Applying a sealer to your concrete and masonry is a wise investment of time a resources. The right sealer will extend the life of your hardscaping and reduce the frequency of routine cleaning and maintenance. Proper application is critical to achieve the desired results. You may be wondering exactly how to apply a concrete sealer to your driveway or patio. In this article we will explain how to apply a penetrating concrete sealer, like DryWay Water-Repellent Concrete Sealer.
DryWay is a water-based blend of chemically reactive siloxanes and silanes, specially formulated for deep penetration and long-lasting protection. It penetrates deep into the substrate to chemically bond and form a water-repellent barrier deep below the surface. DryWay protects concrete driveways, concrete floors, patios, chimneys, bricks, pavers, and other porous masonry from deterioration, staining, cracking, spalling, freeze/thaw cycles, moss and algae growth.
Where to Use a Penetrating Concrete Sealer
Penetrating concrete sealers, like DryWay, can be applied to most types of concrete and masonry surfaces – floors and walls, indoor or outoors.
Outdoor Surfaces
Outdoor concrete and hardscaping takes a real beating. Extreme temperatures, UV radiation, salts, & chemical spills, can lead to premature deterioration, and an unpleasnt appearance. If you are interested in preventing stains, mold & algae growth, and damage caused by salts and freeze/thaw cycles, then a penetrating sealer is your best bet. In addition to poured concete, DryWay can be applied to concrete blocks, cinder blocks, limestone, sandstone, split-face blocks, terra-cotta, brick, mortar, and pavers.
Indoor surfaces
DryWay is not just for outdoor use. Becasue DryWay is water-based, it can safely be appied to interior concrete and masonry surfaces. There are no offensive odors or toxic solvent vapors to worry about. While UV rays, and freeze/thaw cycles may not be an issue indoors, sealers are often used to prevent staining on interior brick walls and floors, chimneys and backsplashes, and to reduce dusting and efflorescence growth.
Sealer Coverage Rates
Properly applying a penetrating sealer is different than applying a topical coating like epoxy or acrylic sealer. Understanding coverage rates is critical. Coverage depends on the porosity of the substrate to which you are applying the sealer. In other words, the more porous the concrete (or brick, or paver, etc…), the more sealer it can take. Think of it as filling the pores inside the substate, rather than building up a coating on the surface.
We often get the question: “How many coats do I apply?” Penetrating sealers are less about the number of coats, and more about the volume of sealer applied to an area. As long as you are filling up the pores, then the sealer can be applied in one heavy application, two medium applications, three lighter applications, etc… If you find that the initial application is not being quickly absorbed, then it makes sense to lighten up on the application and come back for a second pass once the initial application is fully absorbed (while the surfaces is still wet, no more than 10 mins after the first application). You may also find very “thirsty” surfaces that seem to drink sealer up. In these cases apply the suggested amount in the first application, and then apply a second coat roughly 10-mins later.
The table below provides DryWay’s approximate coverage on various common surfaces:
- Indoor Poured Concrete: 200-250 sq. ft. per gallon.
- Outdoor Poured Concrete: 150-200 sq. ft. per gallon.
- Concrete Blocks: 80-120 sq. ft. per gallon.
- Bricks & Pavers 120-150 sq. ft. per gallon.
Surface Conditions
Concrete & masonry should be DRY prior to application. Several days may be needed for drying after after heavy rain or pressure washing. Avoid rain for 12 hours after sealer application. Ambient air and surface temperatures must be above 40º F during the application and for 72 hours after. Avoid applying in excessive heat (over 90º F) and to hot surfaces in direct sunlight, or in strong winds and excessive humidity. New concrete should be allowed to cure for at least 28 days.
Surface Prep
Surfaces must be clean, bare and porous. Vacuum or blow off excessive dust and loose particles. Repair cracks and joints prior to application. Mask surfaces not intended to be sealed. Remove paints, sealers, curing compounds, existing sealers, adhesives, oil, grease, mold, efflorescence and other contaminants that might interfere with the penetration of the sealer. If acid is used, it must be completely neutralized before applying. The surface must be porous enough to readily absorb the sealer. Hard-troweled concrete surfaces require chemical etching or mechanical abrasion to increase porosity. Use PowerEtch Concrete Etcher & Cleaner to obtain a proper surface profile. If chemical cleaners or concrete etchers are used, be sure to throughly rinse and remove them prior to sealer application.
Testing
Concrete, brick, and pavers vary greatly in composition, finishing techniques and porosity. Apply DryWay to a small test area to confirm surface suitability, aesthetics, and ensure sealer penetration.
Application Method
Apply using a hand-pump sprayer equipped with fan tip nozzle (recommended). Alternatively, a paint roller can be used only when spraying is not feasible.
STEP 1: Agitate container thoroughly before use.
STEP 2: Spray DryWay uniformly to the surface, maintaining a sufficient continuous wetting film. For vertical surfaces, apply from bottom up allowing 4-6” rundown.
STEP 3: More porous surfaces may require two applications. While the concrete is still damp, apply a second wet-on-wet application to the surface about 10 minutes after the first application.
DO NOT OVER APPLY. Avoid pooling or excessive rundown. Use a stiff brush, broom, or heavy nap roller on puddles until the sealer has fully penetrated.
Clean Up
Rinse tools with water and liquid detergent immediately after use. Remove overspray with a wet towel before it dries. Dispose of unused material and empty containers in accordance with local regulations.
Dry Time & Curing
Treated surfaces will begin to appear dry in 3-6 hours. Avoid foot and vehicular traffic until dry. Water repellency will develop over a period of 4 days after application.
Storage
Store in a dry location out of direct sunlight. Do not store at temperatures above 100 °F. Avoid freezing.
Shelf Life
1 year from date of shipment.
Finished Appearance
Natural Look.