Concrete Coating Procedures

Sealer

• Concrete sealer can be applied with an ordinary garden sprayer. The sealer produces a clear finish that must be reapplied every five years; however, this product is great for preserving your concrete. The seal coat can be purchased in three different sheens: gloss, semi-gloss and satin. Satin will be less visible but will protect the concrete as well as gloss and semi-gloss; however, the gloss and semi-gloss will produce a deep shine that will appear glass-like after several coats. Before applying the coating to your concrete, make sure that the concrete is clean and without grease or stains. If you have stains or grease, use a degreaser and stain remover to remove these areas. Leaving the grease on the concrete will prevent adhesion of the sealer to the concrete. After the concrete has been cleaned, pour one gallon of concrete sealer into a pump-up sprayer and apply the coating to your concrete. Allowing each coat to dry for one hour will ensure that the application coats bond correctly.

Paint/Stain

• Concrete stain and paint can be applied to your clean concrete using an electrical sprayer or roller and brush. The electrical sprayer can be purchased at most hardware stores. Tape up all edges around the concrete with masking tape and news paper. However, rolling the coating on with a roller can be done quickly and effectively. Cutting in around the edges of the concrete with a brush will help keep the application clean. The concrete paint or stain can be purchased from any paint store in a variety of colors. The easiest way to apply the paint or stain is to literally pour the coating directly onto the concrete from the can and distribute the paint/stain with the roller, working in 16-square-foot areas. Allow the paint or stain coating to dry for 48 hours before using the concrete.