When to Seal New Concrete after Installation
The most common way to preserve the appearance of new concrete is to seal it. Sealing new concrete will protect the surface from a multitude of stains and damage-causing elements. It is a great way to prolong the life of all types of concrete surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks.
Sealed concrete cleans up nicer and is easier to maintain. Spills and tannin stains cannot penetrate the concrete surface when it has a protective coating on it. Water is also not easily absorbed into the concrete, which shields it from water and freeze/thaw damage.
There are many types of concrete sealers. Some will not alter the look of the concrete while others can enhance or change the look completely. Many people ask when to seal new concrete. To answer this correctly really depends on the type of concrete sealer being used.
If a “cure and seal” type sealer is being used, it can be applied immediately after the finishing application. This sealer will provide a durable finish and immediate protection. The advantage to sealing new concrete with a cure and seal is that the concrete does not have time to get dirty or stained.
If a cure and seal is not being used, then you should allow the concrete to cure for 2-4 weeks. The industry standard is 28 days but that depends on the climate and mix of concrete. It is important to wait and not to seal new concrete too soon. Trapping moisture in the surface will likely lead to a premature failure of the sealer.
If you wait too long to apply sealer, the concrete will have to be cleaned and degreased. Another issue is that if you decide to use a clear sealer, it will show any stains that may have occurred. Basically, you should wait at least a month but not much longer, unless you are using a cure and seal, then you can seal new concrete as soon as the bead water is gone.
If you have a question on this article, please ask in comments.
Should a 2700 sf concrete driveway be sealed if it’s only one year old?
Yes.
You cannot do either. You cannot paint over a sealer or seal over a paint. It would peel if you did.
We have just poured a concrete floor for our garage and office space. Do we seal the floor before the walls go up or wait until they are in place
Does not matter.
which seal for my new stamped concrete is the least slippery yet a good seal?
Look at using the Super Seal 25. You can add this for traction as well: https://www.concretesealerstore.com/super-grip.html
I have 4 newly poured 20″x20″x2″ stamped concrete blocks to anchor the base of a cantilevered patio umbrella which will be sitting on top of a brick paver patio. Should these be sealed even on the undersides? Since these are new I assume I should be using a cure and seal type of sealer? Is there any other prep required prior to using this sealer? Thankyou.
No need to seal the blocks.
What is the best sealer for a new construction basement floor and walls? Want to apply before moving in to limit dust and humidity
Try Super Seal-M: https://www.concretesealerstore.com/m-non-gloss-sealer.html
what are your top two’ cure and sea’l products for new concrete
Look at Super Seal-M: https://www.concretesealerstore.com/superseal-m-5-gallon.html
We have a new build and are keeping concrete floors. We sealed them with super seal M but I am wanting some more sheen/polished look. Is there another top coat that we can apply that will work with what we have already done but is also safe to use indoors?
Sorry, but we do not have anything that would work for this.
Thin layer o concrete put over old concrete patio. Can I use a sealer if it has fine cracks (done 2 weeks ago) and one edge is not attached?
Sure.
Had a poor looking pool deck, have tried behr and valspar sealers did nothing not even in hi gloss. Super sealer 30 worked unbelievably nice shine and brought the colors back. I am so pleased with the results. Thanks for a great product! Pat
About 2-4 hours
How long does it take for gloss concrete sealer to dry after applied .