Concrete floor.. seal or not??

Rook54 · Jul 27, 2003

Hello,

I just finished a 36X40 steel building and have had the concrete poured for the floor and a 4X40 foot approach. The inside floor is a smooth finish, and the approach is a broomed finish. I am seeking comments on whether I should put a clear sealant over the floor, or just leave it as is. Thanks.

Adam

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 27, 2003

I'm going to kind of 'piggyback' on this, here. I'm building something about the same size and intend to use it as a temporary home while I'm building my dream house. When I move out this building will become a shop/garage setup. What floor suggestions would anyone have for this scenario?

chim · Jul 28, 2003

Sealants help prevent all the dusting associated with concrete floors, and could prevent oil and crud from satining it. I'd seal it...............................chim

RichNJKubota · Jul 28, 2003

I would paint it with epoxy concrete paint and use a non-slip additive in the paint.

Gfsimon · Jul 28, 2003

I just sealed my new 26'x48' slab yesterday. Sealing will for sure keep the dust down and make cleanup (of everything) easier. I sprayed the floor with a pump sprayer the concrete guys lent me. If I could do it over, I'd roll it...very uneven with the sprayer.

JDGREEN4ME · Jul 28, 2003

I would seal it...

DAVELR · Jul 28, 2003

How long should you wait after concrete is poured to seal? Does it have to cure first?

yellowdog99502 · Jul 29, 2003

( How long should you wait after concrete is poured to seal? Does it have to cure first?
)

Everything associated with concrete finishes, with the exception of curing compounds or cure-n-seal products, require you wait at least 28 days. Concrete continues to cure (hydrate) for years.

Behr has a new three-part system (clean, etch and finish) out that looks really promising. I am waiting to try it on a new garage slab. Cost is just shy of $0.30 per sf. Oh yeah, the cleaning is mandatory for any finish applied to any concrete, even new stuff.

I used a mixture of linseed oil and mineral oil burned into the surface with a high-speed polishing buffer in my shop. I got the idea after building several sort and shipping facilities for one of the major overnight carriers. They use varying ratios of these two, with the occassional thinner throw in depending on local climates. I used it in my last building and after 6 years with only occasssional mopping and buffing, it still looked fresh.

IF this mixture is really burned in it will provide a tough gloss finish that looks like a $1000 wax job on that Rolls. Oil and grease cannot stain it and they wipe right off. Biggest problem with this method is that if you get the ratio wrong, it can take days (weeks) to dry enough before trying again. Learned this the hard way after trying the same mix in Indiana that I used in Alaska. . . . . oops! Just a bit more humidity here.

Good luck,

Don

chim · Jul 29, 2003

( How long should you wait after concrete is poured to seal? Does it have to cure first?
)

Check with suppliers of the sealers. I have been on projects where they sprayed sealer on as soon as they could walk on the deck. I don't know if this was for curing or for the purpose we are discussing. I have been told more than once that concrete cures better (harder?) if it is kept wet or sealed, so it dries out more slowly..................chim

Hambone · Jul 30, 2003

I sealed mine about three years ago. 36x30. I used Sherwin Williams two part epoxy. Grey in color, rolled it on. I am pleased with the result and the durability.
You have to etch the concrete with muratic acid to be sure it will adhere. I had about $200 or so in the job. I did not add any traction sand ect to the sealer, it does get a little slick sometimes. Not so much with water but with coolant and oil.
If I remember correct had to wait 60 days before applied.
The sales guy was really helpful with everything I needed.
Just remember to roll it on thick and do smaller sections first.
I started out too thin worrying about running out. I got toward the end and really started laying it on.
I like the end lots better than the begininng.