Concrete is a versatile building material. Most people are accustomed to thinking of concrete primarily as a utilitarian substance, but it can also mimic a variety of flooring types and be a colorful and beautiful addition to any morn.
Whether your concrete floor is a practical surface for the garage or an artistic statement of personal style in your dining morn, it should be sealed. Concrete is a hard and durable building material , but it is also porous. Consequently, concrete floors are susceptible to staining. Many stains can be removed with the proper cleaner, but sealing and painting prevents oil, grease, and other stains from penetrating the surface in the first place; thus, cleanup is considerably easier.
How to Seal a Concrete Floor
Step 1 Etch, clean, and dry concrete. Mix the sealer in a bucket with a stir stick. Lay painter’s tape down for a testing patch. Apply sealer to this area and allow to dry to ensure desired appearance. Note: Because concrete sealers tend to make the surface slick when wet, add an anti-skid additive to aid with traction, especially on stairs.
Step 2 Use wide painter’s tape to protect walls and then, using a good quality 4″-wide synthetic bristle paintbrush, coat the perimeter with sealer.
Step 3 Use a long-handled paint roller with a ‘/2’ nap to apply an even coat to the rest of the surface. Do small sections at a time (about 2 x 3 feet). Work in one orientation. Avoid lap marks by always maintaining a wet edge. Do not work the area once the coating has partially dried; this could cause it to lift from the surface. Allow surface to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 8 to 12 hours.
Step 4 After the first coat has dried, apply the second coat at an orientation 90′ from the first coat.
Step 5 Clean tools according to manufacturer’s directions.
