concrete sealer
Tuesday, 11 September 2018 / Published in HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE TO SEAL STAMPED CONCRETE

How Often Do You Have to Seal Stamped Concrete

Q: How often do you have to seal stamped concrete?

A:  Stamped concrete is concrete that is textured and/or patterned to resemble stone, brick, flagstone etc. It can be colored using a stain, dye or integrally colored with pigments. If the stamped concrete has been colored a lot of times a sealer will be used to enhance the colors, patterns and the textures. Solvent based acrylics are popular choices to seal stamped concrete. Solvent based acrylic concrete sealers are topical in nature so they need to be reapplied every year to every few years. This can be extended if deicing salts are not used on the surface.

If a stamped concrete sealer is used around a pool deck it will usually need to be resealed every season. This is because the chemicals in the water or the salts in the pool water will wear away at the coating over time. The water will sit on the stamped concrete and break down the sealer. The good news is that the sealer is taking all of the abuse which means that the stamped concrete itself remains protected and in tact.

Solvent based acrylic concrete sealers will last longer than water based acrylic concrete sealers. Solvent based sealers will also provide a deeper enhancement and gloss. Additives can be mixed into solvent based acrylic sealers to bring down the sheen and non slip additives can be mixed into for added traction especially around pool decks. Water based acrylic concrete sealers will leave a lower sheen and do not provide as much color enhancement. They are less slippery when wet and are ideal for states with VOC restrictions.

Penetrating concrete sealers on the other hand do not provide any enhancement to the stamped concrete; however, they are able to last much longer. The stamped concrete will retain its natural appearance without any gloss or sheen but the penetrating concrete sealer will protect from spalling, cracking and mold for up to ten years before needing to be resealed. The sacrifice of using a penetrating concrete sealer on stamped concrete would be the clear, natural finish and the lack of sheen or gloss.