Sealing Concrete

[Squire]

Just finished a 30'x48' pole barn with concrete floor (4500 psi). Do I need to seal the floor and, if so, what do you recommend that I use?

 

[Jugger]

We poured a concrete floor of similar dimensions a few years ago, and we never sealed it. We have not had any unusual wear, nor any other problems for that matter.

However, I am interested in hearing any potential problems that could arise.

Jugger

 

[Chuck52]

Unless the concrete is exposed to lots of, for example, salt or other potentially corrosive materials, I would think that sealing the surface is more a matter of convenience and appearance. There are products for sealing garage floors so that oil spills won't sink in and discolor the surface. These things also reduce dust and such and make the surface easier to clean. I think you can add materials to them so that the finished surface is not too slippery too.

Chuck

 

[Devildog]

I sealed my slab and when it gets wet you have to be carefull or you will bust your butt.
__________________________________________________
Take care, Jim

2001 B7500 HST 302 Fel R4 Tires
Semper Fidelis

 

[RichNJ]

I used a grey epoxy based concrete paint on a garage and when it was wet - watch out - very slippery. The next garage I had I used a clear sealer that sort of soaked into the concrete. I don't remember the name. It was supposed to reduce the concrete dust and make oil easier to clean up. I'd say it does not work. The next time I will try the epoxy based paint with a skid resistant additive. The brand that I saw in home depot is: http://www.rustoleum.com/epoxy_shield.asp
Whatever you do - Do it before you put stuff in the pole barn - otherwise you will never get around to getting all the stuff out and cleaning and etching the concrete and painting it.

 

[StanInCalif]

The ready mix plants usually have a sealer that is applied with a garden sprayer soon after finishing. The idea is to ****** the rate of moisture loss as the concrete is curing. This results in less stress being set up, and a stronger pour. It has no long term effect on the surface. Some people use it; many don't. If you don't, it would be advisable to sprinkle the slab a couple times a day for a few days, especially if it's in the sun. - Stan

 

[DocHeb]

I had the concrete floor of my attached garage done with a two-part epoxy finish. It was advertised as "the same material used in car dealer service bays". The first time they put it down, it was 98 degrees and windy - the aluminum oxide grit applied at the end (as a non-slip surface) wouldn't stick since the epoxy hardened quickly. That floor was slick as ice. They came out again, screen sanded the floor and put another coat on, with the aluminum oxide grit getting embedded properly this time. No more sliding, and easy to sweep or hose down. It has held up well for nine years, and I would do it again.

 

[TonyC]

I had the same question you did and what I eventually found out was sort of unfortunate. I found out that the very best concrete sealer available need to be put on while the concrete is still wet. I poured mine then started looking into sealing it weeks later. Evidently, it was too late for all the good stuff. Having said that, I never sealed it at all and it's doing just fine. Next time though, I will go with the right stuff.

 

[IllMarty]

I am a painter by trade and here is what I have done in my garage:

Power wash your floor.
Apply acid wash solution to concrete with mop, 2 gallons water to 4 ounces muratic acid.
Power wash your floor again as a rinse. Be very thorough as to get all acid washed away.
Find good 2 component epoxy and roller apply after concrete thoroughly dries. Do this in small sections.
Find a bag of silica sand and sprinkle sand into the tacky epoxy as your doing sections.
The next day roller apply a complete coat on top of the dried first coat.
This works great. Mine is 12 years old in my garage and has only minor breaks in the coating.Marty

 

[Egon]

If you want to seal it cheaply spray a 50/50 mixture of linseed oil and varsoil on it. It just has to wet the surface. This is a procedure used on concrete streets and curbs.