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Directions for Sealing Interior Concrete Floors

Concrete is used as the base flooring for many interior rooms. It requires preventive maintenance to keep out moisture that could cause significant damage to the floor over time. With the correct tools and technique, you can properly seal an interior concrete floor. By doing so, you might be able to prevent a buildup of moisture, thereby preventing the growth of mold and mildew in your home.
  1. Preparing the Floor

    • Before you begin the sealing process, you should clear out as many items as you can from the room and clean the floor with a broom and mop. If there are any spills or stains on the floor, you should remove them before sealing the floor, since stains will be permanent after the floor is sealed. Try rubbing out stains with a clean cloth dipped in mineral spirits. Rinse the floor, then wait for it to dry before sealing the floor.

    Filling Cracks Before Sealing

    • Fill any cracks in the floor before sealing it. Squeeze a thin line of concrete repair caulk into any cracks. You should fill cracks before sealing to help ensure the integrity of the floor once it is sealed. After you fill the cracks, wait for the caulk to dry before proceeding.

    Mixing the Sealant

    • Pour the sealant into the mixing container and add water according to the instructions on the label. The exact ratio of sealant to water depends on the type of sealant that you buy, so make sure to follow the directions exactly. Mix the sealant in the container with the provided mixer. If one is not provided, you can use a paint mixer.

    Applying the Sealant

    • Paint the sealant along the entire edge of the concrete floor. You can do this with a large paintbrush. Once you seal the edges of the floor, roll on the remaining sealant with a paintbrush roller. Start at the back of the room and roll the sealant onto the floor as you work your way to the front of the room. Although you don’t need to move too quickly when doing this, you also shouldn’t take too long. The sealant should be rolled onto the floor soon after you mix it. Check the label on the sealant for exact time requirements.

    After Application

    • Wait 24 to 48 hours for the sealant to cure. Do not walk on the floor during this time. After 48 hours, you can walk on the floor and replace any items that you removed from the room.