sealer selection guide...

There are many types of sealers available for concrete artisans to choose from. However, it can be quite confusing when it comes to choosing the correct sealer for a particular project. Therefore, Smart Surface Technology offers a number of Colormaker brand sealers to protect concrete surfaces.

Depending on whether a job is inside or outside will generally determine which sealer you should use. For exterior use, Texture Seal is recommended since it is a fast drying and durable solvent-based acrylic, although it can be used indoors under certain conditions.

If you're looking for a glossy, wet-look appearance, we recommend a finishing coat of Uro Finish, which can be buffed to a high shine. If you want a more natural look with a low to medium gloss, try a water-based sealer such as Custodian, Deco Seal Supreme or Sentinella.

Both solvent and water-based sealers are easy to apply and provide excellent results when correctly applied by a sprayer. Due to its solvent content, Texture Seal is highly flammable, whereas water-based sealers are not.

Water-based acrylic sealers will greatly enhance your artistic handiwork, produce a more natural appearance, and are perfect for use indoors.

Smart Surface Technology Inc. manufactures the following premium quality sealers:

CUSTODIAN: water-based acrylic.
DECO SEAL SUPREME: water-based acrylic plus polyurethane blend.
SENTINELLA: 2-part water-based epoxy.
TEXTURE SEAL: solvent-based acrylic.
URO FINISH: water-based urethane & wax emulsion.

Because concrete is porous, it needs to breathe in order to allow moisture to escape. When applied at the recommended rate and via the correct method, most concrete sealers will remain breathable. However, a blushing problem or ghosting effect may occur when sealers are over applied or reapplied too often. Blushing or ghosting is a white film that forms when moisture is trapped between the concrete and the sealer. The thicker you apply the sealer, the less it can breathe, and the more likely it will trap moisture.

With water-based sealers, this ghosting effect can sometimes be difficult to repair without stripping and starting over. Solvent-based sealers are generally easier to fix if ghosting occurs. Often a little solvent or Xylene on the surface will break down the sealer and clear up the blushing.

It's helpful to remember sealers come with different solids content. Solids, depending on the type of sealer, either penetrate the surface to seal from inside the concrete or remain on top of the concrete to form a surface seal. Solvent holds the solids in suspension so the sealer can be applied by spray; then the solvent quickly evaporates.

Here are a couple of key things to keep in mind with sealers:

1. Moisture is your enemy.
2. More is definitely not better.
3. Spraying provides the best finish.

Whatever sealer you choose, remember to apply at a rate recommended by the Technical Data Sheets and make sure the concrete has had sufficient time to cure prior to application. Installers should generally apply two coats of sealer, making sure each coat is dry before applying the next. You don't want to trap moisture beneath the sealer or watch your masterpiece disappear beneath a whitish cloud.

Always try and complete a small sample section to be sure you're getting the look you're after before proceeding with sealing the entire surface.

Sealer Selection Guide (PDF)