Sealers and Coatings

Sealers and Coatings

Concrete is susceptible to absorbing moisture, which contains soluble minerals that break the bonds that hold concrete together, causing it to crack or corrode overtime. Concrete is also quite permeable and can easily be stained by nature or commercial/residential chemical products. After spending time and money laying new concrete, no one wants to see it be less than perfect for some time. To avoid scratching, denting, or ruining concrete, the best concrete sealer should be applied for the application at hand.

The type of concrete sealer will determine when the sealer should be placed. Many sealers should be applied as soon as the concrete can bear weight. Other sealants (like epoxy, for example) will need to wait to be applied until the concrete is completely cured. In general, all concrete sealer varieties can be applied once the concrete is cured in about 28 to 30 days.

Why are concrete sealers important?

Concrete sealers are incredibly important for any indoor or outdoor concrete projects.Without the best concrete sealer, newly laid concrete can become easily damaged or stained within the first few weeks to months after installation. This means the investment you just made will already be ruined before you can fully enjoy all the benefits of the concrete project.

Furthermore, concrete sealers extend the longevity of your concrete. Since moisture and other liquids cannot penetrate the concrete when a sealer is applied, it remains strong and prevents any premature cracking or spalling. It also ensures that your stamped or stained concrete continues to look as beautiful as the day it was laid.

In general, concrete sealers last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, with some varieties lasting up to 10 years. Indoors, they can last as long as the concrete. Concrete sealers can be easily reapplied at the end of their useful lifetime. Every year that a concrete sealer is on your concrete it continues to protect your concrete from unnecessary wear and tear.

Who has the best concrete sealer?

Walttools has the best concrete sealer products on the market. We require all of our products to undergo rigorous research and development before we release them to our customers. We ensure high-quality assurance by randomly testing samples as they are produced. Every bottle of Walttools concrete sealer will have excellent performance you can rely on.

We have a range of regular and stamped concrete sealer products that fit your exact application needs. Whether you need a water-based or solvent-based sealer, we offer a wide product range to fit your needs. Our team of experts are on staff and available to answer any of your questions, if you are not sure which sealer is the best for your application. Once you purchase the product, we also have a range of videos that showcase how easy it is to apply the sealer. If you ever have questions or concerns, simply give us a call and a friendly associate will assist you.

How is concrete sealer applied?

Concrete sealer is easy to apply! The most popular and common method is to use a sprayer. When you have a large amount of concrete that needs an even application of concrete sealer, a sprayer will help cut the application time in half and ensure your concrete has a nice thin coat.

If you have a smaller application, it is possible to use brushes and rollers. Simply roll the product on and be careful to ensure the application is even. Regardless if you use brushes or a sprayer, concrete sealer is easy for any contractor or homeowner to apply.

For some applications, Tru-Grip should be used to ensure maximum safety. This is commonly applied on pool decks or commercial floors where slipping concerns are high. Tru-Grip is stirred into the sealer itself and applied together.

What types of concrete sealers are available?

When it comes to concrete sealers, there are two types that are used throughout the industry: solvent-based and water-based. In general, solvent-based sealers are used outdoors and water-based sealers are used inside due to the lack of odor. For more information about the two, please continue reading below.

Solvent-Based Concrete Sealer

A solvent-based concrete sealer has the highest amount of fumes and odors, which means they are typically left for outdoor or large, commercial applications. When being applied, a well ventilated area is a requirement. If ventilation is not possible, a respirator should be worn at all times.

This type of sealer is incredibly popular for those who need a stamped concrete sealer. This is because as the solvent-based sealer dries, it creates a darker hue. With stamped concrete, there will be various lines that are better defined over time as the sealer dries. This makes the stamped design pop nicely and retain high variation for years to come.

Solvent-based concrete sealers are completely clear. Made up of a number of polymer molecules that are close together, the molecules move even closer and form a strong chemical bond as they dry. This creates an incredibly hard surface over the concrete, which protects the concrete from water, liquids, chemicals, and scratches.

Solvent-based concrete sealers differ slightly from their water-based counterparts. The solvent-based solution is completely clear when applied and creates one of the shiniest surfaces possible when completely dried and cured.

When it comes to applying solvent-based sealer, brushes and/or sprayers that are meant to be used with the sealer are required. Using the wrong type of sprayer or brush can lead to a large mess in the application process. Due to the chemical makeup of the sealer, no plastic can be used to spray or apply the solvent. A metal sprayer is required if you wish to use solvent-based concrete sealer.

Due to the nature of solvent-based sealer, it takes additional time to clean up after the application. Various cleaning agents are required to completely clean the sprayer or brush used in the application. If any touches you or items it should not have touched, it can be tough to get it off. Additionally, this sealer is flammable. The utmost care must be made during cleanup to prevent a fire accident.

Water-Based Concrete Sealer

For those who prefer to work with a sealer that has fewer fumes, a water-based concrete sealer is the perfect solution. This low odor alternative is safer to use in indoor spaces with proper ventilation. However, a respirator is still recommended for ultimate safety while applying any concrete sealer. Despite being safe to use indoors, water-based sealer can also be used outside!

When a water-based sealer is applied, it looks like a soft, milkywhite. It will dry clear, but the initial color is simply the nature of the product. This type of sealer has water and polymer molecules that are both present when applied. As the sealer dries, the water evaporates and allows the polymer molecules to move closer together. Once all of the water is evaporated, the sealer dries in a sturdy, clear coat.

