So, there really isn't a benefit to not sealing your concrete unless for some reason you want it to have a duller color. We would still advise sealing the concrete, but applying a matte wax instead of a glossy one to get the appearance that you desire.
Protecting the Acid Stained Finish
It would crumble under foot traffic and quickly turn dull. The surface must be protected with a clear coating which will also provide gloss and enhance the hues. The choice of topical sealers is very wide and includes water- or solvent-based acrylics, urethanes, and epoxies.
Sealing an outdoor decorative concrete project is the best way, and as far as we know the only way, to minimize color changes from the sun's UV rays. An unsealed, decorative stained concrete surface will show faded colors in a matter of a few months.
An unsealed concrete floor is going to be more reactive and sensitive to changes in temperature. It will freeze in cold climates and expand in warm ones. This can cause crumbling, chipping, and cracking.
As with any flooring surface, it is important to keep in mind that stained concrete is not indestructible. It can be damaged by water, heat, and other elements if not properly sealed and protected.
Allow the stain to cure for a full 24 hours, then spread the sealer along the floor as directed on the label. Drying time for the sealer can vary depending on environmental conditions. Plan on two days for it to completely harden. Consider using a concrete floor polish to help reduce slipping and scuffing.
Applying a clear top coating like acrylic, urethane, epoxy or floor wax to the stained surfaces indoors will protect it against wear and spills. It will also add gloss and enhance the colors. The surface sealer will last much longer because the concrete has been deep-sealed against moisture with LastiSeal.
While you can expect that sort of life from your concrete, you'll likely end up replacing it sooner if you don't protect it. Without sealant, it'll suffer from discoloration, cracking or even crumbling. But when you opt to seal your concrete, you increase the chance that your concrete will last for those 25-30 years.
Concrete can be described as a hard sponge that soaks up oil and water-based spills. Easily marked by tires and outdoor elements, it is important to seal the surface, so it looks beautiful year-round. The other benefit to sealing concrete is improved cleaning and maintenance.
One of the very best sealers on the market today for acid-stained concrete and other types of decorative concrete flooring is the "polyurea". Polyurea is extremely durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. Most clear sealers for concrete come in water and solvent-based versions.
Cons of Outdoor Concrete Staining
Transparent: The semi-transparency of most stains will fail to hide the existing imperfections in the concrete surface. DIY is not easy: Staining concrete is the not the easiest job for the amateur weekend warrior. Using a professional contractor ensure best results.
Apply the stain and allow to dry overnight and up to 24 hours. If you are doing two coats then you would apply the first coat and allow to completely dry, usually an hour or two. Then you would apply second coat and allow to dry overnight and up to 24 hours.
Wood is dried-out and dull if you do not apply some sort of sealer. Staining and finishing are two very different things.
Though new concrete may not always require a second coat of acid stain, older concrete does require two coats of stain for complete coverage. For a more diffuse look, spray the stain onto the surface without brushing.
Allow the acid stain to penetrate the entire concrete surface and fully develop its color for from 5 to 24 hours (check manufacturer's instructions for exact timing). The longer you leave the acid stain on, the deeper the final hue will be.
It's Never Too Late …
Sealing your garage floor might not be possible if you have moisture in your garage. This is typically the only scenario where we don't recommend sealing right away, mainly because you should deal with the cause of the moisture first. It could be due to a plumbing leak or a drainage issue.
After you complete a concrete job, don't neglect the single most important step to ensure that it lasts a lifetime: sealing. With a high-quality sealant—and this helpful guide—you can waterproof and protect your new concrete surfaces for years to come.
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.
After discussing the factors you need to look for and the regional location of the project, in broad terms, Spring is in fact the best time of year to seal concrete. With its moderate temperatures and humidity levels, it tends to provide ideal conditions for the application and curing of sealers.
Leaving concrete unsealed will leave it with a flat look. The color will remain flatter and dull, in addition to the concrete remaining porous and easier to damage. Sealing the concrete will enhance the colors and give it more of a marble or mottled look, smoother and with richer colors.
When properly designed and installed, acid-stained concrete and decorative concrete overlays are almost completely unaffected by water.
Acid staining damages the concrete to some extent and will need to receive some form of a resinous coating on top to be usable in most business settings. While it does give it a flashier look than polishing, acid stained concrete will always be subject to damaging easier than polished concrete.
Acid stains or Chemical stains react with the lime in concrete and color the concrete whereas concrete dyes offer transparent colors to the concrete surface.