One of the best ways to take a drab, gray concrete space and transform it into something that’s truly beautiful is with the help of decorative concrete. By taking advantage of decorative concrete, you can add a wide variety of designs, colors, and finishes to your flooring. But if you’re considering going this route, you may be wondering whether a decorative concrete sealer is necessary. After all, might stain or other finishes do the work of sealant?
Today, we’re going to attempt to offer some important information about decorative concrete as well as when you need to use sealant. So, let’s get right to it…
Stamped Concrete
When people think of decorative concrete, they often think of the stamped variety. This look is achieved by using a stamp on a slab of freshly poured concrete. It can leave your concrete space looking more like expensive stone, brick, or even wood. And it can achieve that look at a fraction of the price.
If you choose to have your concrete stamped, you will need to seal it like you would any other kind of concrete. This is because the stamping process offers none of the protection or stabilizing benefits that a decorative concrete sealer does. If you want to make sure that your stamped concrete remains free of cracks and stains for as long as possible a decorative concrete sealer is absolutely essential.
Stained Concrete
Staining concrete is another popular way to achieve a more attractive and eye-catching finish for your concrete space. Coming in both water-based and acid-based varieties, a stain will color your concrete and can leave it looking like anything from highly polished marble to stained wood. And if you choose a water-based stain, you can color your concrete just about any color of the rainbow.
Like stamped concrete, stained concrete isn’t protected from unwanted staining or cracks. As a result, using a decorative concrete sealer on your stained concrete will ensure that it looks its best well into the future.
Dyed Concrete
If you want to achieve a truly eye-popping look for your concrete – including the kind of colors that a concrete stain simply can’t create – then you’ll want to look into dying your concrete. Unlike acid-based stains, dyes don’t react chemically with your concrete. Instead, they simply saturate the surface. Like stained concrete though, they do come in two varieties: water-based and solvent-based. The main difference between the two is the uniformity of the finished product. Water-based dyes tend to create a more marble-like effect. It’s worth mentioning that dyes tend to lack UV protection. As a result, they do best when used indoors.
So, is a decorative concrete sealer necessary for dyed concrete? Absolutely. Dye will not protect your concrete from stains or daily wear. Because of this, it’s vital that you seal your dyed concrete with a sealant that offers just such protection.
In Conclusion
Decorative concrete can take a plain slab of cement and transform it into something unforgettable. Just don’t forget the importance of a high quality decorative concrete sealer after you got your concrete looking however you want it.
Here are the best decorative concrete sealer options for your project. Or search for a concrete sealer distributor near you.