Since water-based solvent has low VOC properties, it can be applied with a plastic sprayer or brush. This means no special equipment needs to be purchased in order to apply this sealer. Better still, it is easy to clean up! A wet rag and some water will have all of the supplies cleaned up in no time at all.

Water-based sealers may enhance and darken the substrate, but not as dramatically as solvent-based sealers.

Water-based sealers also have a natural anti-slip property, but still may be slick when wet.

Applications & Specialty Concrete Sealers

Concrete sealers are used to do just as the name implies — seal concrete. This is the broadest explanation for this product. However, several applications can call for concrete sealers. From new indoor countertops to patios surrounding a pool, industrial auto shop garage floor, or a new commercial building walkway, the applications for the best concrete sealer are endless!

It’s important to note that concrete sealers are not one size fits all for applications. Each sealer features its own properties and characteristics, so the type of sealer you need may vary from one application to the next. Even similar applications like driveways, garage floors, and patios can all require a different type of sealer to accomplish your goals.

Several specialty concrete sealers are available, including epoxy, warehouse, paver, and countertop concrete sealer products.

Epoxy

Epoxy concrete sealer is applied in two separate parts. Part A and B must be kept separate until the epoxy sealer is ready to be applied. Once mixed, the two parts create an unbreakable chemical bond. The result is an incredibly hard protective surface for your concrete.

Epoxy sealer can be used in a variety of applications. It creates the glossiest coat of any other concrete sealer, which is perfect for those who want a beautiful shine for years to come. Better still, epoxy is the only sealer that allows you to place flecks of gold flakes, quartz, and metallic into the sealer when applying it. As the epoxy hardens, it encapsulates the additions and allows them to shine when the light catches them.

Warehouse

Warehouse concrete sealer is most often used in commercial applications, but it can also be used in specific residential applications as well. This type of sealer is a good choice for those who will have high foot traffic, heavy machinery, or various chemicals in the area. The thick layer of sealant provides an impermeable coat and prevents any dust, cracks, stains, or scratches on the concrete.

Waterhouse concrete sealer can even be lightly scored after it dries to ensure the area is non-slip. This improves safety in the general area. Additionally, it can be buffed into a shiny or matte finish. The ability to do both makes this concrete sealer versatile. It can be used as a stamped concrete sealer in malls or a general sealer in an auto garage.

Paver

Pavers made out of concrete should be treated the same as a concrete slab. Even those small individual concrete pavers are susceptible to retaining moisture and cracking over time. Paver concrete sealer is designed to get in all of the nooks and crannies that often appear in pavers. Rather than being exposed to the elements, the pavers will continue to remain in the same beautiful pattern they were laid without worry of cracks or shifts.

Furthermore, a stain can be added to create a beautiful appearance to the pavers. You can patiently apply multiple stains to each paver or use one stain to cover all of the pavers at once.

Countertop

Concrete countertops are becoming especially popular in both commercial and residential applications. However, before a concrete countertop can be used, it must be sealed. The very nature of concrete allows too much dust to be kicked up as plates, bags, utensils, and other items are tossed onto the surface.

If a concrete countertop is not being used to eat on, then a special concrete sealer is not needed. However, if the purpose of the countertop is to be useful in the kitchen, a specific food-safe sealer must be used. This ensures no one becomes sick while sitting and enjoying their meal. Both food safe and general countertop concrete sealer follow the same application method. Most often, countertop concrete sealer is water-based.

Available Sealer Finish Options

When it comes to concrete sealer, the finish options are limited only to your imagination. Both regular and stamped concrete both look beautiful in their natural gray appearance. However, those who wish to change the color or shine can easily do so by modifying the finish of the best concrete sealer. With our superior line of concrete sealers, it is easy and efficient to achieve the exact finish you desire for your concrete.

Tinted

Tinted concrete has risen in popularity over the years, especially in commercial and corporate areas. Concrete can be tinted nearly any color, which is perfect for those who want to create a certain aesthetic or maintain their brand colors.

When the concrete sealer is being applied, the concrete tint can easily be added into it to ensure a seamless application. As the concrete sealer dries, it locks the concrete tint into place. This makes sure the concrete and its new tinting will look fresh in the years ahead.

High Gloss

A polished concrete floor screams elegance and class. Fortunately, a concrete sealer makes it incredibly easy to create as shiny of a concrete floor or countertop as you please! Certain sealers, like epoxy, will naturally produce a high shine on their own while others, like warehouses, will need to be buffed. Fortunately, any sealer can be buffed to create a modest or almost reflective/mirror like shine.

Matte

Matte finish sealers are increasing in popularity, for several reasons. They don’t show scratches or wear patterns easily and they don’t show deglossing outdoors. For those who know the floor will constantly be worked on with heavy machine, grease, or other items, a matte finish is perfect! A matte finish is less likely to cause slipping, which is an added bonus. It is also easy to score to decrease the likelihood of a slip and fall accident. Many repair shops, equipment stores, and sporting areas can benefit from having a matte finish for the concrete floor. Tru Matte can be added to a glossy sealer to produce a matte or satin finish.

The Best Concrete Sealer Is Available at Walttools

Your concrete deserves the best care possible if you want it to last for decades to come. With our superior line of concrete sealer products, you will find that your tinted, glossy, or matte concrete floor looks just as good as it does today as it will three years from now. Our products are easy to apply and stand up to the test of time.

If you aren’t sure what concrete sealer is right for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. We proudly offer a range of concrete sealers for most types of applications. We also have our products available in a variety of sizes to meet your exact application needs. Whether you need to cover a few square feet at home or a few thousand square feet for a commercial project, Walttools has you covered.

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