How Long Does it Take for Concrete Sealers to Dry?

Concrete sealers are an extremely important substance used to protect concrete from potential water or chemical damage, staining, and general wear and tear. Thus, ensuring that you pick the right type of sealer for your product and apply it by following the proper procedure will help to ensure the longevity of your concrete. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and application of your chosen product.

Types of Concrete Sealers:

Concrete sealers fit into two main categories: penetrating sealers and topical sealers. The types of penetrating sealers are silanes, siloxanes, silicates, and siliconates. These sealers are designed to penetrate into the concrete and create an impermeable barrier against water and other chemicals. These concrete sealers are invisible to the eye, so they won’t change the look of the concrete. Lastly, these sealers do not leave any type of glossy film, so they are not slippery.

On the other hand, the types of topical concrete sealers epoxies, acrylics, and polyurethanes. These concrete sealers do not penetrate into the concrete; instead, they form a protective surface layer over the concrete. They help to protect concrete from stains and other types of chemicals. In contrast to penetrating sealers, topical sealers do change the appearance of the concrete, giving it a more glossy or wet look. Unfortunately, topical sealers can be a bit slippery; however, this can be combated simply by adding an anti-skid product.

When Should a Concrete Sealer be Applied?

Most concrete sealers should not be applied when it is raining, extremely humid, or in extreme temperatures. This is because it can affect the way the sealers dry, which can cause imperfections in the appearance of the sealer or poor adhesion to the concrete. Furthermore, depending on the type of sealer used, concrete sealers should not be applied until the new concrete can withstand the weight of the sealer or until the new concrete has completely cured. For topical acrylic sealers and penetrating silicate and siliconate sealers, the sealer can be applied once the new concrete can handle the weight. As for silane, siloxane, epoxy, and polyurethane sealers, these sealers should only be applied once the fresh concrete has completely cured. Generally speaking, concrete takes about 28 days to fully cure; almost all concrete sealers can be applied after 28 days.

How Long Does it Take for Concrete Sealers to Dry?

Most concrete sealers, both penetrating and topical, dry fairly quickly. Generally speaking, concrete sealers will usually be touch dry within 1-3 hours of application. However, penetrating sealers should be given a full 24 hours in order to dry completely, whereas topical sealers should be given a full 48 hours. Drying time can be affected by the physical environment through factors such as temperature, humidity, and air flow. Thus, it is important to allow the concrete sealers adequate time to fully dry in order to avoid any errors.

All in all, you can avoid the common errors of installing a concrete sealer so long as you apply your concrete sealer during appropriate conditions and allow the sealers adequate time to dry. If you are unsure about the best installation process, then consult Epoxy Surrey Floorex Inc.