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.
After spending time and money laying new concrete, no one wants to see it be less than perfect for some time. Concrete is susceptible to absorbing moisture which causes it to crack or corrode overtime. It is also quite permeable and can easily be stained by nature or commercial/residential chemical products. To avoid ruining concrete, the best concrete sealer should be applied depending on each project. At Walttools, we offer two unique formula options:
- Solvent-Based - This type of sealer gives off more fumes but 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.
- Water-Based - 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!
Each concrete sealer formula is unique and will have different requirements for use. Many sealers should be applied as soon as the concrete can bear weight. In general, all concrete sealer varieties can be applied once the concrete is cured in about 28 to 30 days.
Walttools Provides A Variety of Specialty Concrete Sealers and Coatings For Any Project
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! Discover Walttool’s variety of specialty concrete sealer options below:
- Epoxy - This is applied in two separate parts. Once mixed, the two parts create an unbreakable chemical bond. The result is an incredibly hard protective surface for your concrete.
- Warehouse - This is most often used in commercial applications, but it can also be used in specific residential applications as well; perfect for 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.
- Paver - This 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.
- Countertop - Used in both commercial and residential applications and therefore 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.
Choose Any Walttool’s 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 - Concrete can be tinted nearly any color, which is perfect for those who want to create a certain aesthetic or maintain their brand colors.
- High Gloss - A polished concrete floor boasts elegance and class. Certain sealers, like epoxy, will naturally produce a high shine on their own while others, like warehouses, will need to be buffed.
- Matte - A matte finish has less scratches, is durable and is slip-resistant. Many repair shops, equipment stores, and sporting areas can benefit from having a matte finish for the concrete floor.
