No matter how sturdy a floor is, with time, it can break down or surface might flake away slowly. You might even notice persistent stains, especially in the garage where oil drips remain always. This is the reason, sealing your concrete will be the perfect option. Concrete sealing will not only make it stronger but will also increase its resistance to stains. In fact, polished and decorative concrete floors are also becoming quite popular.
Decorative concrete floors are durable, appealing and are low in maintenance. The kind of maintenance you would need will come from professionally sealed and correctly installed floor.
The professionals at Tuff Build use different ways to seal the concrete floor.
Even though you can do it by yourself too but matching the level of an experienced concrete technician might get difficult. An expert will give your floor a perfect finish and will also take away all the guesswork out of the equation. Now, let us see the steps that go into concrete sealing.
Remove the Clutter
Whether you are sealing the concrete in the garage, or indoors, you will have to remove everything out of the space and stack it somewhere else. You might also have to look for a space where you can put your furniture or equipment for at least a week. Because you would not want to move things here and there once the sealing work starts.
Clean the Floor
Pick up dirt and debris before cleaning any spills and stains. For dirt, just simply use a broom or a leaf blower.
Use mineral spirits on the grease stains and then scrub it with a brush.
Make sure you remove all the grease, dirt, and cleaning residue with a soft towel otherwise a sealer will not stick to the concrete. After all, this gives your floor a final mop and then it is time to dry it completely.
Use a Concrete Cleaner
Spray or pour a concrete sealer such as phosphoric acid or masonry cleaner on the concrete and then scrub it thoroughly with the broom and a cloth. Do not forget to rinse it off with a hose and then wait for it to dry completely before moving onto the next step.
Repair Cracks in the Concrete
Cracks on the floor irritate me a lot. They will bug you every now and then so it is better to repair them as soon as possible. What to do with the cracks? Just fill them. Use something like a caulk and then run a trowel over to make the surface smooth. But again, wait for the floor to get dry before you move onto the next step.
Choose the Sealer
Now is the time to choose your sealer. There are three different topical sealers such as acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane. These sealers are spread, sprayed, or even rolled onto the concrete’s surface. These sealers adhere to the floor therefore creating a protective top layer.
Acrylic
Acrylic sealers are not expensive. These can either be water-based (good for the indoors) or solvent-based (good for the outdoors because these are flammable and these emit toxic fumes). Water-based acrylics are easy to apply but these may change the colour of the floor.
The solvent-based acrylic delivers a deeper, and a more transparent finish but emits a strong odour. Overall, acrylic does not protect the concrete and other sealers against oil and grease stains. It requires two coats for it to take effect.
Epoxy
These sealers are durable and protect against grease stains. These sealers have two components that need to be mixed together and then applied on the floor before it dries up.
Epoxy seals are available in different colours so you can get them as per your requirement.
Out of all, epoxy sealer is the most recommended because it is impermeable to the liquids, resistant to rust, and also stands up to heavy traffic. The best part is epoxy will last many years before it is reapplied.
Polyurethane
These sealers are used for interior and exterior applications. These sealers also form a highly protective layer over the concrete floor. The coating of the sealer is almost twice as thick as formed by acrylic. It is durable and provides UV protection. However, polyurethane has a long curing period. It is highly sensitive during the time of application.
Polyurethane sealers are available in matte, semi-gloss, and glossy finishes. The best part is that polyurethane will go over most other sealers.
Use Hand Brush, Paint Pad or Rolling Brush
For the smooth application of a sealer, use a paintbrush. It will help in getting even strokes along the edges of the space. After pouring the sealer into a painting tray, dip the paint pad and rolling brush in the tray and slide the sealer along the edges. After that, apply single, even layers across the floor and ensure the sealer does not spread or puddle anywhere else. Make sure the entire floor is covered.
Let the Sealer Dry
Read the instructions properly on how long you would need for the sealer to dry. It can either be one day before you walk on the concrete, or it can also be up to four days before you start driving on it.
Add Second Coat, If Needed
As already mentioned above, some sealers like acrylics might require a second coat before they become durable. Also, by adding a second coat, you will get peace of mind that you have enough coverage that would keep your floor intact for several years down the line. Here’s a thing, always wait until the first layer dries out.
Why Hire a Professional Concrete Sealer?
Many people prefer doing home repairs by themselves because they think it is less expensive. However, being a professional at the Tuff Build, we have often come across situations where homeowners have first gone DIY and then contacted the experts. This has often led to more expenditure. So, to prevent wastage and doubling of money, and efforts, it is suggested to outsource the work to concrete floor sealer experts in Melbourne.
Contact us and let the work begin.
Hiring a professional will be quite beneficial because they will know exactly which product and material to use on your floor. A professional concrete sealer deals in this work every single day. So, from fixing cracks to understanding the best sealers for the job, they are able to do the work quickly and efficiently. Also, it puts a long-lasting impression on the floor.
Tuff Build’s highly trained technicians can fix the damaged concrete without replacing the entire slab. The professionals are also able to treat the concrete properly for the best end results. Our experts also have easy access to the top range of products, which makes your concrete look great for several years, without cracking, chipping off, or damaging the other elements of the floor.
Our concrete floor sealing services in Melbourne will ensure that your finished product is exactly how you have imagined it. So, if you want something that is great, durable, and concrete, contact us and let us know how we can be of any help. So, pick up a phone and drop us a call.