When protecting concrete from the elements, you can’t do better than choosing a concrete sealer. However, not all sealers are created equal. Improper use of the wrong sealer can ruin your property and investment over time, so it’s essential to do your research before you choose which one to apply to your space. The following do’s, and don’ts will help you find and use the proper concrete sealer, and keep your property looking great for years to come.
Don’t Use with Fire or Electrical Equipment
If you are planning on painting your floor, it is important to apply a concrete sealer after applying the primer. If possible, the paint should be dry before sealing. However, if you choose to use paint over your sealer, make sure that fire extinguishers are nearby if any electrical fires occur. Also, make sure that no electrical outlets or switches are damaged by paint or sealer. Additionally, remember not to place insulation or wiring directly above painted or sealed floors, since heat can damage materials beneath them, causing problems like mold growth.
Don’t Inhale Vapors
If you are applying sealer with a sprayer, don’t stay in an enclosed area. While it is only mildly toxic if ingested, inhaled over time by people who regularly work close to sealer, even low concentrations can result in bodily harm. Contact with skin should be avoided at all costs. Remember to wear eye protection while working with concrete sealer products, vapors irritate if they come into contact with your eyes or skin.
Wear Protective Clothing and Eyewear
It may be a cliche that you need to wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, gloves, and safety goggles when working with a concrete sealer. Regardless, they’re things you’ll need for a good reason, solvents can cause severe injury or even blindness if they splash into your eyes. Even soaps and cleaning agents containing bleach can burn your skin or irritate your lungs if inhaled. The best thing you can do is protect yourself. Not only will it keep you safe but also help give you peace of mind, should something go wrong while using a concrete sealer.
Store Sealer Correctly
If you’re going to store concrete sealer for an extended period, make sure you put it in an airtight container, preferably one with a fitted lid. A sealed container prevents moisture from seeping in and contaminating the product inside. You also need to ensure adequate airflow; otherwise, mold growth could occur within your container.
Don’t Walk on Wet Concrete Sealers
The sealer is intended to create a very smooth surface that will protect your concrete from cracking. If you walk on it when it is wet, you risk damaging the sealer. Instead, please wait until it dries, or use plastic sheeting to cover areas that are not accessible, this protects them from foot traffic after they have dried. You can also work in small sections, so you don’t need to wait long before moving on to new areas. That will help ensure your new coating doesn’t begin drying out in some spots before others.