The world's foremost magazine on decorative concrete
Sealers are applied to concrete surfaces to protect them from the elements and extend their useful lifespans. There are two main types of sealers: film-forming varieties that enhance the surface with color and sheen, and penetrating sealers that go into the concrete’s pores and seemingly disappear.
Ever since W.R. Meadows launched Decra-Seal Natural in 2018, it secured a unique niche in the penetrating concrete sealer category. The sealer, designed especially for decorative concrete applications, both enhances concrete’s color and repels water. “Without putting a wet look on concrete, it pops the color,” says Jim Becker, product […]
Throughout the course of its lifetime, concrete suffers many different forms of damage. Although concrete sealers add a protective layer to concrete floors and structures to help maximize their durability and minimize moisture permeability, concrete sealer problems can be a source of frustration among contractors. When a concrete sealer doesn’t […]
In recent years the decorative concrete and coatings market has made its way over to the retail market. Retailers have unique needs that they have to address, and decorative concrete and coatings are becoming a more and more popular method for filling those needs. Five of the biggest issues facing […]
Trying to manage ultraviolet light exposure in California isn’t an easy thing to do, particularly when it comes to its effect on concrete sealers. For Napa, Calif., homeowners, contractors were able to get a handle on the situation, creating a countertop for an outdoor kitchen that still looks great more than a year later.
Acrylic sealers range in quality, price and effectiveness. They won’t all produce the same results, so you’ll want to consider the look and qualities important to you.
Anything worth doing is worth doing right. Don’t cut corners and expect quality results. These may sound like clichés designed to get folks to toe the line but more often than not, I’ve found them to be absolutely true.
Match the sealer to the job, and let your work shine! Concrete sealers help protect and beautify concrete work. But choosing the right one from a bewildering assortment of products is not always easy. Making the best selection depends on several factors: the application, desired aesthetics and maintenance requirements. Knowing the basics can help you make the right choice for each project.
Concrete is porous and it needs to breathe to let moisture escape. When applied at the manufacturer’s recommended rate, most concrete sealers will remain breathable. However, a blushing problem can occur when sealers are over-applied or reapplied too often. Blushing is a white film that forms when moisture is trapped between the concrete and the sealer.
The market for concrete sealers is vast and it seems that there is almost every imaginable way to protect and enhance concrete floors. For the purpose of this article we are going to discuss two options that involve a clear sealer.
Of all the different types of decorative concrete, exterior staining is the most affordable. It also requires the least manpower. But this is an article on how your business can be sure to pick the right exterior staining product to create the outdoor paradise your clients value the most.
