How to Seal Concrete & Make It Nonslip

Concrete, once it's poured and cured, can become slippery when wet if it's not properly prepared. While there are texturing techniques to solve this issue, most must be completed prior to the curing process. If your concrete is already in place and hardened, the best way of treating it is through an applied layer of sealant. By adding a slip-resistant polymer to the sealant, you add to the sealant's usefulness. Not only does the sealant protect the concrete from moisture penetration and staining, it also disburses and holds in place the nonslip additive. This creates a slightly gritty surface that adds traction to the concrete for both foot and vehicle traffic.

Pump-up hand sprayer
Concrete sealant
Ground polymer slip-resistant additive
Heavy-nap paint roller with extension pole
Face mask

Instructions

- 1
  Place a strip of masking tape along the edges of any surface adjacent to the concrete that you don't wish to get sealant on.
- 2
  Fill a pump-up hand sprayer with clear concrete sealant. Add a ground polymer slip-resistant additive to the mix, using the ratio provided by the additive manufacturer. A typical mixing ratio is 1 lb. of grit to each 5 gallons of sealant used. Stir the mixture vigorously with a wooden stirrer, and then screw the top onto the sprayer.
- 3
  Pump the handle of the sprayer multiple times to build up the air pressure, and then spray the surface of the concrete, beginning at the edge nearest any structure. Work your way in rows across the concrete surface, wetting down the concrete without leaving any puddles of the material behind.
- 4
  Back-roll the sealant into the concrete surface, using a heavy-nap roller on the end of an extension pole. Go over the surface with the roller, evening out the sealant coverage and pressing the sealant firmly into the concrete surface. Wait four hours for the sealant to begin to dry, and then apply a second coat to ensure complete coverage of the surface without any gaps. Allow the second layer to dry completely. Do not touch the concrete surface for the amount of time recommended by the sealant manufacturer.

How to Mix Rubber Chips & Adhesive

Asphalt Paving Hand Tools

Paving