While paint can hold light to medium amounts of traffic, it's not as durable as concrete stain specifically because it doesn't bond to the surface in the same way. Concrete stain is a penetrating coloring option that soaks into the surface. Some products, such as concrete acid stain, are more penetrating than others.
Colour sealing is preferred for driveways, carports, pathways and patios. Paint is a thick coating, gets slippery more easily, is prone to flaking and difficult to re-paint once worn.
While the advantages outweigh the negatives, there are some disadvantages that you should keep in mind before sealing your concrete driveway. Sealant can make the surface slippery. Sealants tend to dry down with a glossy or semi-glossy sheen that can be quite slick, especially when wet.
Sealing your concrete not only ensures your concrete surface is protected, but that it is long lasting. It should also be noted that compared to the cost of replacing a concrete surface, sealing is relatively inexpensive and easy to do–definitely worth a long lasting concrete floor, patio, slab, or driveway.
DO I NEED TO SEAL A PAINTED FLOOR? Applying a clear concrete sealer over a painted concrete floor isn't necessary, but it will help to protect the paint from scratches, peeling, and abrasion. A concrete sealer will also give your floor a nice sheen and make it easier to clean.
Paints on concrete will eventually peel, as well, whether the surface is indoors or outdoors. If you're determined to paint your concrete to add color, opt for a paint with a urethane resin. Porch paint is the best choice.
Obliterating all of these issues is the simple process of transforming your patio into a waterproof concrete patio by applying a quality polyurethane patio paint.
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.
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.
Can Sealing Prevent Cracks on Concrete Surfaces? Concrete sealing can stop most types of concrete fractures. This fact is especially true if the crack is a result of poor-quality work in the concrete mix or site preparation. However, sealing can prevent future damage that may start from the top layer of the concrete.
Solvent base sealers tend to over darken concrete stain, looking as it does when saturated wet with water. Water base sealers such as Clear Shield, makes the concrete look as it does when damp with water, not saturated wet but not dry either.
Polyurethane sealers
Heftier than its acrylic counterpart, polyurethane sealer creates a thick layer of protection on top of the concrete surface. It also works well for both indoor and outdoor use and comes in both water-based and solvent-based forms. It's highly durable and provides great stain protection.
Does painting concrete last? While painting concrete can last several years, you must use a high-quality product engineered for concrete surfaces. A cementitious coating will yield the best results. It's important to remember to seal your concrete to ensure long-lasting color and durability to the elements.
You may be surprised at some of the benefits of painting concrete, which include: Concrete is very porous. Sweeping a concrete floor is difficult, since the dust builds up in cracks and crevices. Once you've painted your concrete floor, however, you can get rid of the dust and maintain a pristine environment.
Painting and sealing your concrete floors can increase their durability, extend their lifespan, and transform your spaces. However, there's more to this task than simply pouring paint over your floors and hoping for the best.
Concrete performs quite adequately if it is never sealed at all, but applying a good quality sealer every few years will extend its life and keep it looking good. This is especially true if you have a stained or etched concrete driveway or patio.
Sealing concrete is a necessity: It keeps your floors clean, glossy and stain-resistant. Regularly applying a protective coating is vital to preventing chips, cracks and dirt buildup.
Sealers can be slippery. Sealing concrete can create a slippery surface, especially when wet.
In order to properly seal your concrete, then, you must clean the surface of the substrate before applying a concrete sealer of any variety. The easiest and most effective way to clean the concrete will vary depending on the condition of your concrete and whether it has been treated with chemical stains.
Once applied, sealers create a chemical reaction and the outside temperature decides how fast that reaction occurs—or if it happens at all. Most manufacturers recommend 50 to 90 degrees as the ideal temperature range for applying concrete sealer.
A: Yes! Old concrete can be sealed for the first time or resealed if it has been previously sealed with a concrete sealer. Before sealing old concrete you want to make sure you determine if the concrete has been previously sealed.
A very user-friendly technique is to apply a cementitious waterproofing material. It is applied to the concrete surface like you would apply a layer of mortar. The cementitious waterproofing is mixed and applied to the concrete in a thick uniform layer. When it dries, it is as hard as the concrete itself.
Best Overall
For an affordable concrete paint that works in a variety of situations, the Rust-Oleum Epoxyshield Paint is an excellent choice. The epoxy makes it cure quickly and efficiently while still maintaining an even surface without the need for primer.
DO spray new concrete with water. One of the most common methods for curing concrete is to hose it down frequently with water—five to 10 times per day, or as often as you can—for the first seven days. Known as “moist curing,” this allows the moisture in the concrete to evaporate slowly.