How Do I Determine the Amount of Sealer to Buy?
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at ICPSC 2009
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If you're involved in the staining or polishing of concrete, be sure to attend the 2009 International Concrete Polishing & Staining Conference, to be held Oct. 1-4 in Atlanta, Ga. The event will feature equipment displays, demonstrations and
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Call for International Projects
We're looking for intriguing stories about decorative concrete projects around the globe. If you've recently installed a unique concrete floor in Europe, Australia, Canada or another international location, please send us more details,
along with photos.
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Choosing the Right Floor Sealer:
Six Questions to Ask
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Hi ,
 No decorative concrete floor installation is complete without the application
of a sealer. Taking the time to put down this final layer of protection
not only prolongs the life of your creative handiwork, but can also
enhance and preserve its appearance. To obtain these great perks, however, you must choose the right sealer for the job at hand among the myriad products available. To help you sort through the options, here's a list of important questions to ask when shopping around for the best product for your needs.
Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network
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1. What type of sealer do you need?
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Film-forming sealers (those that form a protective film on the concrete surface) are the type most often used for
interior decorative concrete work. In the category of film formers, however, you'll
find several different types, each with advantages and
limitations. Learn more about the types of concrete sealer. |
2. Is the sealer compatible with your decorative treatment?
|  What will you be applying the sealer to? Stained concrete, a floor overlay, a polished and dyed floor? Be sure to check with the sealer manufacturer to verify the compatibility
of its product with the decorative surface you plan to put it on. Some
sealers may interact with certain overlays or coloring agents,
resulting in unwanted side effects such as blistering, bubbling, or
bleeding. |
3. What conditions will the floor be exposed to?
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 For a decorative interior floor, a high-build sealer with good
resistance to scuffs and staining, such as a polyurethane or epoxy,
will generally provide the best protection and be easier to maintain, especially in a high-traffic retail environment. Softer acrylic sealers usually require regular
maintenance with several coats of a sacrificial floor finish, or wax,
to prevent wear and black heel marks. |
4. Is the product save to apply indoors?
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When working indoors, it's usually safer to use a water-based rather
than solvent-based sealer, especially if the area can't be ventilated.
Solvent-based sealers are extremely flammable and the fumes they emit
can be hazardous to breathe. They also may contain volatile VOCs. Learn more about checking the VOC content. |
5. What look do you want to achieve?
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 If you're after the look of polished marble, choose a sealer with a medium- to high-gloss sheen. Most
acrylic sealers are available in a range of sheen levels.
For
applications where a high shine is not desirable, you can also
find film-forming sealers with matte or low-gloss finishes. |
6. What is the life expectancy of the sealer?
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The life expectancy of a sealer depends, in part, on exposure
conditions and how well the floor is maintained. In general,
epoxies and urethanes deliver the best long-term performance and can
last years before the need for reapplication. When it comes to sealers, you get what you pay for, says technical expert Chris Sullivan. Avoid the temptation to pinch pennies. You don't want to give
your clients a protective finish that will wear away after only a year
or so. See Sullivan's advice on sealer selection. | |
