Why should you consider sealing a surface?
Even though concrete is known for its strength and durability, applying a concrete sealer offers additional benefits. Concrete sealers are specifically designed to protect the concrete from surface damage, corrosion, and staining. They work by either blocking the pores in the concrete to minimize water and salt absorption or creating an impermeable layer that prevents the passage of these substances.
What are the consequences of not sealing your concrete? Concrete, being a porous material, readily absorbs liquids so unsealed concrete is susceptible to discoloration and damage from oil, salt, fertiliser, and other household chemicals.
Sealing enhances the appearance of your project and ensures it looks fresh and attractive all year round.
- Sealing your concrete surface helps to protect against stains and marks plus it will make ongoing maintenance easier.
- The sealers penetrate or coat the pores of the concrete which makes it harder for dirt and pollutants to fill the holes and make the surface look dirty.
- The sealer creates a barrier between the concrete and spills which helps prevent staining for an extended period, giving you more time to clean the spill. For any spills that have stained the surface, it is significantly easier to remove them thanks to the sealer.
WHICH SEALER? Choosing the right sealer isn’t just about the appearance, it can be about the different contaminations, usage and exposure. Deciding what factor are more important will narrow down the decision;
Penetrating Sealers: retain a natural finish and protect the surface from water and stains. The way this type of sealer works is by filling the pores of the concrete to prevent pollutants from penetrating into the surface. For example, an oil spill will sit on top of the surface for longer, allowing you more time to clean the spill and to prevent staining. If you want to keep the natural colour and finish of your surface, penetrating sealers are an ideal choice. Penetrating sealers also come with added benefits from raw materials that assist in reconsolidating the surface.
Film Forming Sealers: Surface coating sealers, also known as film forming sealers, coat the entire concrete surface with a film. This sealer works by filling the pores of the concrete as well as leaving a layer of sealer on the surface. Film forming sealers often enrich the colour of the surface and are available in matt to high gloss finishes depending on your preference. The film that sits on top of the surface provides superior protection and is great for areas that experience high traffic.
Paving & Concrete Sealer Matt is a revolutionary, penetrating and film-forming water based sealer.
Features: Enhances natural colour of surface. Strong stain and abrasion resistance. Seals, binds and protects most masonry surfaces. Assists with reducing efflorescence. Resists algal and fungal growth. For horizontal and vertical surfaces. Interior and exterior use
Features: High gloss protective film. Natural wet look. Excellent protection against water damage, stains and household chemicals. Dust proofs and stabilises. Interior & exterior use