The use of an acrylic sealer is a popular choice for decorative outdoor concrete because they are UV resistant, enhance the appearance by forming a high-gloss, “wet look” and are highly water-repellent. Acrylic sealants can be readily purchased from local hardware stores, and are relatively easy to apply.
There are some common methods used to get a sheen in concrete. These include using mechanical means like a wet polishing process using a special grinder, applying a sealer, or adding an epoxy coating.
When it comes to polishing finished concrete, generally there are two options: mechanical or chemical. If you want to get the shinest surface with the least amount of effort, opt for mechanical polishing. Diamond polishing is one of the most common methods used to get a shiny glass-like surface.
A glossy concrete sealer finish has a higher percentage of solid content than the one with a matte finish, making its overall film or coating to be much thicker. The thicker content of this finish then makes its surface appear to be shiny as if it is wet all the time.
High Gloss Sealer is a water-based siliconized-acrylic. It is a clear sealer that water proofs, protects and enhances the color of concrete, masonry, brick, pavers and natural stone surfaces.
Epoxies are known for their superior adhesion and chemical resistance. Lots of floors start with an epoxy primer (usually a 100% solids epoxy floor coatings or high solids epoxy floor coating) then will be followed by another coat of epoxy or polyurethane.
Concrete goes from a dull, rough surface to a shiny, smooth, polished surface through a series of grinding steps. This grinding is done with a series of diamond impregnated floor pads. These pads contain millions of microscopic diamonds that are used to grind the concrete and make it smoother.
The Sparkle Grain Finish system is an eye-catching, black (or white) sparkle which is an iridescent black sil-car abbrasive (or white oxide) grit concrete additive that provides a mirror like sparkle that is dramatic both day and night.
To make the sparkle even more prominent, he recommends integrally coloring the concrete mix. A metallic aggregate from Pacific Palette Concrete Products that comes in black and white, Sparkle Grain is recommended where you want a decorative, hard, nonslip surface.
High-Gloss are Ideal for Low-Maintenance Areas
For example, Hi-Gloss Sealer is a specially formulated concrete sealant meant for factory and other commercial concrete flooring where the high-gloss finish is a necessity due to its low-maintenance requirements.
A wet look sealer, as the name implies, is a concrete and masonry coating designed to make surfaces appear as though they are wet. Treated surfaces will have a slightly darker look, some color enhancement, and a glossy finish.
Yes. For outdoors however we would not normally recommend a Mechanically Polished Concrete, as when wet it can be slippery. The alternative for these areas is honed concrete. The reason for this is to provide alternatives for a more slip and UV resistant finish.
Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while. Just as you would regularly vacuum the floor and dust your furniture inside your house, you should keep your patio clean so it's ready at a moment's notice to entertain.
Final Finish: Trowel the concrete according to its final use. A broom finish is recommended, particularly on driveways and sidewalks, as this is the safest and most durable finish. Where a smooth finish is desired, such as on a garage floor, a wood hand float finish should be used.
Polished concrete is preferred over epoxy flooring because of its compressive strength, beautiful look, and its' resistance to most toxic chemicals and substances. Polished concrete flooring is ideal for garages that will not be subjected to harsh chemicals and materials of extreme pH substances.
'Epoxy based or masonry paint is the most suitable choice for a concrete patio, as they are durable and resistant to wear, weather, and moisture. ' A product like this Rust-oleum 225359 Epoxy Shield paint in gray from Amazon would be suitable.
Acrylic Concrete Sealers: Acrylic sealers last 1-3 years before they need to be re-coated. Epoxy Coatings: Epoxy coatings last 5-10 years before they need to be re-coated. Urethane Coatings: Urethane coatings last 5-10 years before they need to be re-coated.
High Gloss Concrete Sealer for Indoor Concrete Spaces
One of the dangers of using a high-gloss sealer is that it can become incredibly slippery when wet.
The best option is to use a varnish or lacquer to give the wood a high gloss finish. While varnish can be sprayed or brushed on, lacquer is best applied by simple spraying. Spraying makes the surface seem finer than painting as it doesn't leave any strokes behind.
Concrete Resurfacing
After ensuring the existing concrete slab is in good shape, contractors will add a thin layer of concrete—either over top of or combined with a bonding agent—to level out the surface.