AppearanceWhat do you want your driveway to look like after it's sealed, in terms of gloss level and color enhancement? Ready Seal® wood stain and sealer contains all the essential elements of a quality finish for exterior wood projects. You can also use penetrating sealers, which were rarely used in years past, but are also starting to gain mainstream acceptance. Copyright © 1998-2021 Novion Radon Mitigation & Concrete Waterproofing, Concrete Staining and Waterproofing in One Step. Lower-cost sealers bought at your local hardware store usually can't match the quality and performance of commercial professional-grade sealers bought at a concrete materials supply house. It may take multiple attempts to get it all off, depending on how many layers of sealer are on the slab. The best type of acrylic is a virgin or pure acrylic resin. Styrene acrylic, for example, is a lower-performance acrylic resin that may yellow and degrade when exposed to direct sunlight. Slipperiness is determined by the amount of texture in the concrete, combined with the thickness of the sealer. Just remember the acronym SAP. Answer:This project was placed using a light beige color hardener for the base color, followed by stamping with liquid release and a slate-patterned seamless skin. Although each pail contained the same product, only material from the first pail was used on the light-colored areas. All sealers exhibit some degree of cross linking. Or you can use it to seal without adding color. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommended application guidelines. Decorative concrete expert, and vice president of sales and marketing with ChemSystems Inc, Chris Sullivan, provides in-depth answers to common problems associated with sealing concrete driveways. The sealer offers protection from oil- and water-based elements. The rubber used to make car tires contains plasticizers to improve traction. Question: This driveway was integrally colored and has a very light brush finish. It is the reason why most concrete flooring contractors guarantee epoxy coatings on slabs-on-grade for only 5 years. What caused the light and dark color differences, and how do I make the whole driveway uniform again? These additives help, but only to a certain point. Poorly mixed sealer covers the light areas of this driveway while the dark areas are covered by the full-strength product. A better solution would be coloring the concrete without leaving a surface film in order to avoid trapping moisture. Striking a good balance of sealer durability and density will make all the difference when sealing driveways and garage floors. Answer: I found this situation a bit perplexing at first, and had to do some digging to figure out what happened. It's always better to spend a few extra dollars on a concrete sealer with proven performance than to go with a cheaper product that may fail early and require stripping and removal. Try for a distinctive "antiqued," "variegated," or "marbled" appearance. A 1/4-inch-thick layer of resin remained at the bottom of the first pail, indicating that it wasn't thoroughly mixed prior to application. For the ultimate in safety, consider using a penetrating waterproofing sealer rather than a film-forming product. After all, aren’t we trying to simulate natural stone? If the discoloration has migrated deep into the sealer, you may need to loosen the affected areas with a solvent or totally remove the sealer with a chemical stripper. New Name, Same Trusted Formula! If the wood has been stained, Sanding Sealer is not necessary. More porous areas commonly result in a darker shade. No strong odors. Generally, epoxy or polyurethane sealers cost considerably more than acrylics and they tend to be higher build, and thus more slippery. As concrete cures the alkalinity will gradually drop, but it may take 1-2 years for that to happen. They also don't allow for moisture vapor to move out of the concrete. Please remember that, we have done hours of web research before writing this article. If you prefer a less intense color, dilute the stain by mixing it with the clear LastiSeal Brick & Concrete Sealer. If you use a lower-gloss or thinner sealer, the surface will be even less slippery. After stripping the sealer, scrub the surface with soap and water, followed by rinsing with clean water. I had to double seal bags to ensure they were sealed properly. In this research we have considered the performance, materials, ease of use and customer feedback to determine our top chart. Seals the surface to resist stains, dirt and grease. The resulting affect will showcase the variegated natural texture of the concrete. It has made chemical acid staining or concrete painting obsolete! Dyes are not UV-resistant and the color will fade when exposed to continous