How to apply clear concrete floor sealer?

[Crazy Legs]

i'm getting ready to seal my concrete slab and i'm planning on using "Sealbest 100% acrylic water based sealer". - Is this stuff good?
My floor is super smooth and i'm wondering on the best way to apply this, it mentions rollers or spraying. i like the spraying idea but how will you know when its even since this sprayer is a pump up lawn sprayer?

 

[Junkman]

I did mine with a roller, and didn't worry if I got it an even thickness. It is absorbed into the surface and that was enough for me. I poured a small puddle, and worked it around till it was gone, and then did another section. Once it dried, it was fine. You can't tell where it is thinner or thicker, and it has held up for many years now. Some things just don't require a rocket science degree to get it done right.... this is one of them.

 

[Steve in Mi]

You probably are all done now but I'll mention my experience anyway with the Thompson water based acrylic sealer I used. (see the actual product label here; http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10888&showall=1 .

On the first application the floor just sucked it up like it is suppose to. It is afterall a sealer not a topcoat so good penetration is what keeps the dust ******* tight and prevents oils etc. that would normally stain from penetrating the floor surface once the sealer is applied. I went for a second and even a third coat to see what the results might be.

My product also suggested a roller for applying but I didn't get very far before I saw lots of air bubbles on the surface left by the roller and when they would pop (most did) the material was left in little rings, not smooth, and I saw no point in having a bunch of bubble rings all over the surface. It also suggested brushing in one direction on the can. What I decided was to use a folded rag and wipe it on with all strokes in one direction. Pour a little down and wipe it out. It really came out looking quite nice but I'm not sure how durable the built up material is although I have rolled some pretty heavy steel castor carts over it and see no damage thus far. I only did one 12' X 14' room with three coats (5 years ago) as an experiment and it is very nice and glossy but I'm sure two applications is plenty to get the sealing effect to keep cleanup to a minimum.

 

[ron in sc]

"Sealbest 100% acrylic water based sealer". - Is this stuff good?

I've been told the best clear sealer is one that is solvent based and contains xylene. It's supposed to penetrate the concrete better.

 

[rt66jt]

Solvent based sealers are considered superior to water-based sealers, but you may not have that choice. Some areas of the country (PA, for instance ) are forbidden to use solvent base thanks to the EPA. Water-based may be preferred for use in occupied buildings due to solvent fumes. There are some solvent -base sealers available that are legal here, they use a different solvent (acetone, I think), but they have their own issues regarding application.

 

[bobx]

when you guys used these sealers was the concrete brand new? or did you seal an older floor?

thanks.

 

[Steve in Mi]

In my example above the floor was 21 years old when I put the Thompson's Garage Floor Protector down.