Concrete is a porous material that needs to be sealed to protect it from the elements. We should seal stamped concrete to protect it from water and other corrosive substances that can damage the surface.
This will also help protect the color of the concrete because natural elements like acid rain can change its color as time passes.
Sealing stamped concrete is a maintenance process that will protect the surface of the concrete from staining, fading, and discoloration. Sealing also helps to extend the life of the stamped concrete.
When to Seal Stamped Concrete?
You should never underestimate the benefits of a good old spring cleaning when maintaining stamped concrete. To clean the surface, break out the hose, soap, and brush as soon as the weather warms up.
Ensure your patio is completely dried after a sudsy rinse, a thorough hose off, and a good buff with a brush. Try to work during a dry, warm day, at least a day before work.
It may be necessary to clean the sealer further or even strip it off if messier stains remain (from pet waste, oil, or leaf litter). It is recommended that solvents such as xylene, chemical strippers, or organic spot treatments be used.
Why Should You Seal Stamped Concrete?
Your investment in stamped concrete patios, walkways, and pool decks should be protected whether you’re investing in new ones or already have.
A good sealer will prevent your stamped concrete from fading for a long time or will rejuvenate an already stamped surface. As a result, your investment in decorative concrete should be protected, and your curb appeal should be increased with a sealer.
In addition to protecting the surface, sealers repel stains, harmful chemicals, and water. Therefore, it is recommended to seal your concrete surface yearly to ensure maximum protection.
In addition, sealers prevent efflorescence, a white, powdery residue that can accumulate on surfaces.
As with waxing your car, wearing sunscreen, and spraying Scotchgard on your favorite shirt, sealing stamped concrete is similar to waxing your car.
Applying a sealer will improve stamped concrete’s appearance, prevent UV fading, protect the concrete from staining, and prevent harmful chemicals from entering the concrete.
1. For A Rich Color And Glossy Sheen
The sealing of new concrete after it has cured and the sealing of existing concrete every few years is recommended. The color of stamped concrete will further enhance the glossy sheen if the concrete has been sealed.
It is possible to purchase sealers in a range of gloss levels, from no-gloss to high-gloss. It may even be possible to seal the concrete with a tinted sealer that will enhance the color of the concrete even more.
Furthermore, the sealer will prevent efflorescence, a white powdery residue that can accumulate on surfaces. The concrete may already be textured, so slip-resistant sealers are not necessary but are helpful around pools.
2. Reduce The Chance Of Freeze-Thaw Damage
Another benefit of sealing your stamped concrete is that it will reduce the chances of damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
When water penetrates concrete and freezes, it expands and causes cracks or flaking in the concrete surface. Sealing your concrete will prevent water from soaking in.
You should see water beading up on the surface of the concrete if your sealer is working correctly.
When this does not happen, the stamped concrete needs to be resealed. In addition, the sealant will need to be reapplied frequently in high-traffic areas.
3. For Protection Against Stains
Stamped concrete can also be protected against stains by sealing it. Unfortunately, many things can leave stains on the surface of your stamped patio, walkway, or pool deck, including chlorine, salt, chemicals, leaves, dirt, fertilizer, pet urine, etc.
Using the right sealer will prevent any of these things from penetrating the concrete and leaving unsightly stains behind.
How Often Should I Seal My Stamped Concrete?
Your stamped concrete will need to be resealed periodically due to the changing weather and wear and tear. When should you do it?
Stamped concrete’s life expectancy has much to do with household conditions, how well it is taken care of, and the external environment.
Resealing every two to three years is a good idea; if you wait much longer, the seal will come undone, but if you reseal it too often, the seal will delaminate.
How to Reseal Stamped Concrete?
If you want to reseal, you should use the same sealer that you used initially. You should keep water-based sealers with water-based sealers or solvent sealers with solvent sealers if you’re not sure what kind it is.
In general, try to reseal 400 square feet per gallon whenever possible. It’s best to use pump-up sprayers to spread the sealer. Keep it thin and spray in a circular motion – you’ll need to apply a second coat soon.
To smooth down the layer, imagine mixing the new sealer with the old one and having someone back-roll it with a paint roller as you go.
Surface Preparation Stamped Concrete
It is necessary to wash stamped concrete before sealing it, just as you would any other surface. Using a stiff brush or pressure washer, clean the concrete with a concrete cleaner. You should remove any dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other stains.
Mild bleach solutions work well for severe mold and mildew. Ensure that you follow the directions on the concrete cleaner and that you rinse it well after use. Apply the concrete sealer after the stamped concrete has dried for about a day.
Choosing A Stamped Concrete Sealer
There are four stamped concrete sealer gloss levels: matte, non-gloss, high-gloss, and “wet.” A roller, brush, or metal sprayer can be used to apply the sealer. The sealer in cheap plastic garden sprayers is too thick and ineffective.
Stamped Concrete Sealer Application
Apply the sealer evenly to the surface after it has dried completely. Any ponding or puddles in the sealer should be back-brushed as soon as possible.
It may be necessary to apply a second coat depending on the product and the type of finish you desire. For example, concrete sealers with a glossy look or a “wet” appearance may require additional coats to achieve maximum shine.
If you need to apply more than one coat, follow the label’s directions, and allow adequate drying time between each coat. After the concrete surface has been sealed, remain away from it for some time, usually 24 to 48 hours.
Maintaining your stamped concrete surfaces is important to keep your property looking good and increase its value.
However, the best way to protect your stamped concrete investment is to protect it from the effects of the natural environment, stains, and other contaminants.
Final Words
You can use a sealer on both your new and existing stamped concrete to enhance and protect it. Concrete’s service life is greatly extended when properly sealed and/or resealed.
If you hire a contractor, ensure he or she seals your patio, walkway, or pool deck using the right product and at the right time.
For example, don’t use rock salt on stamped concrete if you want to keep it in good condition. Instead, use sand or products containing calcium or magnesium.
You should choose a natural, matte finish and use a penetrating or film-forming sealer outdoors. In addition, you must ensure that concrete sealer on the exterior permits air and moisture to pass through.
It is recommended to seal new stamped concrete after curing. The curing process usually takes seven to fourteen days for most contractors, but it takes 28 days for the official cure to take place.