sun rays. As a general guide, solvent-based sealers are best spray applied while water-based sealers are best applied by roller. Never repaint over a layer of paint, you will continue to trap more water vapor and speed up the peeling of both layers. Answer: This is a phenomenon called "plasticizer migration." The best way to prepare a surface for epoxy is to grind the surface (CSP:2), though most paint manufacturers will only tell you to acid etch the surface (CSP:1) If your plan is paint new concrete, be warned that new concrete is highly alkaline (caustic) and attacks paints by “saponification.” Moisture trapped underneath the paint activates lime and alkalis in the concrete, which form efflorescence. In general, a good-quality chemical stripper will do the trick. Ready Seal® is a professional-grade wood stain and sealer in one that is superior to other products when comparing the ease-of-application, maintenance, and beauty of the finished project. Before buying any driveway sealer, read the technical data sheet as well as the product label. Fortunately, the fix in this case is easy. A downside to nonpenetrating grout sealer is that it can turn a milky color over time. I decided to try this spray sealer and perfect! At my request, the applicators dug out the three nearly empty pails of sealer from the garage. What are your suggestions? The sealer also does a great job when it comes to penetration coating. Question: Why do car tires leave black marks on my sealed driveway? PerformanceNot all driveway sealers are alike (even those in the same product category), and no driveway sealer will last forever. The pores let in water vapor and eventually, liquid water by wicking or under pressure. To simplify the selection process, I have broken down the most important factors to consider into three categories: Safety, Appearance and Performance. Residential concrete typically contains 12-15 percent air, but the pores (capillaries) are invisible, much smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Mimicking decorative contractors, you can create sophisticated color patterns by use of stencils or masking areas with painter’s tape. Applying a typical driveway sealer does not require expensive equipment or special skills, so a handy do-it-yourselfer can often tackle the project. The secondary accent color is a medium-brown acrylic/alcohol tint. That idea was shot down when multiple parties confirmed that the entire area was sealed with only one coat of sealer. You want the surface to be slip resistant once the sealer is dry. For example, a smooth concrete surface with a thick "wet-look" film-forming sealer (see Concrete Sealer Types) will be very slippery when wet, while a stamped or heavily broom-finished concrete surface with that same wet-look sealer will not be as slippery. Key words or phrases to look for are non-yellowing, waterproofing, dust proofing, breathability and resistance to oil, grease, and acids. It typically does not occur in all areas and often appears random and streaky. Stain and sealer offers all-weather defense in just one coat. Common for slab-on-grade or monolithic slabs, garage floors, some "walk-out basement" floors, retail, warehouses, hotel lobbies, and showroom floors. This process usually removes the excess offending secondary color as well. After drying, if it dries at all, it can stay sticky in high humidity applications. Gas Tank Liner. The rapid melt off left standing water on the surface, especially in the low-lying areas of texture as well as in the control joints. Highlight wood’s beauty while providing protection against the elements. When a sealer cures, the resins cross link, forming a sticky tangle, like a bowl of undercooked spaghetti. Get Fancy – You can brush, sponge, rag, or use similar faux-finishing techniques when staining concrete. Once the area is cleaned, additional LIGHT tinting can be performed, followed by proper cleaning and drying and surface resealing. Let the sealer rest on the surface for about 5 minutes, before wiping it clean with a towel. The failures occurred only in low areas of the stamped texture and the driveway, as well as next to the control joints (not shown). Well, after reading these reviews, you will find the best grout sealer for shower or bathroom floor. The sealing properties of the product make it unique to the marketplace, protecting both the stain and the concrete against water, alkalis, and efflorescence. For slab-on-grade and basement concrete applications, wicking water up through the concrete carries efflorescence and alkalis, which will degrade the color. Provides mold and mildew resistant finish. Sealing capabilities is backed by a 15-Year Waterproofing Warranty. UV defense against fading This usually consists of nothing more than a good