stencil concrete sealer - Decorative Concrete Sealer Surfaces

There is a concrete sealer which is a penetrating tint. This was developed to mimic acid staining. Staining or acid stains involves the use of acids like hydrochloric acids and acid-soluble metallic salt mixed with water. Acids react with the calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime) in concrete, etching the surface which allows the metallic salts to penetrate the surface. This reaction will result to a permanent stain that is fade proof, and wont peel away. Acid-based stains will vary in its intensity and mostly comes in brown tones like tans, terra cottas and blue-greens. Adding concrete dyes will increase color variations on the decorative concrete like yellows, oranges and even purple.

Concrete can achieve the look of brick or stone with stamping. Patterns are imprinted in fresh concrete for it to resemble slate, stone or flagstone. Applications for this technique are best used in areas like driveways, patios or pool decks. Stamped concrete can be used with other decorative concrete techniques like coloured films to create a look that can equal more expensive decorative materials.

Concrete overlays are decorative concrete materials that are the solution to worn concrete floors needing a facelift. Concrete overlays are considered less expensive than replacing or removing existing floors. But that doesn't necessarily mean that overlays can be placed on cracked unlevelled floors. Decorative concrete overlays varies in thickness and materials used and homeowners need to consider where these materials are to be installed since some are best suited for indoor use while others are for exterior applications only.

In order to protect the surface of a decorative concrete floor, it is important to use a concrete sealer especially for areas like patios and driveways which are exposed to the elements. Decorative concrete that serve as kitchen countertops need to be resealed when the surface is no longer waterproof or when water begins to seep through the concrete surface.

There are different types of sealants used in decorative concrete. One type leaves a protective coating on the concrete surface to protect it from moisture. These can be wax, acrylics or epoxy types of sealants. Another type penetrates the surface forming a barrier as protection from other materials that will otherwise penetrate the porous surface of concrete. These type of sealers are referred to as densifiers and repellants like sodium silicates and silanes respectively. A sealant can be water based or oil-based.

Application of different types of decorative concrete sealer will vary as well. One rule of thumb before applying any type of sealer is, the concrete should be clean. The surface should be clean from chemicals, dust or other contaminants before applying a sealer. In the event an owner is resealing his decorative concrete he needs to know what type of sealer was used. The same type of concrete sealer should be used when resealing otherwise it would not adhere to the surface.

Source: http://www.ideamarketers.com/?articleid=3065494

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