Topical Concrete Sealer for Garage Floors: Best Guide 2024!

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What is a Topical Concrete Sealer?

A topical concrete sealer is a clear protective coating applied directly onto the surface of the concrete. Unlike penetrating concrete sealers, topical sealers do not penetrate into the pores of the concrete. Instead, topical sealers form a protective film on the surface.

There are 4 types of common topical concrete sealers, namely acrylic, epoxy, polyurethane, and polyaspartic, each offering different levels of protection and aesthetics.

Acrylic concrete sealers are popular for due to their affordability and ease of application. They provide a glossy or matte finish and offer good protection against water, UV rays, and stains.

Epoxy concrete sealers bond effectively with the concrete, providing excellent resistance to chemicals, oil, grease, and heavy traffic. They are ideal for interior concrete slabs such as garage or warehouse floors.

However, they have poor UV resistance and are not suitable fors.

Polyurethane concrete sealers offer excellent abrasion resistance and chemical resistance, making them suitable fors subject to heavy traffic and exposure to chemicals.

Polyaspartic concrete sealers are relatively new and have exceptional resistance to UV rays, chemicals, abrasion, and impact.

Polyaspartic sealers will give you a clear, glossy finish and can be applied in a single day, significantly reducing the inconvenience of the sealing process.

In this post, I will focus on the Acrylic Topical Concrete Sealer, as that is the most cost-effective and DIY-friendly option for you.

How Does Acrylic Topical Concrete Sealer Work?

Acrylic topical concrete sealers use acrylic polymer resin as the binder in their formulation. Acrylic polymer resin is derived from acrylic acid or its derivatives.

Of course, acrylic topical concrete sealers also contain other ingredients such as, solvents, UV stabilizers, and adhesion promoters. The solvent could be water or a hydrocarbon.

When the acrylic sealer is applied onto the concrete surface, the solvent in the sealer begins to evaporate, the acrylic polymers coalesce and bond together, forming a continuous film that adheres to the concrete surface.

This film acts as a barrier, preventing water, oil, stains, and other contaminants from penetrating into the concrete pores. Additionally, acrylic sealers typically contain UV stabilizers that prevent the film from breaking down by sunlight exposure.

Life & Frequency of Application

The lifespan of an acrylic topical concrete sealer ranges from 1 to 3 years. As such you’ll need to reapply acrylic topical concrete sealer every 1 to 3 years.

Climate and usage affect the longevity, so you’ll need to reseal more frequently in regions with harsh weather conditions or where the is exposed to heavy traffic. However, it is best to reseal, when required, rather than follow a time schedule.

I suggest that it is time to consider resealing your concrete whenever you see the following visual signs:

Water Absorption: Perform a simple water test by sprinkling some water on the surface of your. If the water drops are readily absorbed or form puddles instead of beading up, it’s time to reseal.

Visible Stains: Oil, grease, or other stains that have penetrated the concrete surface are indications that the sealer has weakened. Resealing will help prevent future staining.

Fading Color: If you notice that the color of your concrete has become dull or faded, it’s a clear sign that the sealer has worn off, and resealing is necessary.

I recommend that you must do the water absorption test in late fall. In case the existing sealer coat is not effective, this is a good time to reseal concrete.

The sealer will protect your from the harsh winter conditions.

Step-by-step Topical Concrete Sealer Application Guide

Step	Description
STEP 1 Gather the necessary materials	Collect all the materials needed for the resealing process, such as concrete cleaner, pressure washer, stiff bristle brush, topical concrete sealer, and protective gear.
STEP 2 Prepare the garage floor	Remove loose dirt and debris from the garage floor using a broom or a vacuum.
STEP 3 Clean the surface	Apply a concrete cleaner or degreaser to the surface, especially on stained areas, and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the surface with a stiff bristle brush or broom, then rinse with a garden hose.
STEP 4 Inspect and repair	Carefully inspect the concrete garage floor for cracks or other damage. Use a suitable crack filler or concrete patching compound to repair.
STEP 5 Choose the right sealer	Select a high-quality topical concrete sealer. Water-based sealers dry fast, are easy to apply, and eco-friendly. Consider factors such as durability, UV resistance, and the desired gloss level.
STEP 6 Apply the sealer	Pour the sealer into a roller tray or in a sprayer. Apply an even coat to the surface. Avoid puddling or overlapping. Use a brush for hard-to-reach areas.
STEP 7 Allow drying and curing	Let the sealer dry and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid foot or vehicle traffic during this period.
STEP 8 Additional coats (if necessary)	Apply multiple coats if needed, following the manufacturer’s recommended wait time between coats. Ensure even coverage.
STEP 9 Clean up and maintenance	Clean tools and equipment according to the product instructions. Regularly maintain the resealed garage floor by keeping it clean and promptly addressing spills or stains.