Follow the step-by-step application instructions in order to learn how to seal concrete.
Concrete sealer application tools:
- Pump sprayer
- Nap roller 3/8″ or 1/4″
- Paint tray
- Paint brush
- Empty 5 gallon bucket for mixing
- Paint stirrer
- Gloves and safety goggles
Surface preparation: how to seal old concrete
- Remove all standing dirt and debris.
- Remove all oil, grease, paint and previous concrete sealers.
- Make sure concrete is clean and dry and the application temperatures are above freezing.
- Fill in any cracks with crack repair kit.
Surface preparation: how to seal new concrete
- Remove all standing dirt and debris.
- Make sure concrete is clean and dry and the application temperatures are above freezing.
How to Clean Concrete Before Sealing
Surface preparation: How to remove an old concrete sealer before using a new concrete sealer
- Determine if the old concrete sealer was a water based concrete sealer or a solvent based concrete sealer by pouring xylene on an area where the old sealer is present.
- Let the xylene sit on the concrete for 20 seconds. If the area is tacky the concrete was sealed with a solvent based sealer. If the concrete is not tacky the concrete was sealed with a water based sealer.
- To remove an old solvent based sealer use a chemical stripper like xylene.
- To remove an old water based sealer use muriatic acid to etch the concrete or a chemical concrete sealer and coating remover.
How to Remove a Concrete Sealer
How to seal concrete: How to apply a penetrating concrete sealer:
See the Best Concrete Sealers for 2017 review to see what penetrating concrete sealer products we recommend.
- Pour the concrete sealer into a pump up sprayer to spray apply or pour the concrete sealer into a paint tray to roll apply the concrete sealer.
- Apply the concrete sealer in a thin and uniform coat. If there are any puddles make sure to roll them out.
- Penetrating concrete sealers generally require two coats. The two coats are applied in succession one after another with no time in between them.
How to seal concrete: How to apply a decorative concrete sealer:
Decorative concrete sealers are usually acrylic concrete sealers that are best applied with a roller.
- Stir/mix the concrete sealer well
- Pour into a paint tray
- Dip the roller into the paint tray and roll onto the concrete
- Apply the concrete sealer in thin coats making sure not to over apply