Hi Jason. The best product to apply would be a concrete densifier. Traditional concrete sealers work by repelling moisture and protecting the concrete from the surface. However, they don’t do anything to reduce or prevent moisture vapor transmission from moisture in the soil beneath the slab. This MVT, if it exists in your garage, is what causes mats, boxes, and any other flat object that sits on concrete for a while to collect moisture underneath.

A densifier technically is not a sealer. It works by reacting with minerals and free lime in the concrete to produce additional Calcium Silicate Hydrate. It’s the same substance in concrete that makes it hard as it cures. This additional CSH helps to fill the uppermost pores and capillaries in the concrete. As a result, the concrete becomes harder and denser. A byproduct of densifiers is that they also help to block or reduce moisture vapor transmission from below the surface since it fills the pores and capillaries. A great product we can recommend is PS103 by Concrete Sealers USA. You can find it here.

Hello Dan. We are not surprised that you don’t care for the look. Bona R540 is a polyurethane primer and moisture membrane that dries to a brownish tint. It is designed to be used with the various Bona adhesive systems. It’s not intended for nor designed as a wear surface. It needs to be removed completely from the surface before anything is applied. Coatings are not compatible and will not adhere. We assume you are referring to Rust-Oelum RockSolid Polycuramine Coating. In order to apply it, you will need to grind the concrete to remove the R540 moisture membrane. The grinding will expose the bare concrete and prep it for RockSolid at the same time. Be aware that RockSolid is a thin coating. It typically requires two coats to get the correct thickness and uniform glossy color when applied to concrete prepped via grinding.

Hi Kennith. I just want to verify that it’s a coating or coating system you are interested in since your desired finish is one of your priorities.

SHEA

I have a newly constructed 40x60x6 concrete slab ready for a garage build. Not below grade with vapor barrier prior to concrete pour. Although it will be mechanic work go on inside it will be minimal of the hobbyist nature. Would like the most durable sealer available of satin look if possible but not mandatory. Durability and long lasting being key! Colored sealant would be great but againDurability and long lasting being key! Can you share your input?