To protect the appearance of stamped concrete, it is best to
seal it
. The right stamped concrete sealer will keep the surface looking good for many years. A concrete sealer can also revive an existing stamped concrete surface.
What happens if you don’t seal stamped concrete?
Left unsealed, the colors will fade, water marks may be an issue
, and stains can penetrate leaving ugly oil spots where the service guy left his old jalopy parked on the driveway. It’s pure and simple, the job just won’t last without a good sealer.
Does stamped concrete need to be resealed?
Stamped concrete should be resealed
every 2 to 3 years
, depending on your weather conditions. Here’s how to reseal your stamped concrete after it has been cleaned: Dry completely – allow 24 hours to air dry or use a leaf blower. DO NOT apply sealer to wet or even damp surfaces.
When should I seal stamped concrete?
If your concrete is new, you’ll need to let it cure;
wait at least one month before applying sealer
. Before you apply it, check the weather. Sealer needs to be applied in dry conditions because it won’t adhere to damp concrete.
Is sealing concrete necessary?
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.
Can you seal stamped concrete yourself?
Most stamped concrete contractors like myself use
solvent acrylic based sealers
on our stamped concrete projects. The solvent sealers make the colors “POP” and generally work the best. … If you prefer a HIGH GLOSS shine to your stamped concrete, I would consider using Foundation Armor’s AR 500 High Gloss Sealer.
Does sealing stamped concrete make it slippery?
Not only does sealing concrete enhance the color of the concrete, but it repels water as well, making
it less slippery
. … One reason why stamped concrete could be slippery is that it has been oversealed. Some homeowners think that when it’s time to re-seal their concrete patio, more is better.
Is it OK to power wash stamped concrete?
Never use a pressure washer to clean your stamped concrete
. Over time the high pressure breaks down the sealer and reduces the protection, the shine and expected life of the sealer. Always use a gentle cleaner when washing stamped concrete.
How long will stamped concrete last?
Provided it’s installed correctly and adequately maintained, stamped concrete will last just as long as non-stamped, or standard, concrete—
about 25 years
.
Is stamped concrete worth the money?
Both stamped and aggregate concrete are cost-efficient. Compared to other methods, they are more affordable. You can also factor in their durability and maintenance needs. …
Stamping is not expensive
, but using aggregate concrete is more economical, especially if you have a larger project.
Is it better to spray or roll concrete sealer?
“
Certain sealers are better applied by spray because they are not formulated for rolling
,” says Dean Owen, president of Arizona Polymer Flooring Inc. in Glendale, Ariz. “This is usually a function of the solvents used in the formulation. Slow-evaporating solvents are better for rolling.
Why does concrete sealer peel?
Problem: concrete sealer is peeling off
This is generally caused by
inadequate preparation or a weak concrete surface
.
How long does it take for concrete sealer smell to go away?
The smell of concrete sealer will go away in
a few hours to a few days
at most when you apply the right amount of sealer in the right atmospheric conditions and ventilate the space well enough during the drying period.
How important is concrete sealer?
When your exterior concrete is repeatedly exposed to the harsh elements, it gets weakened. Then cracking, scaling and other concrete problems can occur. By sealing your concrete, you
enhance its durability
– which can prevent damage.
Is driveway sealing worth it?
Kindler said
sealing helps prolong the life of a driveway
and should be a regular part of home maintenance. “If you seal-coat a driveway or a highway, the surface will last longer,” said Kindler, who teaches a pavement class at Ohio State University. “I would recommend doing it about every three years on a driveway.”
