Did you know that you should seal your concrete patio? And it’s not a one-time job?
The truth is, you should seal your concrete patio every four to five years. And doing so comes with a slew of benefits to you as a property owner. It saves you on upkeep or replacing a dingy patio — sealing repels dirt, oil and other damaging grime from the surface.
If you’re on board for this DIY project, you next need to learn how to seal concrete. It’s not an impossible job for you to do yourself — here’s how it’s done.
1. Pick Up Supplies
Start by picking up the supplies you’ll need to helm this job. Firstly, you’ll want to select the right kind of sealer. You will also need either a roller or a sprayer to apply it — the manufacturer should make it clear which one works best for the sealant you choose.
You will also need a hose or power washer to start the process, too. Your patio has to be clean so the sealant adheres properly, so take care to perform that step with care.
2. Get Rid of the Grease
Your patio has dirt, grease, oil and other residue built up, even if you can’t see it. Start the process by cleaning your patio. You can focus on grease patches with baking soda and power wash the rest.
If you use any type of detergent or concrete cleaner to help you, make sure it is fully washed off before you move onto the next step.
3. Strip Old Sealant
Next, you’ll want to make sure that you have stripped any old sealant from your patio. As we said, you should be applying sealant every five years, so you will have to remove the last layer every time you apply a fresh one.
4. Pour an Etching Solution
Next, you need to open up your concrete so that it’s ready to absorb the sealant you apply to it. If your concrete patio is smooth — most are — then it’s vital that you etch it before you apply your sealant.
5. How to Seal Concrete: Apply a New Layer of Sealant
Once your patio has been properly prepped, it’s time to apply a new layer of sealant.
As we said before, your chosen sealant will say on the container if you should apply it with a roller or sprayer. Either way, apply a thin coat and let it dry.
Then, work in the opposite direction and apply a second layer. You have to let that dry fully before you walk on the expanse.
Enjoy Your New Patio
Now that you know how to seal concrete, all you have left to do is pick up the supplies — and get started on your project.
We’re here to help you select the products you need to get started. Click here to learn more about our concrete sealant, which can help you get the job done.
