Commercial Concrete Floor Sealers

People who use the phrase 'as strong as concrete' are clearly not aware that concrete is porous. The process of concreting itself is such that it leaves behind pores that water can permeate through. The quantity of water may be negligible at first, but when exposed to water for few years, the pores start becoming bigger and then you're going to have a problem.

Types of Concrete Floor Sealer

It is advisable to use a concrete floor sealer as soon as the concreting project is completed. In case you hadn't done it then, and your floor has already started leaking, better do it now than later. They are acrylic, water-based solutions to leaky floors. They are made basically from resin material. The other advantage of using a commercial sealer is that it gives your concrete floor a really good finishing touch. They protect the concrete (yes even concrete needs protection!) from dust, moisture, some acid spills, everything!

Film Formers:
Like the name suggests, film former sealers create a film on the surface of the concrete, protecting it from everyday wear and tear, and stops water and other impurities from permeating the surface of the concrete. They create a luster on the surface on the concrete and are used more extensively on colored concrete floors to enhance the color visibility. So if your concrete floor is to have that glossy look, film formers are the thing for you.

Penetrates:
Again, a very self-explanatory name. Penetrates get into the pores themselves and block them. They 'penetrate' the holes that allows water in and fills them. Unlike film formers that settle on the surface of the concrete, they do not lend a lustrous, shining finish to the floor. They will give your concrete floor a matte finish.

Another thing to think about is Acid Concrete Stains. These stains will enhance the aesthetic value of your floor and are a good substitute to carpeting. Acid staining can be done in any required pattern and is used especially on home and office concretes.

How to Apply the Floor Sealer

1. Choose the type of sealer (film former/penetrate) which is most suitable to the sealing work. Clean the concrete floor. Remove any signs of accumulated dirt with a high pressure washer to avoid sealing the dust as well. Wash the floor again with a combination of water and vinegar so that any lime that may have come to the surface will be removed.
2. Depending upon the sealer you are using, you may need a brush or a sprayer that will help you apply the sealer onto the floor. Directions for the same will be given on the can. Allow the coating to dry. The drying time is sealer specific and may range from one day to seven days. You may also need to apply a second coat of sealer and wait again. Once the sealing is done, clean the floor yet again.
3. After the floor is sealed and ready, if you want, you can color the floor with the stain. You can apply the stain as a straight color or in a pattern or design.

And your waterproof concrete floor is ready!

Make sure that the concrete floor sealer is uniformly applied. If it does not get applied uniformly, then you are running the risk of having to go through the sealing again. While this is a generic process, follow the manufacturer's instructions for some sealer specific aberrations to this process.