soap and water cleaning, followed by a light re-application of the same sealer if needed. Gold Standard Fuel Tank Sealer is a superior, one part, ready-to-use fuel tank sealer that is … I used this to seal a paint/stain mixed media and it worked better than expected without changing the color. Tight Surfaces – Like all stains, LastiSeal Concrete Stain & Sealer cannot permeate hard-troweled, burnished, polished or overly smooth concrete surfaces. Compared to acid staining and other brand stains, the chemicals used in LastiSeal are durable and long-lasting. The purpose of Sanding Sealer is to seal the wood and form a base coat for a protective clear finish. If the sealer had been well adhered, discoloration might have occurred but probably not failure. Two-component epoxy paints are the most durable, but they are also the most expensive. Whether you are rolling or spray applying a sealer, always strive for maximum coverage. LastiSeal Concrete Stain & Sealer allows your inner "designer” to shine through! The greater the cross linking, the denser the coating and the more resistant the sealer will be to hot tire marking. How do I avoid this and remove the existing tire marks? The required pH range is 9 to 6. What makes LastiSeal Concrete Stain so unique? Sealers with a higher solids content will also result in more darkening or color enhancement, giving the surface that wet look some people find desirable. Answer:This project was placed using a light beige color hardener for the base color, followed by stamping with liquid release and a slate-patterned seamless skin. A second, very light application of sealer (properly mixed, of course) over the lighter areas should bring those areas into uniformity with the darker sections. Choose from 38 unique colors to add color and excitement to your dull concrete, mortar, pavers, and concrete blocks. We all know from experience with wood that stains last much longer than paints. The BEHR Premium Solid Color Waterproofing Stain and The BEHR Premium Solid Color Waterproofing Stain and Sealer is an advanced 100% acrylic formula that delivers all-weather protection from the elements for up to 10 years on decks and 25 years on fences and siding. The concrete can be stained to mimic polished marble, natural stone, or even stained wood. Sanding Sealer is … The Custom Building Products TileLab 64 oz. EasyTint™ is not paint. Similar to chemical acid stains, LastiSeal Concrete Stain & Sealer creates a spectacular, semi-translucent mottled look. But taped edges are not sharp with stains – most concrete contractors prefer cutting grooves into the concrete to create a tile effect. Acrylics, themselves, are also available in different forms, with some types delivering better performance than others. The product should have detailed instructions on how to apply it as well as recommendations for maintenance and re-application. Most sealer manufactures provide this gloss level measurement on the product packaging and in the technical data sheets. It means grinding and re-staining again! Typically, the more sealer resin that's on the surface and the shinier the surface is, the greater the potential for a slippery surface. Contact us and view our privacy policy, terms & conditions, and press room. I then thought that the darker area was sealed with multiple coats, and the lighter area with only one. For example, an 18% solids content usually provides a semi-gloss finish while a 30% solids content will impart a high gloss. Plasticizers are polymer compounds added to rubber, glue and plastic to make them flexible. The second trigger is moisture. Z SiAcryl 14 is an ultra high performance water based penetrating sealer formulated for use on concrete countertops. A penetrating sealer produces no gloss and will not contribute to the slipperiness of the concrete surface. The better the tire quality, the higher the quantity of plasticizer-and the greater the chance for hot tire marking. The Colour Enhancer Sealer just as the name indicates enhances and brightens the natural color of the stones in your driveway. The formula of the Black Diamond sealer makes it ideal for marble countertops which require sealing after prolonged periods of neglect. Sealer manufacturers use a standardized test to measure gloss on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the highest level of gloss (see the table below). Use indoors and outdoors, suitable for the most demanding decorative concrete contractor, retail owner, concrete artisan, or DIY homeowner. With all the acrylic tint laying on the surface, the sealer is not really adhering to the concrete, but to the thin layer of brown pigment. These new-generation sealers for stamped concrete come in both solvent- and water-based versions, and they are gaining wider acceptance in the industry. Beautifies and enhances color while providing scuff, mar and scratch resistance. Read more information about Concrete Stains vs. Keep in mind that choosing the right sealer and applying it properly will extend the life of your concrete and keep it looking great for years to come, so you should buy the best product you can afford. 