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How To Seal Cement Patio

Southside Concrete Polishing Is A Reliable Concrete Staining Contractor In Florida

How To Seal Concrete Patio (Behr Wet Look Sealer)

It might be tempting to acid stain your own patio with the effort of saving money, but not advisable unless you know what you are doing. Get professional help to safely restore your patio and get great results. Southside Concrete Polishing is one of the reliable partners when it comes to staining. We have handled tons of projects and have hundreds of designs in our gallery. Contact us so we can give your patio project a new look.

Apply The Renewing Stain On Dry Concrete

Most patio concretes floors dry in about two and a half hours after pressure hosing. So once your patio floor is dry, its time to stain it. We use sprayers to work the stain into the concrete surface and rags to soak up excesses. Depending on the expected results, the application process and patterning might vary. All in all, you should ensure you are getting rich hues that wont fade after a few weeks. Also, dont leave behind stain pools. This process might take a few minutes to a few hours depending on the size of your patio and the staining work needed.

Can A Patio Sealer Be Colored

Most clear water- and solvent-based sealers can be tinted, allowing you to add another layer of color to a decorative concrete finish. Some manufacturers offer pre-tinted sealers, while others provide tint concentrates that you can add to the sealer at the jobsite. A tinted sealer can also be used as a stand-alone, low-cost decorative finish if just a hint of color is desired. Get more advice on tinting sealers.

A pressure washer is a great way to clean your decorative concrete patio before sealing. Chutima Chaochaiya / Shutterstock.com.


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How Do Sealers Improve Patio Appearance

In addition to protecting colored concrete patios from fading, a sealer can also enhance and intensify the color. Depending on the type of sealer you apply, your options range from a natural matte finish to a high-gloss sheen.

Chemically reactive sealers are nearly invisible because they penetrate into the concrete, making them great choices for concrete patios that are stamped to replicate weathered stone. Water-based acrylic resin sealers will provide greater color enhancement and a low-gloss satin finish. And solvent-based acrylic sealers and epoxies will give concrete a high-gloss wet look and significantly deepen the color. There are also sealers specifically formulated to enhance the beauty of natural stone in exposed aggregate concrete .

Here are several examples of stamped and stained concrete patios that were enhanced by the application of a sealer:Tiered Concrete Patio Mimics Grouted Stone

Cut The Kerfs If You Need Stain Patterns

How To Seal A Concrete Patio

Cutting kerfs is optional if your concrete floor is already cut or you dont need any stain patterns on your patio. You use a saw to cut the concrete patio into sections to stain each part with different stain color. Use a piece of chalk to draw straight lines on your patio to indicate where the saw will cut. A board with a straight edge makes it easy to guide your saw and cut the desired straight kerfs. Misting your blade using water will help contain the dust.


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Polish Or Wax Stamped Concrete

The sealer will protect your sheen for the most part, but it doesnt hurt to polish or wax the concrete in the summer to get an even brighter shine. This will help to combat the copious amounts of foot traffic your patio may receive on a daily basis and reduce the risk of wear patterns.

Its not essential to extend the life of your patio, but it can add an extra layer of protection against wear, scratches, scuffs, and grime.

Do You Need To Seal Concrete Every Year

When you seal your concrete floor you provide a barrier. It protects against threats such as standing water, caustic chemicals, and normal wear-and-tear. By sealing your concrete every 2-5 years, as recommended by experts, you should keep your floor in good shape, preventing cracks, pitting, and additional damage.

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How To Remove Concrete Sealer From Floors

Before applying a new sealer, its very important that you make sure the old one is completely gone. This is because any old sealer left on the surface of your concrete can impede the effectiveness of the newly applied sealant, preventing proper adhesion to the concrete surface.

The removal of old concrete sealer can be done in one of two ways: mechanical or chemical. The mechanical way involves using some kind of tool to physically grind, sand, or blast away the sealer.

This method can be noisy and damaging to the concrete. There can be significant scratching or damage sustained during the process of mechanically removing sealer.

How Can I Make My Stamped Colored Concrete Look Like When It Was New

How to Seal a Concrete Patio

This is a common question that we receive two or three times a day. I believe that the reason this is a common problem is because when the stamped concrete is installed, the concrete contractor does not provide instructions on how to maintain the concrete, how often it needs to be sealed and how to clean it.

The following will provide you with three options that you have to restore your concrete.


First things First:

  • Stamped concrete needs to be sealed every 18 to 24 months to maintain the appearance of your concrete. It does not matter where you live in the United States. The sealer breaks down over time and needs to be renewed in order to provide protection and maintain appearances.
  • Never wash your stamped concrete with a pressure washer. Pressure washing removes some of the sealer every time you pressure wash. This will deteriorate the sealer and shorten its life. If it needs to be cleaned, use SealGreen Oil Cleaner Degreaser and rinse with a garden hose with a strong stream.
  • If the stamped concrete is neglected the protection layer will be gone and the color will start fading. Without protection the concrete will eventually start pitting and cracking.
  • Once the stamped concrete starts to pit it is not possible to fill the pits without making the stamped concrete look bad. The repairs will always show as the concrete will be a different mix with a different finish.
  • What do I do to restore?

