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How to Install a Sealed Concrete Floor

Installing a sealed concrete floor is a relatively simple process, provided you have some working knowledge of concrete. Sealing the floor effectively protects it from damage that might occur from oil and grease, as well as from foot traffic. The provided instructions assume you have an existing concrete floor and are resurfacing it prior to sealing. If your floor is free of cracks and heavy stains, resurfacing the existing floor may not be necessary.

Things You'll Need

  • Concrete degreaser and stripper
  • Stiff brush
  • Water
  • Concrete resurfacer
  • Steel trowel
  • 5-gallon bucket
  • Drill
  • Paddle mixer attachment
  • Industrial squeegee
  • Paint roller
  • Concrete sealant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure that the concrete surface is thoroughly cleaned by applying a layer of heavy-duty concrete degreaser and stripper. Leave the stripper on the floor for several minutes to allow it to loosen embedded debris, then scrub the floor with a stiff brush to remove stains and grime. Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water.

    • 2

      Repair damaged areas or large cracks. Mix seven parts of concrete resurfacer with one part water to form a thick concrete mixture. Apply the concrete to the damaged areas with a steel trowel. Allow the concrete to dry for at least six hours.

    • 3

      Put 3 1/2 quarts of water into a 5-gallon bucket. Slowly add a 40-pound bag of concrete resurfacer, mixing it with a drill fitted with a paddle mixer attachment. Continue mixing the ingredients until the consistency is pourable and free of lumps.

    • 4

      Pour the concrete resurfacer mixture onto the concrete floor. Spread the concrete over the entire surface, using an industrial squeegee. Allow the concrete resurfacer to dry for approximately six hours.

    • 5

      Apply a layer of concrete sealant to the floor with a high-quality paint roller, keeping the thickness of the sealant even. Avoid allowing the sealant to puddle up, but also avoid extra thin areas. Allow the sealant to dry for four to six hours. Apply additional layers as desired, ensuring that each coat is thoroughly dry before applying another.