Sealers Are No ‘Magic Bullet’
Question:
I’m considering using a new concrete countertop sealer that the manufacturer claims is a “magic bullet.” Is this too good to be true, and how can I tell?
Answer:
Unfortunately, for one reason or another, many sealers for concrete countertops do not perform as stated by the manufacturer. Some products, for example, are “repurposed” sealers originally intended for concrete floors. What manufacturers often don’t understand is that a sealer that works well on a floor may not meet the unique performance requirements of countertop surfaces.
Many factors can affect the performance of a concrete sealer. A product that works well on one countertop may not work well on another due to variables such as mix design, cure time, methodology and finishing methods. For example, you can’t apply an epoxy/urethane coating to concrete polished to a 3,000-grit smoothness and expect it to adhere. Or your concrete may contain an exotic admixture that causes a penetrating sealer to behave differently on your concrete than on someone else’s concrete.
How you apply the sealer is also critical. A wide variety of methods can be used, ranging from simple wipe-on application to multicoat spraying techniques. Make sure you clearly understand the manufacturer’s recommended application methods and any prerequisites, such as surface preparation. Be aware, though, that many manufacturers do not actually know how to apply their sealers to best effect on concrete countertops, especially in the case of a repurposed floor sealer. You may need to develop your own application technique through trial and error.
All of these factors—the lack of understanding by manufacturers and variations in concrete mixes, finishes and application techniques—are why it’s so important that you, as the concrete countertop maker, test countertop sealers and set your clients’ expectations. Ideally, this would be the sealer manufacturer’s responsibility. Realistically, it is your responsibility.
The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI) has published an article that explains a detailed, systematic, repeatable test procedure for testing the stain resistance of countertop sealers. (See How to Test Concrete Countertop Sealers for Stain Resistance.) Stain resistance is by no means the only consideration in deciding whether to use a sealer. You need to verify other performance characteristics too, such as heat resistance and scratch resistance. (CCI is working on a testing procedure for these characteristics as well.) Factors such as appearance, ease of application, cost, environmental issues and ease of maintenance are also important to consider when choosing a sealer to use on your concrete countertops.
The important thing to remember is that methodically testing your sealer will give you real-world information about what your clients can expect. Develop appropriate contract wording to communicate these expectations, and provide an owner’s guide detailing the care and maintenance of your concrete countertops.
Stain testing on sealed concrete shows results after 15 minutes, 1 hour,
8 hours and 24 hours of exposure. Nos. 1 to 4 are mustard, red wine,
coffee and Tabasco sauce, respectively.
I’m considering using a new concrete countertop sealer that the manufacturer claims is a “magic bullet.” Is this too good to be true, and how can I tell?
Answer:
Unfortunately, for one reason or another, many sealers for concrete countertops do not perform as stated by the manufacturer. Some products, for example, are “repurposed” sealers originally intended for concrete floors. What manufacturers often don’t understand is that a sealer that works well on a floor may not meet the unique performance requirements of countertop surfaces.
Many factors can affect the performance of a concrete sealer. A product that works well on one countertop may not work well on another due to variables such as mix design, cure time, methodology and finishing methods. For example, you can’t apply an epoxy/urethane coating to concrete polished to a 3,000-grit smoothness and expect it to adhere. Or your concrete may contain an exotic admixture that causes a penetrating sealer to behave differently on your concrete than on someone else’s concrete.
How you apply the sealer is also critical. A wide variety of methods can be used, ranging from simple wipe-on application to multicoat spraying techniques. Make sure you clearly understand the manufacturer’s recommended application methods and any prerequisites, such as surface preparation. Be aware, though, that many manufacturers do not actually know how to apply their sealers to best effect on concrete countertops, especially in the case of a repurposed floor sealer. You may need to develop your own application technique through trial and error.
All of these factors—the lack of understanding by manufacturers and variations in concrete mixes, finishes and application techniques—are why it’s so important that you, as the concrete countertop maker, test countertop sealers and set your clients’ expectations. Ideally, this would be the sealer manufacturer’s responsibility. Realistically, it is your responsibility.
The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI) has published an article that explains a detailed, systematic, repeatable test procedure for testing the stain resistance of countertop sealers. (See How to Test Concrete Countertop Sealers for Stain Resistance.) Stain resistance is by no means the only consideration in deciding whether to use a sealer. You need to verify other performance characteristics too, such as heat resistance and scratch resistance. (CCI is working on a testing procedure for these characteristics as well.) Factors such as appearance, ease of application, cost, environmental issues and ease of maintenance are also important to consider when choosing a sealer to use on your concrete countertops.
The important thing to remember is that methodically testing your sealer will give you real-world information about what your clients can expect. Develop appropriate contract wording to communicate these expectations, and provide an owner’s guide detailing the care and maintenance of your concrete countertops.
Stain testing on sealed concrete shows results after 15 minutes, 1 hour,
8 hours and 24 hours of exposure. Nos. 1 to 4 are mustard, red wine,
coffee and Tabasco sauce, respectively.
posted by Jeff Girard
at
8:00 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Home Page