Sealing Concrete Driveway

[Hossienda]

So I had my driveway done with concrete and need to apply a sealer to it. Can anyone tell me what is involved with this or how to go about it, certain products to use and so forth?

Thanks,

-Hossienda

[rattlereel]

Are you using a surface or a penetrating sealer?

You will need to wait at least 28 days from when the slab was poured to when you seal.

Both types need to be applied to a clean surface.

Penetrating sealers typically can be rolled, brushed, or sprayed. The best way I have found to apply surface sealers is to spray on a light coat and back roll for an even coat.

Salt Guard, Quick crete, Sika701W Are some good pentrating sealers. Tiah and Decra seal are some good surface sealers. If you are using a surface sealer get some surestep or other traction aid. Surface sealers are also very slippery in the winter even with sure step.

[Bigeye30"]

I would go with a surface sealer, buy a roller for painting and broom handle, either spray it on and then roll or start rolling, make sure your surface is clean and DRY, I usually wash the slab off first and let DRY Completely then apply, most Home Depots Menards etc will carry the sealer, it's almost like a varnish for stain. I am assuming this was a standard white concrete drive. If you had color then I would talk to your contractor on which way to go.

[rattlereel]

Typically penetrating sealers are used on plain gray concrete. Use these to inhibit moisture penetration and some protection from deicers.

Surface sealers are used to bring out colors, when a slab has been stained or has an interical color. It really makes the colors pop out after it has been applied. They are also good at preventing moisture and salt damage.

Some of the draw backs to a surface sealer VERY slippery when wet or snow covered. It also can release and peel off.

Dusty tire tracks and dirty foot prints will also show up more with a surface sealer. If you use this type of a product don't put it on too heavy out gassing will lift the sealer off of the surface. It is a real pain in the butt to fix a sealer once it has released.