489 Bridgeport Ave Suite 101336 Shelton,CT 06484 1-800-472-0603, RadonSeal®, LastiSeal®, and CrackWeld® are registered trademarks. (see The Best Method for Stripping Sealers). At first I used the regular Mod Podge but it darkened the stain even after a couple coats. After a year, I had to replace the sealing gaskets on the GameSaver, and the V4440 was sealing less before requiring a lengthier cool down period. Safe and easy spray-on application. Also ask the people behind the counter at the concrete products supply store for their recommendations. Recent federal and local regulations have set limits for VOC content. KILZ 2® ALL-PURPOSE Primer (Previously KILZ 2 Latex) is a fast drying, water-based, multi-surface primer-sealer-stainblocker with excellent adhesion, mildew resistance, sealing properties and very mild odor. The problem is that the pores in the surface may be still filled and could block the stain from penetrating. EasyTint™ Colored Sealer is a one-step concrete stain and sealer for exterior cement surfaces. Always stir the sealer prior to application to make sure all the resin is in solution. After time, the sealer can also start to delaminate (come away from the concrete or previous layer of sealer), which will only make the cloudiness worse. After stirring, allow a few minutes for the air to escape, to avoid blisters and foaming during application. SafetyThe key consideration when sealing a driveway is safety. LastiSeal Concrete Stain & Sealer provides the ideal solution, it internally seals the substrate against water and does not form a slippery surface film. The Weston sealer is amazing! Over time, water-based sealers can separate. Best to remove the original application, but repeatedly removing and applhing paint is labor intensive and costly. If a haze appears, pour a little sealer on that area, rub with a cloth, and wipe completely dry. Efflorescence, lime and alkalis from the concrete dull the color. There is no doubting that a new acid-stained concrete slab looks spectacular! New Concrete – New concrete is highly caustic (over 12pH) which can cause paints to bubble and water-based stains to breakdown. Hot water is better if you can arrange it. Ultra-low VOCs. But this doesn't account for how slippery the sealed surface is when wet. A high pH level can be lowered by acid washing the surface then tested with pH test strips afterwards (electrical pH meter testing is recommended). Which concrete driveway sealer do they sell the most of and have the fewest number of complaints or call backs about? Most hot tire marks occur on acrylic sealers, which exhibit minimal cross linking. Most suppliers will have technical data available on their websites, and it can tell you a lot about what you're getting. The fix for this driveway is to strip all the sealer. When applied and cured , Z SiAcryl 14 will repel most food and beverage products, such as lemon juice, vinegar, mustard and red wine. Similar to wood, you can also stain concrete with a dye. The break came when one of the applicators stated that three 5-gallon pails of sealer were used on the driveway. Learn how RadonSeal Waterproofing Concrete Sealer protects paints against moisture and efflorescence. The concrete was all the same color before sealing, but dramatic color differences occurred after sealing (see photo). This sealer is black in color and contains asphatic adhesive self-bonding formula that seals the driveway and prevents it from different elements. Concrete Staining and Waterproofing in One Step. Restore faded exterior concrete color or quickly add color to high-traffic commercial floors. Let the driveway dry for a minimum of 24 hours, then reseal with one or two thin coats of sealer. Blue-green color will slowly turn dull brown or even black. Non-toxic, nonflammable, and non-hazardous. LastiSeal Concrete Stain & Sealer is a technological breakthrough – it waterproofs, strengthens, preserves concrete and beautifies the surface in one step! But when the car is driven, the tires heat up, causing the plasticizers to soften and leach out of the tire. The best deck sealers protect wood decking from damage, while still allowing the beauty of the wood’s natural grain and color to show through. Similar to acid staining, resulting color will vary widely depending on the porosity of the substrate, application, and color of the surface. Sealing a driveway not only extends it service life, it will also