by Jared Falk

Created on: June 14, 2009

Colored concrete has exploded in popularity in the past several years. Whether you are adding integral dye to wet concrete mix, troweling in a color hardener, stamping in a colored release powder, or staining cured concrete with either acid or pigment stains; it is more pleasing to the eye than good old gray. However, like a car that has just been painted, color-stained concrete does not look its best as is. In order to finish the job correctly you need to apply a clear-coat sealer.

Clear-coat sealers fulfill a multitude of things which your concrete needs. Concrete has a tendency to bleach out and look a bit chalky and pale, don't worry, this is natural. But, if you have any excess whiteness, that might be efflorescence which needs to be removed by an acid wash or lime-solvent cleaner. Clear sealer causes the color to pop out and become more vivid, and also gives it that wet look (depending on which sealer you buy). Sealer also protects your concrete from getting damaged by the elements, especially rain and sun, which can ruin the appearance of your concrete.

Choosing the right sealer is very important. If you are environmentally conscious, you may choose to use a waterborne sealer with low or no VOC's. Solvent-based sealers penetrate better and have the ability to carry higher quality solids (usually acrylic) thus lasting longer. Remember you get what you pay for. You may also want to choose your finish which would be no-sheen, high gloss, or in between. Also consider that sealers create a coating on the surface of concrete, so the result is slippery. You may want to purchase an additive that gives the surface a bit of traction.

Applying the sealer is tricky. I would always recommend a contractor apply the sealer for many reasons. Contractors have the expensive equipment, the experience, and know where to get the quality products. Your typical box home improvement store will carry user-friendly products priced to sell; the result is lower quality.

If you do decide to put the sealer on yourself, here are some tips.

Sealer is just like paint; actually, it is basically clear paint. Spray or roll on the product in thin coats, too thick of coat is not good.

For solvent-based, you must use an industrial steel sprayer that can handle the chemical. The last thing you want is a pressurized sprayer blowing up and getting the liquid everywhere you don't want it especially your body.

Weather is important. You want your sealer to be totally dry before any rain. You do not want to apply sealers when it is below 45 degrees or above 70 degrees. Even the wind is a major factor. Either the sealer vapors could blow onto a surface you were not aiming for, or the product could cure too fast and turn white or bubble.

Make sure the concrete surface is clean and dry. If you have any sort of dust or film on the concrete and seal over it, the clear coat can delaminate. If you have old sealer on the concrete, make sure it is compatible with what you are now putting on or else you may have to strip the old sealer.

Solvents are not good to breathe and are flammable. Take extra care to make sure there is plenty of ventilation for you to breath, and no heat or open flame are around the sealer.

Color-stained concrete is usually expensive. You want to protect that investment by applying clear-coat sealer and continuing to reapply at least every two years; you will be happy you did.

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