How to Seal Concrete
Concrete. This durable material has been used by human civilization for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. Because it’s so strong, it’s the ideal choice for many everyday surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Unfortunately, concrete is not indestructible. In fact, it is gradually worn down, and without the correct care, it will eventually require repairs. What’s the best way to prevent this from happening? By learning how to seal concrete, you can avoid concrete damage and enjoy longer-lasting concrete at your home or business!
At Southeast Indiana Pressure Wash, we are highly experienced in concrete sealing, and we’d like to teach you what we know about the process. That way, you can apply that knowledge to your DIY project and enjoy flawless results!
Why Concrete Sealing Is Important
Concrete becomes damaged over time for a few reasons. Friction is one of the main culprits. Every time another surface rubs against your concrete, it ever so faintly erodes it. Walking or driving on concrete causes subtle damage that adds up over time. Believe it or not, even surface debris damages concrete! Particles of debris move back and forth on the concrete, causing microabrasions to the material. That’s bad news for you.
Even the weather can cause damage to your concrete over time. Every time it rains, snows, or hails, it introduces moisture to your concrete. Prolonged moisture damage increases the rate of damage to any material. Concrete sealing protects your concrete from damage, helping it look its best and last longer.
Pressure Washing Concrete
Before sealing concrete, you should highly consider pressure washing it. Why? There are two reasons. First of all, if your concrete is smothered with debris, it will prevent you from applying an even layer of sealer to the surface. This will result in sloppy work that is more likely to deteriorate over time. Additionally, sealing dirty concrete is hardly going to give you a good-looking property. Instead, you’ll trap unwanted filth and ensure your concrete looks awful for a long time to come.
Instead of walking this undesirable route, make sure your concrete is pressure washed before sealing. If you have a pressure washer, you can do this work on your own! If not, don’t worry. You can simply reach out to Southeast Indiana Pressure Washing for the assistance you need. We proudly pressure wash surfaces for our clients so they don’t have to.
What Will You Need For Concrete Sealing?
You won’t be able to learn how to seal concrete unless you have the correct equipment. So, what will you need to pick up for your project? The first and most important tool you’ll need is concrete sealer. This specialized liquid is sold in buckets and can be found at your local hardware store. There are many options to choose from, including acrylic, water-based, and solvent-based sealers. These are all excellent options, so do your research and choose whatever works best for you.
Of course, purchasing sealer is just the first step. There are several other items you’ll need for your project, including the following:
- Painting Supplies. Applying sealer to concrete is similar to painting a surface. Because of this, we recommend that you buy a stirring stick, a paint tray, and brushes (especially a roller brush and a detail brush).
- Drop Cloths or Tarps. It’s important to cover any surfaces adjacent to your concrete. This prevents them from being splashed with any accidental drips of sealer—and saves you a world of frustration down the line.
- Work Clothes. When working with sealer, wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. That way, if they become splattered with sealer, you won’t have any regrets when you pitch them in the trash can.
How to Seal Concrete With Sealer
Now that you have all the necessary tools for concrete sealing, let’s review how to seal concrete together. The first step of this process is clearing any objects off your concrete. You won’t be able to get any work done if there are vehicles, furniture, and decorations in the way! Please move your belongings to a safe alternative location, and be prepared to keep them there for two days while the paver sealer dries.
Now that all items are out of the way, it’s time to apply sealer to your concrete. After stirring the sealer, pour a moderate amount of it into your paint tray. Then, using your roller brush, apply a thin layer of the substance to the entire concrete surface. You can also use your detail brush to delicately apply sealer to the edges of the concrete.
After sealing the concrete, be sure to double-check your work. Once you have confirmed that no areas were skipped, you can put your equipment away. The only thing left to do now is wait! Virtually all concrete sealers will finish drying within two days. After this time passes, you can put any items you moved back where they belong.
DIY or Professional Concrete Sealing?
So, you’ve read through this guide on how to seal concrete. Now, you know how the entire process works, as well as what tools you’ll need for the process. The question is, are you prepared to take on this project? While DIYing is a cost-effective strategy, it is difficult for first-timers, and if done incorrectly, it can result in an ineffective layer of sealer. To prevent this from happening, consider reaching out to Southeast Indiana Pressure Wash, a locally owned and operated business.
At Southeast Indiana Pressure Wash, we are always prepared to assist our neighbors in the Indianapolis area. So, whether you need us to seal your sidewalk, driveway, patio, or any other concrete surface, we want to hear from you. Simply contact us online and let us know about your project today. We’ll get back to you with a free cost estimate. (There are never hidden fees.) If you like our price, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will see you soon!
