So, you’ve recently laid a new concrete floor (or are looking to) and now you’re wondering about the best way to finish it. You’ve heard that there are dozens of different options to choose from, including dying it, giving it a high-gloss, and more. But if you prefer a more natural finish for your concrete, you may want to consider using a concrete sealer with a clear coat.
This kind of sealer will either leave the surface of your concrete looking as-is or slightly enhance your concrete’s surface. It won’t drastically change it. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants to go the more low-key route when it comes to their concrete patio, walkway, or driveway.
But what clear concrete sealer options are available to you? The reality is that most concrete sealants will leave some sort of film on the top of your concrete. And this film is almost always visible. As a result, one of the best ways to get a concrete sealer that’s clear is to use a penetrating sealer.
Rather than leaving a coat of protection on the surface of your concrete, like an acrylic or epoxy sealant, penetrating sealers react chemically with the surface of your concrete. Generally, they include material such as silane, siloxane, or silicate which move into the pores of your concrete and make it resistant to water absorption. And since they don’t leave any kind of film behind, you wouldn’t even know one had been applied unless you poured a little water on it and watched it bead up. This is why penetrating sealers are some of the best concrete sealers that are clear.
So, how do you apply such a sealer? Is it difficult? Dangerous? Not at all. Sealing your concrete with a penetrating sealer is just as easy and painless is doing so with an acrylic sealer. It simply involves these few steps…
Step One to Using a Concrete Sealer that’s Clear: Clean Your Concrete
One of the first things that you want to do when preparing to seal your concrete is clean it. If your concrete is dotted with dirt, oil, or other contaminants, it will be sealed into the surface of your concrete. You should be able to clean off your concrete with soap and water. However, for more stubborn stains, you may have to resort to a power washer.
Step Two to Using a Concrete Sealer that’s Clear: Apply Your Sealant
Before you apply your sealant, it’s a good idea to make sure your concrete service is slightly damp. It shouldn’t have any puddles or dry spots. Instead, it should simply have an even dampness to it. This will help the sealant to penetrate more effectively.
Once your concrete surface is ready, fill in ordinary garden sprayer with the penetrating sealer and apply it evenly across your concrete’s face. Make sure that you don’t over apply or leave any puddles of sealant. If you do, it could leave you with unsightly, hard white spots. After you achieve maximum coverage, allowed your surface to dry for several hours. If you are sealing an indoor space, keep the room well ventilated so that it cures quickly and evenly.
Step Three to Using a Concrete Sealer that’s Clear: Clean Up After Yourself
Now that your finish applying your sealant, clean all of your equipment with warm water and let it dry. After a couple of hours of passed, rinse the newly sealed surface of your concrete with water and use a stiff bristle brush to eliminate any surface residue.
Using a penetrating concrete sealer to get a clear finish is as simple as that. After you’re done, you’ll have a concrete space that’s protected from stains and water damage while retaining its natural look.
Here are the best clear concrete sealer options for your project. Or search for a concrete sealer distributor near you.
