How to Seal Concrete Floor in 5 Steps

Want to seal your concrete floor? Here is a step by step guide taken to seal concrete floor that is very easy to follow.

Now that your concrete has been poured, it is time to seal it. Not only are sealers essential for protecting your concrete and concrete colors but sealers also add shine if you desire.

You are going to learn the simple steps taken to seal a concrete floor whether you are using a water based or acrylic based sealer.

After learning how to seal concrete floor with tips and step by step instructions, you are going to be a pro and extra confident to do this project all by yourself.

This post is all about how to seal concrete floor that every homeowner should know about.

Step by Step on How to Seal Concrete Floor

1. Pressure Wash Concrete Floor

Prepare the day before you plan to seal your concrete by pressure washing it. Do not do the day of, as moisture can become trapped in concrete.

2. Check Outdoor Temperature

Sealers cannot be applied when the concrete is hot. If the concrete is hot, it will cause the sealer to not be absorbed and then the sealer will begin to peel. It will look like your concrete had a chemical peel. A good temperature for sealing is around 71 degrees outdoors. Best time of day to seal is first thing in the morning when concrete has not been exposed to the sun during the day. Just because it is cool outside at night, does not mean the concrete has had time to cool down as well.

3. Do a Test in Small Area

Nothing would be more disappointing than applying sealer to concrete and then to realize that the concrete was not ready. Concrete needs to have open pores in order to absorb new sealer. A good test to try is to pour a small amount of water to concrete and make sure that no bubble is formed. If water is absorbed, then the concrete is ready for sealer. If however, a bubble of water is formed, then DO NOT apply sealer, as the sealer will not be absorbed and sealer will begin peeling soon. This test is also good to do when reapplying sealer in the future.

4. Apply Sealer

Apply a thin layer of sealer with either a roller or a sprayer. If using a sprayer, make sure to use a sprayer that is solvent resistant to the type of sealer you will be using. Make sure to clean out sprayer immediately after use to avoid clogging or damaging the nozzle. A second layer of sealer can be applied if desired.

5. Wait

Wait at least 24 hours to walk on concrete and about 2-3 days to drive on.

Extra Tip

Sealers may cause concrete to become slippery especially when wet. Apply a “slip resistant addictive” to sealers by mixing it into the sealer prior to application. Slip resistant addictives are tiny polymers that will help create a slip resistant surface. The polymer will not affect the shine of the sealer. Slip resistant areas are important especially around pools and areas with traffic.