improve the appearance of decorative concrete by enhancing the color and gloss. There are several different types, ranging from clear polymer or plastic grit to white silica sand (see Making Concrete Slip Resistant). I would start by contacting the sealer manufacturer and ask what they recommend using to strip their product. The first is overapplication of the secondary accent color. LEED Certified. Choose from 38 unique colors to add color and excitement to your dull concrete, mortar, pavers, and concrete blocks. When a hot tire is parked or driven on certain types of sealers, the plasticizers migrate into and discolor the sealer. The asphalt patch mix is suitable for wide cracks, depressions, shallow repairs, and low spots, The 2 gallon container is enough to cover a wide area and it is sold at a great price. LastiSeal Concrete Stain & Sealer is a technological breakthrough – it waterproofs, strengthens, preserves concrete and beautifies the surface in one step! There are two triggers at play here causing these failures. What products should I use? Question:What caused the sealer to fail on this stamped driveway after only 6 months? You apply the sealer using a clean white towel, a roller or even a paint brush. Before sealing, make sure your driveway is clean and dry (see How to Clean a Concrete Driveway). LastiSeal is unlike other concrete stains, it combines two main ingredients: Penetrating & Waterproofing Concrete Sealer - LastiSeal is a polyester-based waterproofing sealer that penetrates deep below the surface (up to 4") and hardens inside the pores (like pouring liquid "plastic" into the concrete). Concrete is porous. I strongly recommend this not be used as a polymer clay glaze, sealer, or varnish. Waterborne, no solvents, ULTRA-LOW VOC and compliant with all codes (CA). Applying sealer to a driveway is not difficult, and in most cases a standard residential driveway can be sealed in less than a day. Acid stains are limited to about eight hues; variations of brown, tan, terra cotta, and soft blue-green. Answer: After too many reapplications of sealer, there comes a time when the coating can no longer breathe. Copyright 1999-2021 ConcreteNetwork.com - None of this site may be reproduced without written permission, Extend the life of your driveway by choosing the best concrete sealer and applying it properly, By Chris Sullivan, ConcreteNetwork.com Columnist. Allow the new sealer to cure for at least 12 hours before walking on the floor or allowing … Even when treated with the same LastiSeal color, no two concrete floors or walls will look alike. LastiSeal permeates the concrete to infuse it with rich, deep hues without leaving a film on the surface. The primer dries to the touch in just 30 minutes and should be reapplied after 1 hour. Chances are the remaining areas of the driveway will fail over time because of weak adhesion caused by overapplication of the secondary color. Pour drainage and slope caused this standing water to penetrate the already weak sealer, and failure occurred. The type and quality of the resin makes a big difference in how long the sealer will last and how well it will perform during its life cycle. It's important that sealers used on exterior concrete allow the passage of both air and moisture. In terms of color, solvent-based film-forming sealers tend to darken or enhance the color of the concrete more than water-based sealers. The hazy spots can be easily removed immediately after application. In general, picking a sealer to use on a concrete driveway is a balance of aesthetics and performance, along with what you are willing to pay to get that performance. These sealers will last longer than styrene acrylics, with no yellowing. The SANI-TRED® DIY basement waterproofing system stops all ground water entry, basement humidity, mildew odors and dampness problems by sealing basement floors and walls where they need it … It is very difficult to apply without obvious brush strokes. Removing the old sealer and replacing it with a fresh coat keeps the cloudy color away. This is not recommended. (See Sealer Buying Tips). Matte Sealer and Finish is a low sheen, protective finish and surface sealer designed for use with Saltillo tile, terra cotta, slate and flagstone. Penetrating sealers are made of specialty resins (silicones, siloxanes and silanes) that penetrate into the concrete and form a chemical barrier to water, oil and other common contaminants. Follow the same procedure. Plan on painting? Previously Painted or Sealed Surfaces – Thoroughly remove old paints or sealers. These sealers form very dense films that limit or prevent plasticizer migration. Cabot Stain & Sealer Trusted for more than 140 years, Cabot offers the finest wood stains and finishes for your decks, fences, siding and outdoor