New slab - clear sealer over densifier?

[bobscogin]

I've poured the slab for a new shop and applied BASF Lapidolith (magnesium fluorsilicate) hardener/dustproofer at 21 days. The slab is power troweled with a smooth surface, clean, and has had no other coatings or chemicals applied. There may be some areas of the shop where I would like to use a chemical/petroleum resistant clear coat such as an aliphatic urethane. The purpose is to provide an impervious surface with some degree of gloss, but retain the concrete color. Since I've used a densifier, do I still have that option? If so, can I avoid etching which would seem to defeat the purpose of the densified surface? Any recommendations on a clear that would work for this application?

Bob

 

[Shea]

In my experience, densifiers are used for polishing concrete or it is used to apply to a relatively soft surface prior to grinding for a coating such as epoxy and urethanes. If you want a urethane coating you will have to etch at the minimum if not grind.

You may want to look into a good penetrating sealer for polished concrete instead. I'm sure some of the many representatives here can make a suggestion. I'm just not sure how it will stand up to a shop environment.

 

[Edger]

Sounds like you have a good surface now which does not need a sealer. It will be great if you clean up your spills within a few hours.

I epoxy coated many times after using the same densifier, but the difference was that the surface was soft and worn so it was open and after using the densifier there was still plenty of profile for the epoxy to adhere.

If you have time you might get a sample and do a small test. Wait 12 months and see if there is any peeling. It is not a great test, but at least it is something.

Your slab finish is dense and hard so a urethane might not adhere.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

You can use an acrylic sealer over densified surfaces. Densifier makes good concrete better and with an added waterproofing agent is a heck of a salt guard in a garage. Great for northern states.

 

[bobscogin]

Thanks all for the input. I've noticed that some acrylic sealers are "urethane fortified". They claim better resistance to gasoline and solvents than straight acrylic sealers. Anyone have experience with these?

Bob

 

[Sehrishjaved2]

Awesome forum once again. Thank you

 

[rburke65]

Pakistan! Wow.....welcome to Garage Journal.....from Ohio, USA!