Film-forming and penetrating sealers
To keep decorative concrete or even plain looking attractive for a long time, we strongly recommend sealing with a high quality concrete sealer. Once sealed, the concrete will be protected from grime, spills, and weather to help prevent any staining and reduce wear. Sealing for commercial and industrial environments that have high traffic is particularly important as it will ensure the surface can be easily maintained and kept looking good over a long period of time.
There are two common types of sealers to choose from – film forming and penetrating, with each offering their own different benefits and each suitable for different applications.
Film forming sealers
Film-forming sealers, also known as surface-coating or topical sealers, coat the entire surface. The sealer adheres to the pores of the concrete and sits on top of the surface creating a protective layer. They offer excellent protection from moisture and spills, are highly durable, and are easy to maintain and reapply. There are three types of film-forming sealers, each designed for a specific purpose outlined below.
ACRYLIC SEALERS
Acrylic sealers are commonly used for general protection from dirt and grime in both indoor and outdoor applications. They form a thin layer of protection on the concrete surface. Acrylic sealers are easy and quick to apply and tend to be the more cost-effective option, however due to their thin layer of protection they can wear more easily and require recoating. Available in both water-based and solvent-based formulations, they also come in a variety of sheen levels to enhance the surface colour, stamped pattern, or exposed aggregate.
POLYURETHANE SEALERS
Polyurethane sealers provide a hard-wearing and non-yellowing layer of protection for both interior and exterior applications. They are a versatile sealer that can achieve a variety of gloss levels and can also be tinted. Commonly used in areas with high traffic, they also provide good protection against chemicals and abrasive materials. Polyurethane sealers are available in both water and solvent-based formulations to suit a variety of environments such as shopping centres.
EPOXY SEALERS
Epoxy sealers are ideal for interior applications where durable and long-term surface protection is required. There is a range of epoxy sealers to choose from, each with its own list of benefits. For example, some have fast drying turnaround times for areas such as shopping centres or they can provide superior strength for industrial and commercial areas like car parks. The finish is glossy but if a more natural, matte finish is required, a matting additive can be added. Epoxy sealers can also be tinted.
To summarise, some of the benefits of using a film-forming sealer on concrete include:
- Enhancing the colour of your the surface
- Preventing contaminants from penetrating the surface
- Protecting the surface from damage and making it easier to clean and maintain
- Protection from environmental elements
- A range of products suitable for a myriad of applications
Penetrating sealers
Penetrating sealers retain a natural-looking finish whilst protecting the concrete surface from water, stains and contaminants. These sealers penetrate into the capillaries of the concrete to form a long-lasting, durable barrier of protection against the ingress of water-borne pollutants and salts. Penetrating sealers are often used in indoor and outdoor applications for concrete, porous natural stone and concrete pavers.
There are a number of penetrating sealers available all designed for special purposes such as:
GENERAL PURPOSE
Ideal for using on large commercial or industrial concrete areas to provide a good level of protection from general grime and spills
SUBSTRATE COLOR ENHANCEMENT
An excellent choice where there is a need to bring out the colour of the concrete whilst providing protection from an array of contaminants and stains
STAIN BLOCKING
Designed for public precincts, alfresco dining spaces and food service areas where there is a need for oil and staining resistance to food and drink spills
INDUSTRIAL PROTECTION
Offering 3-way protection for industrial concrete substrates to prevent and assist dusting, wear and staining from oils and greases