6 Mistakes to Avoid When Sealing Concrete Floor

Whether you seal or paint a concrete floor, both enhance durability, extend the lifespan, and transform the space. 

 

Sealing a concrete floor might sound like – just do it yourself project- a simple job that you can handle easily. But do you know the four common mistakes that can definitely ruin your project? Make sure you know what to do and what not to do when you tackle the task by yourself.  

Also remember – professional concrete sealing is a time-saving option. Sealing concrete is an important process. It not only provides protection but also makes the floor appealing. In order to achieve the desired results, it is crucial to follow the best practices and also avoid some common mistakes.  

Let us see; 

Ignoring Dirt, Stains and Grime  

This is the very first step that people often take for granted. In order to seal the surface, it is crucial to clean the surface properly. For that, you must use a brush that has a

hard bristle and is able to remove all the grime. Spend time filling cracks and holes with any patching material and also removing the oil stains. The floor should be neat and clean before you start sealing it. In case you leave anything on the floor that will be permanently sealed after coating is applied. So, be careful with the first step.   

Choosing the Wrong Sealer 

This can be the next common mistake people make when they often go DIY. This might happen because of lack of understanding and knowledge about the subject. If you are looking for a glossy finish on the floor, then sealing a floor is important but make sure the sealer you choose is right. If you have no idea about what to choose for sealing a floor, contact our Tuff Build experts.    

People often buy low-quality sealers and that makes matters worse. Here are some questions that you must ask before buying a sealer for your concrete floor like; what will your sealer need to repel? What do you want it to look like. Make sure you seek answers to these questions before purchasing any product.    

Applying Concrete Sealer Unevenly 

Whether you spray or roll on the floor, make sure you apply the sealer properly on the concrete surface. The sealer dries up quickly and there is not much room for any mistake. 

Another mistake people often end up making is applying the sealer thickly. A concrete sealer should dry up quickly but it might not if you put so much pressure on it. This can also compromise its long-term effectiveness so it is better to apply it thin and then apply a second coat later on.     

Working Without Any Protection 

Do not forget that sealing concrete requires heavy-duty clothes, safety goggles, and gloves. Also make sure you wear a mask and try not to breathe in the fumes that arise from the floor. The chemical fumes might be harmful if they end up touching your skin. Also, change your clothes after the job is done. 

Trust the Experts 

When you leave concrete sealing to the Tuff Build, you get expert surface crack repair, top-of-the-line products, complete stain removal, and meticulous and careful application of the concrete.      

You do not have to worry about wasting money on the wrong sealer and poor application. You also do not have to watch the early breakdown of concrete coat because that will not happen.   

Tips to Avoid Common Concrete Sealing Mistakes 

Understand the different types of sealers, their limitations, characteristics, and the advantages. Learn to choose the best concrete sealing product for your project. You should do this by assessing different controlling factors.    

Also, make sure the sealer is of good quality and it conforms to well-known, international standards. Keep yourself updated with the new technologies and regulations. Educate yourself about different types of application methods.  

Poor Concrete Sealing Application Practices 

The application process plays an important role in the overall performance and appearance of the concrete sealer. However, different concrete sealers will have different application practices which can also relate to different other parameters. 

In fact, technical glitches related to the bad application practices are common and often due to the lack of knowledge and experience. The faults include the following; 

• Applying the sealing product without following the recommended consumption rate, which can lead to a low performance due to bubbling, cracking, or whitening.  

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• It also includes improper application of sealing. Using wrong methods and techniques can cause blisters, marks, blotchy appearances, and others.  

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Tips to Avoid Concrete Sealing Mistakes Related to Application Process 

• It is crucial for you to understand the drying and curing times of the sealant. These include the time to track-free, time to light foot traffic, and time to full service. 

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• Back-rolling can be your best friend, even when spraying, especially on the edges. It also provides uniform coverage and elimination of overlapping. 

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• In general, when it comes to repair and application, solvent based sealers are preferred over water-based concrete sealers.  

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• High solids content sealers would require a higher capacity spray nozzle as compared to that of low solids sealers. Basically, a small spray nozzle can result in streams instead of uniform spray result. 

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• Make sure you clean the spray after using it because a clogged sprayer will give uneven coverage. 

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At the same time, it is crucial to know the terms such as dry film thickness (DFT) and its significance.  

1. Safety should come first. Therefore, it is crucial to wear protective clothing such as gloves, masks and eyeglasses during the application.  

2. For proper performance and appearance, apply the recommended consumption rate.  

3. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. 

4. Do not puddle at low spots and joints. 

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Improper Care and Maintenance 

Care and maintenance practices begin right after the application of concrete sealing products. Care is required to ensure that the sealer cures without any undesired interference. Also, these help in avoiding mistakes and maintaining the desired performance and appearance of the surface. However, different types of concrete sealers have different resistance, durability, composition, and limits. Therefore, the maintenance and care practices might vary between one product and another. Generally speaking, improper care and maintenance can also lead to a number of issues – this is because of lack of knowledge. Some sealers may only affect the appearance, others might affect the overall performance of the substance. For instance, some bad practices can cause light scratches on topical sealers that can also affect appearance. However, with little or no effect on the performance of the concrete sealer. Some bad practices like using harsh chemicals exceed the resistance capabilities of the concrete sealer and can also significantly affect its performance on the whole.  

Conclusion 

There are numerous mistakes people make. But with the right guidance, you can avoid errors. Therefore, it is always crucial to implement the best practices and that might be a bit challenging if you decide to go DIY. If you do not want any stress and want your work to get done in a smooth manner, just contact Tuff Build experts. We offer various flooring services. Have a look and get a free quote.