    Test

    Restore Sealer Only Option One

    Test Fails


    Final Note

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    Choosing The Right Hue Of The Concrete Stain

    There are hundreds of concrete acid stains and water-based stains out there. But you want to go with eco-friendly options that are safe for your plants and pets as well, considering that you might be living on this property already. Youll find that choosing this kind of stain gives you more control and you wont have to worry about damaging plants and risking pets and family.

    You must also identify the right color of concrete stain. It would help if you have prior information about the previous installation just in case you want a similar hue. Armed with this information, you only go and pick the right color from a local store. If you want to create patterns on your patio, figure out the color scheme first to create attractive installations.

    You should test a few stain color options on a hidden area to ensure you use the color that meets your expectations. Select a color that will mask any present marks and one that blends well with the existing concrete stain. Take note that staining only improves the existing colors of your patio concrete and isnt like paint that will cover whats on the floor.


    Should You Seal Sandstone Paving

    There is arguably no better patio stone to seal than Indian sandstone because the natural stone is awash with colour anyhow, it responds dramatically to the right sealer and the results can be unbelievable.

    Again, you will have to go through the sealing process methodically and run the pressure washer over avoiding the joints. Its normally a one-coat application that will give protection and colour enhancement.

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    How Long Should You Wait Before Sealing Your Concrete Driveway

    After getting a new concrete driveway poured, one thing our Houston concrete contractors highly recommend is having your new concrete driveway sealed. Driveway concrete sealer helps to protect and preserve the appearance of your new driveway by reducing the risk of small and large cracks. This means that your driveway will last a long time. Most concrete driveways, if properly cared for and maintained, can last as long as 25 years.

    Restoration Is Cheaper Than Replacement

    How To Seal A Concrete Patio

    The cost of a new patio can easily be multiple thousands nowadays. The cost of sealing a patio and restoring it to somewhere near shouldnt be anything near that. Now please remember no of these patio sealants are magic wands.


    It wont even look brand new again, but its 100% possible to turn a grubby, well worn looking patio area into something very respectable and something you are happy with. Restoring a patio is a cheap and cheerful way of saving money and improving the appearance of your outdoor space.

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    What You Need To Know About Concrete

    Concrete is a mixture of water, cement, and either gravel or sand. It has to be mixed carefully using the right amount of each material. Mixing processes help ensure the concrete can be poured and smoothed easily. The mixing process also helps with the curing process, which is where the concrete gradually hardens so it is solid and strong.

    Unsealed concrete is porous and can absorb various types of liquids such as water and oil. Depending on the type of liquid, it can cause the concrete to become discolored and stained. The fluids will also cause unsealed concrete to gradually start to deteriorate and break down. This can lead to chipping and concrete driveway cracks.

    Should You Seal Natural Stone

    Yes. It makes sense to use patio sealer or paving sealer on natural stone simply because the weather is going to damage its appearance. To avoid spoiling to look and to protect against stains and spillages, you should really invest in the best product on the market.

    You can get away with not sealing natural stone, but then you risk your patio starting to look tired and worn long before its time. It may well vary from product to product.

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    Is It Necessary To Seal Concrete

    As we mentioned earlier, concrete is structurally sound and strong. What most people dont know is that it is naturally porous. This means that water can seep through the surface, exposing it to big problems. Besides, this will eventually affect its structural integrity. Not forgetting that it can promote the growth of mold and mildew that are eligible for some serious health hazards.

    With constant exposure to water, cracks may start forming on the surface over time. Thus allowing insects into your home. Why let these issues arise, when you can easily avoid them by sealing concrete! Its an essential type of preventative maintenance. Best of all, it helps to maintain the integrity, outlook, and overall quality of your house!

    Three Wait For The Right Weather

    How to Seal a Concrete Driveway, Patio or Sidewalk

    Weather is an important factor to consider when it comes to sealing outdoor concrete. It is important that you apply the concrete sealers only when you can count on getting at least 3 days when the temperatures stay between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This part is often overlooked by many as they do not realize how important it is. Moderate temperatures ensure that the application is effective and that you end up with the best curing. Do not seal the concrete if you expect any sort of precipitation rain, dew, snow, etc. – during this period.

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    Four Apply The Sealer

    After you pick the sealer of your choice, you will be required to follow the instructions given by the product manufacturer. This will also help you determine what tools will be required for the process and how long you should wait for the sealer to dry. Reading the instructions make the job so much easier than figuring it all out on your own!

    As a rule of thumb, try to start the process from one corner of the concrete patio and work backwards towards the other end of the surface. In some cases, you will need to add another coat of sealer. If that is the case, make sure that the first layer is given enough time at least overnight to dry.

