Table of Contents
Should concrete garage floors be sealed?
Because garage floors are protected from outdoor elements, they don’t generally need sealed as often as a concrete driveway. However, most garage floors are made from concrete, making them susceptible to cracking and moisture intrusion from oil spills, antifreeze leakage, and other household chemicals.
What should I use to seal my concrete garage floor?
The most commonly used material for garage floor sealing is epoxy floor paint. However, this isn’t your only option. Some other garage floor sealing options include acrylic, siloxane, and polyurea. Each type of sealer results in a different finish.
Can you seal an old garage floor?
A: Yes! Old concrete can be sealed for the first time or resealed if it has been previously sealed with a concrete sealer. If you are applying an epoxy floor coating you are going to want to make sure you have good surface profile which can be achieved by acid etching or grinding the concrete.
How do I prep my garage for sealing?
Is it a good idea to seal concrete?
You do not have to use a cure and seal, but it is important to seal your concrete. Sealing your concrete will protect it against damage and deterioration against water absorption and surface abrasion. Sealed concrete is more resistant to: Cracking, spalling, and pitting.
How much does it cost to seal a concrete floor?
Concrete sealers cost between $0.10 and $0.75 per square foot. Many sealers are very DIY friendly, making this an appealing project for homeowners. All you need are the right tools and enough time. If you decide to hire a local driveway contractor, it will cost between $1.25 and $1.75 per square foot.
What’s the best way to seal concrete?
Here’s a step-by-step summary of how to seal concrete: Remove all oil, grease, stains, dirt, and dust from the concrete. Strip any existing sealer from the surface. Open up the concrete with an etching solution. Apply a thin coat of sealer using a roller or sprayer. Wait for the first layer of sealer to dry.
What is the difference between concrete sealer and epoxy?
Epoxy floor coatings are chemically different than urethane coatings, but they are often used in tandem on concrete floors. Epoxy and urethane coatings tend to be more expensive than a simple concrete sealer, but they offer better protection.
Can I just seal concrete floor?
To seal your concrete floor, pour a small amount of concrete sealer into a painting tray and apply the sealer evenly to your floors using a paint roller. Use a paintbrush to seal around the edges of the room. Always work from the furthest area of the room toward the exit so that you don’t box yourself in!Sep 16, 2018.
How do you seal old concrete floors?
Prep the Surface Step 1: Clean the Surface. First, thoroughly sweep the surface of all dirt and debris. Step 2: Deep-Clean. Remove any grease, oil, mastic or paint. Step 3: Mop and Dry. Step 4: Fill Cracks. Step 1: Test for Sealer. Step 2: Strip the Existing Sealer. Step 3: Scrape the Surface. Step 4: Clean and Dry.
How can I waterproof my existing concrete floor?
When faced with damp in concrete floors, there are two options available: Dig up the old concrete floor, install a new damp proof membrane and lap up edges before replacing the concrete slab. Fully isolate the dampness in the floor using a surface Damp Proof Membrane (DPM).
What kind of roller do you use for concrete sealer?
If you plan to use a paint roller to apply concrete sealer, Concrete Décor offers some helpful tips. A lint-free, short-nap roller (1/4 inch to 1/2 inch) is recommended for countertops, and a longer nap (1 1/4 inches to 1 1/2 inches) works better with stamped and textured concrete.
How much does it cost to seal a garage floor?
Sealing concrete with urethane or high-performance epoxy averages between $0.50 and $2.50 per square foot, not including labor. A less expensive option is to seal a concrete floor with an acrylic resin or penetrating silicone for about $1.50 per square foot.
How long do you have to stay off concrete after sealing?
Typically, it can take anywhere from 10-12 hours to dry before being able to be walked on, but they will continue to harden for up to 48 hours after being applied. Concrete sealed with a urethane coating should not be walked on (with the exception of a recoat), driven on, or wet for at least 36-48 hours.
How long does concrete sealer last?
Epoxy and urethane systems last between 5-10 years, closer to 5 if the surface experiences heavy traffic. Reactive penetrating sealers are the longest lasting concrete sealers, wearing away only if the substrate surface itself wears away.
What is better water based or solvent based concrete sealer?
Solvent-based sealers will generally darken your concrete more than a water-based sealer. This can be ideal when you have a decorative effect you are trying to achieve, but water-based sealers can give a more natural appearance to your concrete. This is ideal when working with uncolored gray concrete.
