Sealing concrete floors...a few tips.

We talk to at least (4) people a day asking for a "sealer" for concrete.
Some folks want this for a garage, shop floor, warehouse, etc....

We have this down to a science and will attempt to illustrate the different types of sealers available.
There are (3) main types of concrete sealer with pros/cons to all.

1. Lithium Based Concrete Densifier
2. Water Based Urethane Sealer
3. Clear Epoxy Sealer

Lithium Based Concrete Waterproofer/Densifier

• Least expensive, as little as .09 per sq ft.
• Easy application, single component product
  
• Protects against dusting
• Repels water
• Indoors/Outdoors
• Does not repel oils, fuels, etc...

Water Based Urethane Sealer

• Around .85 per sq ft.
• Easy application, single component product
  
• Protects against dusting, stains
  
• Repels water
• Indoors/Outdoors
• Will repel oils/acids or fuels, but not for long

Clear Epoxy Sealer

• 2.00 per sq ft.
• A little more involved application, dual component product
  
• Protects against dusting
• Repels water
• Indoors Only
  
• Good resistance to gas, oil, fuels, acids
• Impact resistant

Therefore, when "sealing" your concrete, consider these differences.
These products can be researched further at www.legacyindustrial.net
They offer free advice.

Concrete Densifier, Lithium

A concrete densifier is a chemical applied to a concrete surface in order to fill pores, increasing surface density. Chemical densifiers are used on polished and non-polished concrete to reduce dusting and wear; on polished concrete surfaces densifiers help concrete take a better polish and make the surface less permeable to liquids so the slab does not require sealing.

Polished concrete

Concrete polishing uses densifiers to achieve a better shine. Polishing works by smoothing out peaks and valleys in the surface; if the concrete is not strong enough, this abrasion will remove micro-chunks that decrease the surface uniformity and quality of shine. Concrete surfaces face two major obstacles to polishing: bleed water and pores.

Excess water in newly placed concrete rises to the surface. This bleed water carries with it the finest aggregate and laitance, making it much softer than the slab's core. It also increases the water to cement ratio, which further weakens the surface. Densifiers address this problem by binding to available lime in a pozzolanic fashion, creating additional cementitious material and strengthening the surface.

Concrete is by nature a porous material, with pores formed by water evaporation during curing. These pores interfere with surface uniformity, and make the slab more susceptible to staining from spilled liquids. The additional cementitious material formed by the densifier and lime fills these pores.

Densifiers may use various carrying agents to accomplish the hardening process, potassium, sodium, lithium, or other agents. For further information on concrete treatments visit: The Polishing Experts[1]]

Lithium Densifier hardener can be sourced through Legacy Industrial, www.legacyindustrial.net or 908-269-8300

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