    If the temperatures are low outside, give the first layer another full day to dry thoroughly before putting on the second layer. Allow the second layer a full 48 hours to cure and finally clean it up with a garden hose. Once the process is complete, you will need to give it 10 days for the sealer to reach the ideal condition.

    When Stamped Concrete Turns Dull

    The use of acrylic sealers are popular for decorative outdoor concrete because they are UV resistant, enhance the appearance by forming a high-gloss, âwet lookâ are highly water-repellent, can be readily purchased from local hardware stores, and are relatively easy to apply.

    The disadvantages of acrylic concrete sealers is that they are soft, less durable, susceptible to hot-tire pickup and have a short lifespan. Depending upon climate and surface traffic, acrylic-based sealers can wear away quickly, unevenly. Exposing the surface to tannin stains, freeze-thaw, oil slicks, deicing chemicals, leave stains, and road salts which will slowly degrade the color and overall appearance of your stamped concrete surface.

    When maintenance is ignored, what was once an enriched looking surface, may now turn spotty and dull. If a store bought concrete stain was applied to refresh a color, the susceptibility of the stain peeling becomes much greater. Thus, making biennial application of a sealant crucial for the continued protection, luster, and aesthetic of the surface.

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    Will A Sealer Make Concrete Patios Slippery

    Film-forming, high-gloss sealers can really intensify the color of a concrete patio, but they may also make the surface more slippery, especially when wet. Thats usually not a concern with exposed aggregate or textured concrete patio surfaces, but smooth, untextured concrete may require the use of anti-skid additives to improve the traction. Most of these additives are simply mixed into the sealer at the time of application and are transparent, so they wont alter the color or appearance . Another option is to switch to a penetrating sealer that wont form a surface film.

    Stain Concrete Sealer: How To Seal Concrete Patio

    Brick Paver Patio Design, Installation, and Maintenance ...

    Let the stain concrete dry for 24 hours, then apply a sealer to keep the stain from fading. Plan on rolling on a new coat of sealer every three to four years to protect the surface.;The manufacturer says the sealing step is optional, but we recommend it because it protects against fading and wear, and it enhances the stain. Youll have to clean the patio with heavy-duty cleaner and give the patio a fresh coat of sealer every three to four years.

    Give the stain a full day to dry, then apply the high-gloss sealer. Choose a day or time of day when the patio is shaded . Start by cutting in with sealer along the patio edges with a 3-in. brush. The milky white sealer turns clear as its applied. Roll sealer on the rest of the patio with a 3/8-in.-nap roller . Let the sealer dry for two hours, then apply a second coat. Roll the second coat perpendicular to the first coat.

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    Should You Seal Porcelain Paving

    Porcelain paving probably needs the help of sealers less than natural stone. However, in our opinion, its better to be safe than sorry. Porcelain is already an immensely resistant and durable product, meaning using a sealer might not cost-effective.

    However, the best sealers or sealer brands out there will help to lock in that newly laid look, as well as protect it for years to come.

    The bottom line, however, is youre going to need a specialist product for porcelain sealing. Cheap and basic patio sealers arent going to cut it.

    Five Apply The Top Sealer For Best Results

    Finally, it is recommended that you use the garden hose to water the concrete patios surface after a 10-day waiting period. Follow up by spraying on the top sealer. There is no reason to worry if you do not have a spray applicator. Simply pour the top sealer onto the damp surface and spread it with a brush. Apply a second coat before the first coat is completely dry and then give the concrete patio a minimum of 36 hours before people are allowed to walk all over it.

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    My Recommendation For The Best High Gloss Sealer Is:

    This acrylic high gloss sealer will give your stamped concrete a very shiny look.

    This is a low maintenance sealer that is easy to re-coat.

    You can also use this sealer for garage floors, concrete floors, pavers and concrete previously sealed with solvent based acrylic sealers.

    You can apply this sealer by pump up sprayer or roll it on.

    Use the Chapin Stainless Steel Sprayer to apply it with.

    Will Sealing The Concrete Make It Slippery?

    A penetrating sealer doesnt leave any kind of film on the surface, so it wont make your concrete any more slippery than before you sealed it other than the water beading up on the surface.

    A topical sealer leaves a very thin film of sealer on the surface and could make it slightly slipperier when it gets wet.

    If this is a concern, just add a non-slip additive to the sealer when you apply it to help make the surface less slippery.

    These are the 3 basic types of topicalstamped concrete sealers

    Acrylic film forming sealers are the easiest to apply. They can be used on interior or exterior stamped concrete.

    Acrylic sealers provide good protection against water and chemical damage. They are UV resistant, non yellowing, fast drying, and come in high or low gloss levels.

    Acrylics offer a softer surface and are usually the least expansive.

    Urethane film forming sealers go on about twice as thick as the acrylic sealer and provides excellent protection against chemicals and abrasives.

    See how I do it HERE.

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