Sealing concrete is a necessity: It keeps your floors clean, glossy and stain-resistant. Regularly applying a protective coating is vital to preventing chips, cracks and dirt buildup.
Sealing concrete might sound like a simple job — a do-it-yourself project you can easily handle. But are you aware of four common mistakes that can ruin the project? Make sure you know what not to do if you decide to tackle this task on your own. And remember: Professional concrete sealing is always a time-saving option.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Dirt, Grime and Stains
The first step to sealing concrete effectively is cleaning the surface in depth. Use a hard-bristled scrub brush to remove all the grime that won’t come off with a simple washing. Take time to fill cracks and holes with patching material and remove oil stains.
Anything you don’t remove from the concrete surface will become permanently sealed after the coating is applied.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Sealer
Are you looking for a shiny, glossy finish, or would you like a product that’s a bit more understated? Many do-it-yourselfers simply go to the home improvement store and purchase the cheapest, largest bucket of sealer they can find.
This is not the best way to find the right product for your floor. What will your sealer need to repel? What do you want it to look like? Make sure you ask these questions before purchasing your product.
Mistake #3: Applying Sealer Unevenly
Whether you’re spraying or rolling it on, make sure you’re evenly applying the sealer. It dries quickly and there isn’t much room for error.
Another mistake to avoid is applying the sealer too thickly. Concrete sealer is supposed to dry quickly, but it won’t if you put too much on, and this compromises its long-term effectiveness. It’s better to apply it too thin and apply a second coat later.
Mistake #4: Working without Protection
Don’t forget that sealing concrete requires heavy-duty work clothes, gloves and safety goggles. Wear a mask as well, and try not to breathe in the fumes. The chemicals can be harmful if they touch your skin. Always change your clothes right after the job is done.
Trust the Professionals
When you leave concrete sealing to the pros, you get expert surface crack repair, complete stain removal, top-of-the-line products and careful, meticulous application. You don’t have to worry that you’re wasting money on the wrong sealer and applying it incorrectly. You won’t have to watch the early breakdown of the coating, because it won’t happen.
Packman’s Coatings delivers just what you need: professionally sealed, durable concrete floors. You don’t have to devote a weekend to sealing concrete. Call us today for a free estimate.