4 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Sealing Concrete

Home & Garden Blog

Applying a quality sealant to your concrete walkway or driveway is a great way to prolong its life by protecting it from the elements. Specifically, the right sealer applied properly can help to prevent cracking and crumbling, thus saving you money on repairs in the long-term. Still, if you plan on sealing your own concrete, there are some common mistakes you'll want to avoid.

Failing to Prepare the Concrete

One of the most important aspects of sealing concrete successfully is taking time to prepare the concrete ahead of time. This means taking the time to power wash the concrete at least a day before you plan on sealing it. After all, the last thing you want is to seal in any dirt or debris. You'll also want to do any repair or patch work on your concrete before sealing for the best results.

Applying Sealer Unevenly

Applying a coat of concrete sealer evenly can be a challenge because it tends to dry very quickly, especially if you're applying it on a sunny day. For the best results, you should always apply in a straight line; then, if you're using a roller, be sure to overlap your next section with the old section by a couple of inches. This will help to prevent visible crease lines and will help to ensure an even application. There are even spray applicators that you can use to apply sealant evenly, if you're worried about your abilities with a roller.

Applying the Coat Too Thick

Another common mistake you'll need to avoid while sealing your own concrete is that of applying too thick of a sealant layer. Thick layers of sealant will not only take a long time to dry and cure, but they'll also tend to remain tacky and will be more prone to failing. If in doubt, always opt for a thinner layer of sealant; you can always apply a second coat later on, but you can't easily undo a coat that was applied too thick.

Forgetting to Wear Protective Gear

Finally, remember that concrete sealant contains very strong and potentially harmful chemicals, which is why it's so important that you wear the right protective gear while applying it. Specifically, it's recommended that you wear gloves and safety goggles while you work with the sealant. You should also take precautions by changing out of your clothes immediately upon completion of the sealing project.

To learn more, contact a company where you can buy concrete sealer online

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9 May 2016