furniture. Color may be quite different from the palette and cannot be guaranteed. CA Semi-transparent stain adds more grain-enhancing color and sun protection. VERY EASY TO USE: Apply while standing up, Just apply with a paint brush taped to a broom pole, let sit sit for 5 minutes, then mop the remaining sealer off with a clean mop. (See How to Maintain Your Concrete Driveway.). Unfortunately, many homeowners are disappointed when the color turns dull or dark brown after several years. Epoxy floor coatings require a certain minimal grit (100-120) for proper adhesion. Learn more about LastiSeal Brick & Concrete Sealer. Why concrete acid stains deteriorate: Check out the comparison Acid Staining Concrete vs. LastiSeal Concrete Stain & Sealer, Read about How to Restore Acid Stained Floors and Concrete Driveways. It does much more for concrete, offers a wider variety of color, last longer, easier to touch up, and saves you money long-term! Penetrating sealers do nothing to change or enhance the color of the concrete. The Black Diamond Color Enhancer Sealer is popular for its ability to rejuvenate as well as darken the surfaces that have been sealed. Permanently waterproof your basement this weekend. Question:What caused the sealer to fail on this stamped driveway after only 6 months? On this stamped driveway, the secondary tint makes up over 90% of the visible color. If a sealer does not allow for this movement, especially moisture, white hazing or fogging can occur between the sealer and concrete (see Preventing Moisture Problems). More on acrylic, epoxy, and urethane concrete paints. Capillary water seepage and water vapor pressure activates efflorescence (mineral salts) and will loosen the bond of the paint from the surface. I don’t know many stones that are naturally glossy.” Sealers that provide color enhancement without producing a wet or glazed appearance can be found. Sealer for driveways, parking structures, plazas, walkways & more. The higher the solids content of a sealer, the higher the level of gloss. These failures occurred in early spring, two weeks after the area experienced a 30-inch snowstorm. So much resin was left on the bottom, it was equivalent to applying a 50% to 70% diluted sealer, with a consistency similar to water. You can combine colors by mixing them together before the application or by applying a second light application on top of another hue. The problems with epoxy is that it is nonporous and traps water vapor, eventually resulting in them cracking and peeling off. When this occurs, moisture builds up and condenses under the sealer, making it turn white and cloudy. Acrylic sealers provide the best performance characteristics for the cost, and they often are blended with epoxies, polyurethanes or silicones to improve performance, durability and water resistance. Or you can hire a qualified installer to do the work for you. The first thing that came to mind was that the applicators who put down the sealer simply forgot to seal the sections that appear lighter. Like paints, driveway sealers come in many gloss levels, including no-gloss, matte, satin, semi-gloss, gloss and high-gloss. Other types of topical sealers for driveways are polyurethanes, epoxies and penetrating resins. Here's the important information you should know about concrete sealer for driveways: Concrete, in general, doesn't have to be sealed to perform well, but the additional benefits of applying a high-quality sealer to your driveway will be worth the extra pennies per square foot the sealer will cost. Slabs without proper vapor barriers installed are exposed to excessive moisture from the concrete (slab-on-grade, basement floors, garage slabs). However, the problem is that a concrete dye will not last long. The concrete surface is likely too smooth for paint to properly bond. Infinite Color Effects – Mix, match, and faux finish from 37 color choices. The sealer is in good condition with no failures. Although dyes do not trap water vapor like many paints, their color fades much quicker. This kit includes three aerosol cans: a cleaner, sealer, and polisher. Once you seal your driveway, you are still committed to some regular maintenance. Acid stains color only a thin surface layer that gets easily scratched making it hard to touch up and repair. Removing haze will become more difficult the longer you wait or if the sealer residue is allowed to completely dry and cure. I think I need to strip the sealer and reapply. The whole driveway was sealed with one coat of a water-based acrylic sealer. I will definitely be getting more as needed. Diesel Tank Sealer and Gas Tank Sealer. (Do not use water!) PrimeCoat Water-Based White Interior Primer and Sealer is great for use on interior surfaces and is guaranteed under any topcoat.