expands and breaks apart the concrete resulting in scaling and spalling. Sealer creates a barrier that is impermeable to water and those harmful deicing salts.

Sealer also protects the surface from any chemicals, especially acids, that may be spilled and makes cleanup easy. Any spills can be easily mopped or rinsed away.

One of biggest benefits of sealer is stain prevention. It can prevent those hideous oil stains on driveways and garage floors, rust stains from aging patio furniture, grease stains from dripping grills, or those nasty black and green mold stains. With sealer, none of these can penetrate the surface which keeps your concrete looking clean.

If you have decorative concrete, whether it's stamped, colored, exposed aggregate, etc. it's pretty expensive work and you want to protect your investment and make it last as long as possible. The only solution for this is sealer. Even if its just plain old concrete, nobody likes to see chipped, scaled, or ugly stained concrete. So don't let that happen to your concrete.

Be careful when choosing sealers and applying them. Choose the appropriate sealer type and follow all instructions that come with the product. Mistakes made can all but completely ruin a concrete finish. Whatever you do, don't go for the cheapest product, especially when sealing decorative concrete. With concrete sealers, you truly do "get what you pay for".

Safety is always a big concern with exterior surfaces. A sealed concrete surface can be very slippery and dangerous when wet. Find out how to get a slip resistant concrete sealer.

More Concrete Sealer Info

Types of Concrete Sealer
There are several types of sealcoats for concrete surfaces. Each has its advantages and limitations.

Which Type of Sealer Should I Use?
The first step in sealing concrete is figuring out which type is ideal for your specific situation.

Decorative Concrete Sealer
Decorative surfaces require special consideration and precaution when choosing and applying.

Epoxy Sealer
Water based and 100% Solids... Benefits and limitations on epoxy sealcoats for concrete.

Sealer Turning White?
A common problem... What causes it, how to fix it, and how to prevent it.

Sealer Failure
Probable causes of peeling, flaking, bubbling, and discoloration.

Cold Weather Sealer
When and how should you use sealer on concrete when it's cold.

Sealer Application Instructions
Methods and tips on applying sealer and pitfalls to avoid.

Removing Sealer
How to strip sealer from a concrete surface without damaging the texture and color.

How often should you seal concrete?

Get Free Estimates for Sealing Your Concrete from Local Contractors