Basements: Look for an invisible waterproofing silicate/siliconate blend that will densify and waterproof. If your basement is built of cinderblocks or concrete blocks look for a silane/siloxane blend. Since silane/siloxanes have a larger molecular size they are able to mask and bridge the especially porous blocks from potentially damaging water.
Driveways: Look for a penetrating silane/siloxane sealer that will protect driveways from salt degradation, mold, mildew and unsightly efflorescence. One of the best effects of a silane/siloxane sealer is the ability to see it working right before your eyes with its water beading effect. Look for a silane/siloxane of 20-40% solids.
Patios: Depending on the desired finish of either a high gloss shine or a matte finish choose either a solvent based acrylic or water based acrylic. Be careful when choosing a solvent based sealer if it meets VOC regulations in your state. Water based acrylics, if industrial grade formulations, are excellent decorative concrete enhancers.
Garages: If you are looking for chemical resistance, abrasion resistance and resistance from oil, gas, acids and other chemicals use an industrial coating, either an epoxy, urethane, polyaspartic or a conjunction of an epoxy and urethane. These coatings are also resistant to hot tire pick up and heavy equipment and machinery.
Our Take: Manufacturers of industrial grade sealers and coatings: Kretetek, Prosoco, Scofield
Epoxies: Provides excellent resistance to chemicals and can be used in conjunction with paint chips or metallic sand to provide a decorative and durable finish. For added protection use a urethane topcoat for a higher build floor. Make sure to have a rough surface porosity before applying an epoxy to help with hot tire pickup resistance.
Urethanes: Provides excellent chemical resistance for protection from oils and fluids. Look for an aliphatic urethane that will withstand more chemicals and last for a longer period of time. Make sure to have a rough surface porosity before applying a urethane to help with hot tire pickup resistance.
Polyaspartics: Fast drying urethanes that are all the rage because they will be dry within a few hours compared to the dry time of a traditional urethane which can take up to a week to cure. The only down side is the extremely short pot life that needs to be applied in less than a half hour. This can be problematic on large square footage garages. Make sure to have a rough surface porosity before applying a polyaspartic to help with hot tire pickup resistance.
Penetrating Sealers: The best options for garage floors if you are looking for a natural finish that will not cost a lot of money but will give an extreme amount of protection. Penetrating, water repellent sealers can create an olephobic barrier resistant to oils, fluids and water. We like the Siloxa-Tek 8505 available at HomeDepot.com. You will never have to worry about this industrial grade sealer peeling, flaking, bubbling or delaminating.
Concrete coatings are usually classified as epoxies, urethanes and polyaspartics. A coating differs from a sealer since it is applied on top of concrete creating a glossy build coat finish vs. a sealer that will penetrate and keep a natural finish. Coatings excellent choices for concrete with the need for chemical resistance, acid resistance and abrasion resistance. Although they are labor intensive the finish results can last up to 10 years.
Most Important Features When Purchasing a Concrete Coatings:
- Look for an industrial grade coating with excellent chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, stain and acid resistance.
- Resistance to hot tire pickup, UV rays, heavy equipment / machinery and extreme temperature is a must.
- Look for durable coatings that will not peel, flake or delaminate (usually aliphatic and/or cyclo-aliphatic urethanes, polyaspartics and epoxies)
Most Popular Concrete Coatings Brand Reviews:
Urethane 645: Meets all of the above criteria while also providing excellent dust protection and hardness. High solids coatings with exceptional chemical and acid resistance properties. We found that it was more durable and scratch resistant than all the other urethanes we tested all while creating a beautiful gloss shine. Easier to apply than it sounds while being practically indestructible.
One Day Floors 100%: Polyaspartic coating, fast drying and excellent penetration and bond strength to properly prepared surfaces and are abrasion, impact, and wear resistant with flexible properties. Not as chemically resistant as a urethane coating and the floor must have a minimum surface porosity of a CSP-2.
APF Armor-Rez Jet Deck 200: Three coat high build system that is extremely labor intensive consisting of an epoxy primer, epoxy coating and polyurethane topcoat. Excellent compressive strength and an extreme high build finish; however this product is not extremely UV stable.