The world's foremost resource 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.
An engineer for a manufacturer of machines that use ultraviolet light to cure coatings explains equipment options for contractors.
High-performance or high-build coatings offer a higher level of performance than thin-build sealers. A brilliant insight, I know. But in reality, the statement often sums up most of what many people know about high-performance coatings compared to thin-build sealers.
As high-performance coatings become more commonplace in decorative applications, so do the problems associated with using them. Unlike acrylic sealers, high-performance coatings (polyurethane, epoxy, polyaspartic and polyurea) are not as forgiving when it comes to application, or more specifically, reapplication.
Take a look at some of the most common myths, mistakes, and just plain wrong practices the decorative concrete industry has embraced as commonplace.
Surface preparation is a commonly used term in the decorative concrete industry. An argument can be made that it might even just be the most used term in the industry. We hear or read about it most often when dealing with overlays and stains. Grind, scarify, acid etch, etc.
Is it possible to smell sealer months after application? Someone asked me this regarding a stained and sealed floor in a Colorado residence.
Dive deeper into the use of the warm-water pressure washing method of removing old concrete sealer.
New sealers compliant with VOC laws have contractors in cold sweats. With these tips, you can REALLY start breathing easier.
There are three things in this world that have room for improvement: cell phones, microwave popcorn and, you guessed it, concrete sealers. There have been more prayers and cuss words offered up regarding sealers than over any other decorative concrete issue.
Having an opportunity to see the sealing part of our business from a manufacturer’s point of view is priceless. So when Doug Carlton sat down with Bert Adams of Glaze ‘N Seal to ask him his point of view on sealing concrete, the results were better than he could have dreamed.
