You’re looking to seal your driveway concrete. Maybe you’ve done a little research and discovered that there are hundreds of different options to choose from when it comes to sealant. You’ve seen that there are a variety of ways to apply that sealant to your driveway. And you’ve discovered some of the benefits to sealing your driveway… But you still have some questions about sealer for driveway concrete.
If that’s how you been feeling, and we’ve put together this article just for you. In it, will answer some of the most asked questions about sealer for driver concrete. So, let’s get to it.
What kind of sealant should I use?
If you’ve done much googling at all, you’ve likely realized that there are many different kinds of sealant to choose from. The product you choose will largely depend on the finished look you’re hoping to achieve.
You should choose a water-based sealer for driveway concrete under normal circumstances. It will provide the protection you’re looking for while also slightly enhancing the overall look of your driveway. This is by far the best option for the average homeowner.
You should choose a glossy, solvent-based sealer if you want to achieve a significantly darkened look and/or if your driveway is made up of stamped concrete. Solvent-based sealers are not the greatest option if your concrete is flat because it can leave the surface slick when wet. The last thing you want is to slip on your newly sealed concrete while strolling to the mailbox.
You should choose a penetrating sealer if you don’t want any change to your concrete’s look at all. However, you should be aware that penetrating sealers don’t protect against stains as well as film forming ones.
What’s the best way to apply sealer on my driveway concrete?
Fortunately for DIYers, applying sealant to a concrete driveway is an incredibly simple task. This is made even more so if you use a water-based acrylic sealer. Water-based sealers can be loaded into a normal garden sprayer and sprayed across the entire surface of a driveway. This allows you to get your driveway sealed without any mess and minimal work.
Make sure to clean your driveway before you seal it, regardless of how you choose to do the job. If you fail to sufficiently clean your concrete, you can end up sealing grease, oil, and other contaminants into the face of your concrete.
How do I maintain the sealer on my driveway concrete?
Maintaining the sealer on your driveway concrete doesn’t take much effort. If you notice leaves or dirt on it, remove them immediately. Although they are not likely to cause lasting damage, over time such things can deteriorate and leave unsightly stains on your concrete. When you discover a stain – whether oil, grease, food, or something else – use a symbol soap and water combination to scrub it off. And if you can’t seem to remove it, a power washer should do the job.
In addition to this regular maintenance, you’ll want to pay special attention to your driveway when it hits the 2 to 3-year mark. If you find that water is being absorbed into the face of your concrete, it’s probably time to reseal it. Although sealant life expectancies can vary, they generally again to break down by the third year.
Still have questions?
If you still have questions about water-based sealant, send us an email and we can get you the answers you need.
Here are the best sealer for driveway concrete options for your project. To purchase, search for a concrete sealer distributor near you.