If you are looking to apply concrete sealer to you concrete block paving, garage base or driveway concrete surface then please check our our helpful guide to applying a sealant to your concrete. Before you begin do you know what kind of finish you require. Many concrete sealers are available with a gloss, matt and silk finish. Most sealers will eventually end up being matt in appearance but if you require a gloss finish to the concrete surface you will be better using a polyurethane gloss sealer or an epoxy resin sealer because these sealers keep hold of the gloss look whilst an acrylic sealer will lose its gloss look eventually.
- Start by sweeping clean the concrete that is to be sealed/resealed.
- Does your concrete need cleaning with a power washer to get rid of dirt, grease or oil, if so before you clean you may have to apply an appropriate concrete cleaner-
- Moss and weeds, then a good weedkiller then wash.
- Oil stains, then a good oil remover.
- If just dirt and stain removal then good quality de-greaser.
- In all cases apply the cleaning fluid as per the manufactures instructions and then rinse off. If you are using a power jet washer then clean at an angle (45 degrees)so that it doesn't harm your concrete. Some concrete might not need to be cleaned, but remember that the concrete sealer will seal the surface of the concrete once you apply the sealant and if dirty the sealer may not be fully absorbed by the concrete and it will not adhere/stick to the concrete therefore increasing the chances of the concrete sealer flaking off.
- Once cleaned then allow the concrete to completely dry out (the dryer, the better the absorbtion of sealer).
- If you are sealing concrete block paving then please see our guides on resanding your concrete paving Here
- The sealer can be applied using a tray and roller, large paint brush or vitron spray unit. The roller should be made from polyester, a 300mm (12 inch) sized roller is a good size.
- When using concrete sealers always wear appropriate protective/ old clothing. Gloves and a respiratory mask are highly advisable if you are using a solvent based concrete sealer.
- Put enough Concete sealant in the tray/sprayer to fill but not overflow the container being used.
- Saturate the concrete area to be sealed but don't allow the sealant to collect in a pool on the surface.
- It is always best to apply a second coat of sealer. Then no areas of concrete are missed. You should apply the second coat of sealer as soon as the first coat of seal has dried, usually within a couple of hours but it is down to the weather conditions.
- Once the application of concrete sealer is complete vehicles and pedestrians should be kept off the paving for at least 24 hours.
- If you need to walk on the concrete before the sealer is dry then please wear an old or appropriate pair of boots/shoes.
- Clean all tools with appropriate cleaners, and dispose/store any unused sealer.
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