To protect polished concrete long-term, you’ll need three specific sealers: penetrating, semi-penetrating guards, and topical sealers. These are the main categories of stain protectors for polished concrete.
Each type safeguards the integrity and appearance of polished concrete surfaces, catering to different environments and durability needs. Whether your project is in a busy retail space or a high-traffic industrial area, selecting the best sealer can dramatically enhance the lifespan and aesthetic of your polished concrete.
How to Protect Polished Concrete
Protecting polished concrete requires a final but crucial step: applying a stain protector. Given its porosity, concrete is vulnerable to moisture, stains, and chemical damage, which can all degrade its appearance and structural integrity over time.
Applying a stain protector maintains the long-term aesthetics of polished concrete by fending off discoloration, stains, and chemical etching. Without this protective measure, the polished surface can degrade prematurely, diminishing the effort invested to achieve its beautiful finish.
The right stain protector suits any setting, from commercial showrooms to high-traffic warehouses. It preserves the concrete’s flawless appearance and structural integrity.
3 Types of Polished Concrete Sealers
1. Penetrating Sealers
These are made from a variety of silicones (silane, siloxane, silicate, and silicone) that penetrate deep into the surface. By sealing the access channels into the interior of the concrete, they shield against liquid infiltration.
These products are a good option for outdoor surfaces because they allow the concrete to breathe. They also provide invisible protection to the flooring, ideal for industrial facilities that want to avoid frequent applications.
Since these sealers are not a topical layer, they do not alter the surface appearance by creating additional gloss or sheen. Additionally, foot traffic will not abrade it.
However, they can break down over time and will need reapplication periodically. To apply this type of seal, use a sprayer and microfiber.
2. Semi-Penetrating Sealers
Often known as guard products, these sealers incorporate a topical component that increases a floor’s surface sheen and provides vital stain resistance and water repellency.
Ideal for indoor and outdoor concrete, these sealers (applied with a sprayer and microfiber) wear faster than polyurethane and epoxy and must be reapplied depending on the amount of foot traffic.
3. Topical Sealers
Polyurethane and epoxy, for example, give the concrete a high glossy shine while forming a protective film on the surface. These sealants are economical and easy to apply by spray or roller. They repel water and provide a durable chemical and abrasive-resistant surface.
These are ideal for retail spaces where the flooring’s vibrant color and high sheen are essential design aspects. Due to traffic wear, you’ll need to reapply periodically, and some may turn yellow due to UV exposure.
To prevent stains and scuffs, regular maintenance is required to keep the surface looking its best.
Does Polished Concrete Need a Sealer?
The porosity of concrete means it is naturally vulnerable to moisture, stains, and chemical damage, which can degrade its appearance and structural integrity over time. Sealing polished concrete is highly advisable to enhance its resilience. A sealer is a barrier that enhances stain resistance and extends the floor’s longevity.
For environments like commercial kitchens or industrial settings where floors are subjected to frequent spills, heavy machinery, and high foot traffic, a robust sealer can prevent the penetration of oils, chemicals, and water, which are prevalent in such areas.
Moreover, sealed concrete is easier to maintain and clean in garages or warehouses, as the sealer fills the pores and creates a smoother surface that does not trap dirt or moisture. This protection is particularly beneficial where hygiene and cleanliness are essential, as in food preparation areas.
While polished concrete is durable, applying a sealer can significantly enhance its performance and aesthetics. Sealed concrete stands up better to daily wear and tear. It maintains its gloss and appearance for longer, making it a wise investment for any high-traffic or specialized environment.
The right sealer can make all the difference in the lifespan and practical operation of a polished concrete floor, adapting it to the specific demands of their projects.
Understanding when and why to seal polished concrete ensures that these surfaces are optimized for performance and durability, meeting the high standards required in professional and commercial settings.
What Is the Best Sealant for Polished Concrete?
Selecting the optimum sealer for polished concrete ensures its longevity and aesthetic quality. Below are some top products from Runyon Surface Prep, each designed to meet specific protective needs and environmental conditions, thereby maintaining the pristine condition of polished concrete floors.
- Coval Polished Concrete Sealer: This sealer is noted for its ability to form a covalent bond with concrete surfaces, offering a rigid barrier against stains, moisture, and graffiti. It’s designed for easy application and reapplication in high-traffic areas and maintains the natural sheen of polished concrete and terrazzo without altering it.
- L&M Lumiseal FX: This water-based sealer offers a non-yellowing, high-gloss finish and is resistant to blushing and whitening. It’s suitable for interior and exterior surfaces and provides excellent resistance to stains and abrasion. It’s particularly effective as a topcoat on densified, polished concrete to enhance stain resistance.
- Ameripolish SR2 Solvent-Based Stain Resistor: This sealer is designed for high penetration and provides superior stain protection on polished concrete. It repels water and oil, minimizing surface erosion and chloride penetration, making it ideal for dense, color-sensitive surfaces.
- L&M Aquapel Plus: This is a reactive, waterborne silane-siloxane sealer that chemically bonds with concrete substrates to create a surface highly resistant to moisture and salt. It’s beneficial for traffic-bearing exterior concrete surfaces and provides long-lasting protection without changing the appearance of the concrete.
- Metzger/McGuire RS 65 Polyurethane Concrete Sealant: This product is geared towards sealing floor joints and offers robust protection for polished concrete surfaces against pedestrian and cart traffic. It is a two-component, semi-rigid polyurea joint sealant that provides a durable solution in commercial settings.
Each product has specific characteristics that suit different environments and wear conditions. When choosing the best sealant, consider factors like traffic levels, exposure to elements, and maintenance requirements.
When to Use Burnishing and Burnishers
A flooring burnisher (or burnishing machine) is an abrasive machine that cleans and polishes the topmost layer of sealed concrete to give it a shiny look. You can commonly find floor burnishers in manufacturing plants, distribution warehouses, or anywhere with a well-maintained concrete floor.
If you overapply a sealer and need to remove a leftover haze or film, use a burnishing tool with a high-grit polishing pad to enhance gloss after reapplying the sealer or guard. The diamond-impregnated pad, in conjunction with a burnisher, will also eliminate the excess.
For tailored advice on selecting and applying the right sealer for your specific project needs, don’t hesitate to contact the expert team at Runyon Surface Prep.