You’ve laid fresh concrete, standing back admiring your handy work, wishing that it would stay looking this fresh forever.
Applying concrete sealer – while not an absolute requirement – has many benefits that will save you in the long run. Sealed concrete protects against moisture, cracking, water damage, mold, mildew, and staining. Sealing enhances surface durability and appearance and reduces ongoing maintenance costs.
Applying a concrete sealer that provides maximum protection requires good planning and preparation, from choosing the right sealer type to using the correct application techniques.
Here are some potential solutions based on common causes:
- Humidity and Temperature
Problem: High humidity or low temperatures can prevent the sealer from drying as expected.
Solution: Increase ventilation or use fans to promote air circulation if possible. Ensure the temperature is within the recommended range for the product (usually 10–32°C). Wait for better weather conditions if necessary.
- Excessive Application
Problem: Applying a coat of sealer that is too thick can cause it to dry slowly or not at all.
Solution: Thin out the sealer using a solvent the manufacturer recommends. Use a roller or sprayer to spread the sealer more evenly.
- Moisture in the Concrete
Problem: The sealer will only dry properly if the concrete is fully cured or contains no moisture.
Solution: Ensure the concrete is dry and fully cured before applying the sealer. If moisture is trapped beneath the sealer, you may need to strip the sealer and allow the concrete to dry before reapplying.
- Wrong Type of Sealer
Problem: Using a sealer incompatible with the concrete or environmental conditions can prevent it from curing.
Solution: Verify that the sealer suits your type of concrete and conditions. If necessary, remove the sealer and apply a compatible one.
- Expired or Low-Quality Sealer
Problem: An old or low-quality sealer may not dry properly.
Solution: Check the product’s expiration date and ensure it’s a quality product from a reputable manufacturer. If the sealer is expired, you’ll need to strip it and reapply with fresh material.
- Not Enough Time Between Coats
Problem: Applying the second coat before the first has fully dried can trap moisture and prevent the sealer from curing.
Solution: If this is the case, you may need to strip the sealer and start over, ensuring you wait the recommended time between coats.
Fixing the Issue
Stripping the Sealer: If the sealer doesn’t dry after several days, stripping it might be necessary. Use a chemical stripper designed for concrete sealers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Reapplying Correctly: After stripping, ensure the concrete is completely dry and free of contaminants before reapplying a new coat of sealer. Follow all application instructions, including drying times and environmental conditions.
By identifying the root cause of the issue, you can address it with the appropriate solution to ensure the concrete sealer dries properly.
Contact Us for more information on concrete curing
Contact the Allcon Team at sales@allcongroup.com.au to discuss individual concrete sealing requirements.
Click here for a list of Clear Concrete Sealers
Click here for a list of Coloured Concrete Sealers
Click here for a list of Petrol Resistant Sealers
