Comments on: Why a Siliconate Penetrating Sealer May Be All You Need

By: Shea

Shea — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 18:27:26 +0000

In reply to RJD. Hi RJD. Silicates are used to densify and harden (densifiers) while siliconates are used as water repellents. Densifiers are typically utilized for bare concrete in warehouses and industrial settings where a coating will not be applied. They are also used in the process of polishing concrete. In addition, they can aid with slowing down moisture intrusion from below the surface. It's not as common to apply them to good concrete where a coating is applied unless there are possible moisture issues. They can sometimes have an effect on how well a coating adheres. There are also densifiers that a siliconate sealer added. These make for good bare concrete sealers when oils are not a primary concern. We discuss them here. If you plan on applying paint (not very durable) or a coating (much more durable), then applying a densifier or sealer beforehand is not recommended. All sealers have to be removed first before applying a coating to concrete.

By: RJD

RJD — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 04:42:26 +0000

Hi! I’m having a new house built with a poured concrete floor. I’ve read enough to know that I want to harden/densify the concrete, then apply a paint or epoxy to give it color.

Related to the question I just sent, is there a difference between silicate-based sealers and siliconate sealers, or are they the same thing?

What do you recommend?

By: Shea

Shea — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 18:25:54 +0000

In reply to Brian Hearn. Hello Brian. We are assuming that they were sealed previously with a penetrating sealer and not a coating. A siliconate sealer would be a good choice. For the driveway, we would recommend PS102 by Concrete Sealers USA. It is designed to work best with concrete that has a broom or rougher type of finish. For the garage, use PS101. It works best for smoother finishes. The only prep required is to clean the surfaces well and then let them completely dry before applying the sealers.

By: Brian Hearn

Brian Hearn — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 14:47:00 +0000

Good day my driveway and garage floor where sealed 10years ago the product which I don’t remember worked very well however I can see where it looks like it should be redone. The driveway is has a brushed finish the garage is smooth want to reseal both what prep is required and what product do you recommend. Not into how it looks after all its just a garage floor lol.
Thanks

By: Shea

Shea — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 21:07:49 +0000

In reply to Julien Larocque. Hi Julien. Yes, acrylic is the least durable of coatings. The main issue for any coating is that a sealer such as silane should never be applied beforehand, particularly to smooth troweled concrete. It effectively blocks penetration of coatings and needs to be removed via grinding or other mechanical means first. PS100 would be a good choice based on your requirements, however, you will need to contact Concrete Sealers USA first to discuss. We cannot tell you for sure or not if it can be applied over the silane. PS100 needs to penetrate the concrete surface and the silane may not allow for that.

By: Julien Larocque

Julien Larocque — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 15:25:18 +0000

Hi!
I have a fresh garage concrete slab with a smooth mechanicaly troweled surface. Based on recommendation from my supplier I was going for a 40% Silane penetrating sealer followed by a Acrylic topical sealer for a clean smooth look. Unfortunatly I found the acrylic sealer way too weak against scratch wich will ruin in a short time the clean look I am gooing for. I did not apply the product.
I have the Silane sealer done and I am thinking that could be enought? By reading your website I am thinking a densifier and/or oil repelant (PS100) should have been more appropriate for my needs. Can I apply theses product over the Silane sealer with success?

My main concern are the concrete floor to be dust free, scratch free, resistant to salt water and not having oil spill to stain when quickly removed.