Concrete Sealer faq

QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CLEAR COAT SEALER

How will the concrete sealer affect the color of the stain?

• How the concrete looks like after the stain residue has been washed off, and has dried the point of being damp, (not saturated wet with water, but not dry either, rather in between - damp) is what it will look like when sealed with Clear Shield sealers. If you prefer the darker look as when it's saturated wet, you can darken it with additional coats of stain.
• Sealer will bring out the color variations and add depth that you don't yet see with the water test, but it gives you a good idea of the prominent color tone and overall look.

How do I apply the sealer?

• With a Paint Roller is the preferred method, though you can spray it on with a pump up, conventional, or airless sprayer. Though you'll still want to have a paint roller handy in case you need to roll out any over spray or back roll it.
• Never pour the sealer directly onto the surface. Use a paint pan.
• Apply in 2 very thin and even coats, allowing it to dry completely clear between coats. For more detailed info see the How To pages.
  

Should I use a Traction Additive in my Sealer?

• EXTERIOR: Sealed concrete can be slippery when wet. Make no mistake about it. That being said, when using Clear Shield sealers outdoors, as it goes on very thin it still allows a certain amount of texture to come through which helps, and it's certainly less slippery than a solvent base sealer, but we still recommend using the grip additive if traction is a concern.
• INTERIOR: When using the sealer indoors, you should be using the Top Shield high traffic floor wax on top, which gives better traction than the sealer does, so we do not recommend using the traction additive indoors.

Why should I Wax the Sealer?

• Sealer is soft by nature and will scuff and dull with time. Therefore you have to reseal periodically to keep it fresh. This is fine outside but is very undesirable when indoors.
• The wax will protect the sealer with a hard to scuff coat that usually lasts for months, is extremely easy and inexpensive to apply, and will add a depth to your floors that you are sure to appreciate.
• If you maintain the wax properly, you should not ever have to reseal.

Is your Sealer water proof?

• No. There are waterproofing products on the market.
• What our Sealer does do, is repel the water. Think of it this way. If you were to lay a fresh piece of sheetrock flat and pour water on it, then the sheetrock would absorb the water. But what if you painted the sheetrock with a couple coats of outdoor paint before pouring water on it?

What if my question was not answered here?

• Check the How To pages.
  

• Use our Ask a Pro Series.

• E-mail Customer Service Department

• Call us at 1 800 650 1157