SEALING STAINED CONCRETE

Source:www.stonediamondtool.com Date:2020/8/20 Read:302

Although stain is permanent and won't flake off like paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the concrete surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is worn by traffic or weather exposure. To prolong stain life, stain manufacturers recommend keeping stained surfaces protected with multiple coats of clear sealer (outdoors) and a floor wax (indoors). A good sealer will provide other benefits as well, such as adding sheen to the surface and enhancing color intensity.

Sealing Interior Stained Concrete

Acrylic Sealers: Acrylics are UV stable, affordable, and easy to apply or reapply, as necessary. They also offer a wet look that greatly enriches the appearance of stained finishes. The downside is that they have the softest surface of all the sealer types and require the most maintenance. One coat of a solvent-based acrylic sealer followed by a topcoat of a water-based acrylic will provide ample protection for interior stain applications. Future floor maintenance can be completed with additional coats of water-based acrylic sealers or waxes as needed.

Epoxy Sealers: If your stained floor is high traffic, such as a restaurant or other public space, an epoxy sealer may be a good option. Epoxies are harder than acrylics, but don’t allow trapped moisture to escape which may become a problem later. When sealing with an epoxy, thorough moisture testing is a must. Epoxy sealers are popular for stained countertops.

Urethane Sealers: This sealer type is the most expensive, but also the most abrasive-resistant. To get a proper bond, urethanes must be applied over a water-based epoxy. You also should be aware that they are not UV stable.

Sealing Exterior Stained Concrete

Acrylic sealers are best for outdoor stain applications because they allow moisture in the slab to escape. Many contractors prefer solvent-based acrylics over water-based acrylics because they tend to perform better outside. If the shiny or wet look is not desired, silicone-based penetrating sealers are recommended for a matte finish.

To keep exterior stained surfaces protected, apply a new coat of sealer every year or two, or as necessary. When you begin to notice that water no longer beads up on the surface, it's time to reseal.

Stained Concrete Maintenance

While protecting stained concrete with a sealer or floor finish will repel dirt and help prevent wear, it does not eliminate the need for periodic maintenance. How much traffic the surface receives often dictates the amount of ongoing maintenance required. To protect your investment, ask the stain manufacturer or stain applicator to provide you with care and maintenance guidelines, including recommendations for cleaning products.

Here are some general maintenance tips:

· For interior concrete floors subject to only light foot traffic, maintenance is usually a simple matter of dry dust mopping and occasional wet mopping with a neutral-pH cleaner.

· If stained floors begin to loose their luster or shine, rewaxing will usually revive the appearance. In a typical residential setting, a year or longer may go by before it's necessary to buff and rewax the floor. In businesses with more traffic, it will be necessary to reapply the finish at more frequent intervals.

· For exterior stained concrete, keep the surface clean by sweeping it with a broom or leaf blower or rinsing with a garden hose. To remove stubborn dirt, scrub with a mop or medium-bristle brush and a mild cleaner.

· To keep exterior surfaces protected, apply a new coat of sealer every year or two, or as necessary. When you begin to notice that water no longer beads up on the surface, it's time to reseal.

· Stained concrete countertops will have different protection and maintenance needs than walking surfaces. Be sure to consult the installer for guidance.

According to Amir Krummell, owner of SolCrete, a decorative concrete company in Denton, Texas, rubber backed throw rugs or office chairs with hard plastic or rubber wheels can cause damage to acid stained concrete. “Over time rubber backed rugs may trap moisture and leave a white stain on the sealed floor,” he says. Additionally, the motion of chair wheels grinds dirt into the floor and wears away the protective finish, causing discoloration. Krummell suggests buying a floor mat without plastic knobs on the underside to protect the flooring surface.