Where To Buy Avista Concrete Sealer
Concrete sealer problems and the associated call-backs are one of the largest sources of frustration for decorative concrete contractors. When a concrete sealer does not look or perform as expected, the cause can usually be traced back to over-application, application in non-ideal conditions, or a build-up of multiple coats. Below are some common sealer issues decorative concrete contractors face, why they happen, and how to avoid them.
where to buy avista concrete sealer
Any air displacement from the concrete surface during sealer application should be free to quickly move through the thin, wet sealer film. At a typical coverage rate of 300 square feet per gallon, one coat of an acrylic concrete sealer should be about 5 mils thick when wet. When dry, one coat of sealer is only about 2 mils thick. For comparison, a sheet of copy paper is about 10 mils thick and a credit card is 120 mils thick.
The first coat of sealer acts like a primer. Most of it will disappear into the concrete surface, and the concrete will probably look fairly unattractive after the first coat. The second thin coat will provide an even finish, color enhancement and gloss.
Thick coats of sealer, or a buildup of coats applied over the years, will cause moisture to become entrapped under the sealer and, in time, the sealer debonds from the concrete. When this occurs, the sealer itself does not turn white. Instead, the surface only appears white because the trapped moisture and air under the debonded sealer changes its refractive index, making it look white to the human eye.
Water-based acrylic sealers dry by a process called coalescence, where first the water, and then the coalescing solvent, evaporate and fuse together the acrylic particles, forming the sealer film. If the temperature during application is too low or humidity is too high, the coalescing solvent will evaporate before the water does and the sealer will dry white or powdery because the latex particles did not come together before drying.
Film-forming concrete sealers will darken concrete and leave a glossy shine to some extent, giving the concrete a wet look." The concrete will lighten back to its unsealed color over time, as the sealer wears off or is removed.
Because every concrete slab is unique in its color and texture, the color of concrete after sealer application is difficult to predict. The concrete mix design and use of chemical admixtures, surface finishing techniques and porosity are just a few factors that will affect the color of a concrete surface.
Please note that water-based cure and seals are a milky white color as supplied, but will dry clear if applied properly. Water-based sealers do not darken concrete as extensively as solvent-based materials, and the gloss level is lower.
As of 2023, we have found that the Super Seal 30, Super Seal 25, and the Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealers are the most popular concrete sealers for Exposed Aggregate surfaces. If you have any questions as to the best type of concrete sealer for your project, please ask below in our Q&A area. We are here to help!
SuperSeal30 is a Higher Gloss Concrete Sealer that can be used for many types of concrete surfaces. SuperSeal30 is very popular for Brick Paver Patios, Exposed Aggregate, and Stamped Concrete. This sealer will darken the appearance and leave a shine.
Concrete sealers are extremely effective at protecting concrete in the long term. They help concrete surfaces to endure and resist weather exposure, water damage, grease and oil stains, abrasion, salts, cracking, chipping, expansion, and even just general wear and tear. They are an important part of concrete maintenance and concrete should be sealed every 2-5 years to protect it from such damage. On top of the practical benefits, concrete sealants also help to improve the aesthetic appeal of the concrete, often adding a glossy or matt finish that makes the flooring appear newly set.
Sealing concrete is an inexpensive and straightforward job, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. The sealers themselves are affordable and commonly available in most major hardware stores such as Bunnings. Before purchasing a concrete sealant for your home, you will need to consider the different types and how they best apply to your situation. The different types of concrete sealers are:
Acrylic sealers are somewhat softer than epoxy concrete sealers and they require a sacrificial floor wax. Acrylic concrete sealant is best suited to residential concrete floors, such as polished concrete kitchen floors, concrete benchtops, or basement floors.
Polyurethane sealant is more robust and often used in industrial/construction settings to seal joints. This style of sealant is best suited in high traffic areas such as retail environments (due to its durability) or concrete countertops. It is also a popular driveway sealer.
Penetrating sealers are best suited for outdoors and provide a natural finish that will not impact the overall appearance of the concrete. Penetrating sealers include silanes, siloxanes, and silicates which permeate into the concrete to form a chemical barrier by sealing the internal pores. Penetrating sealers are extremely durable, making them the popular choice for outdoor use as they can defend against weather like rain exposing concrete to high levels of water.
This 5-gallon spray-on sealer is non-yellowing, low sheen and low viscosity. It is a penetrating sealer made from siloxane modified methyl methacrylate to ensure maximum penetration. This is a robust and extremely durable product which will cope with high exposure to water. Well suited to cope with rain and overflow from salt water pool systems, this concrete sealant is also colour enhancing. It is also film forming and will cover 200-300 square feet per gallon (with each pail holding 5 gallons of sealant). You can purchase this product here from Deco Crete for $208.78.
Bunnings has an immense range of concrete sealers available here for an affordable price of $75.90. Their best rated concrete sealer is the Crommelin diamond coat paving and concrete sealer. This is a non slip water based solvent which will not have an altering affect on the appearance of the pavement or concrete. This product is extremely durable and will resist staining. It is breathable and suitable for poolside use. Outdoor use is best for this clear solvent, or in areas where a natural concrete aesthetic is preferred.
Another popular Crommelin product with excellent reviews, this DiamondCoat tint is a solvent based tinting agent which will stain and coat the concrete (or pavement) a darker colour. This product must be used in conjunction with Crommelin tintable sealer to work. The colour actually penetrates the surface of the concrete, unlike paint, promoting the durability of the colour due to the strength of adhesion. You can purchase the DiamondCoat Charcoal Tint in a 1L pail here from Bunnings for just $43.90.
CCS Colour Master Sealer is a clear, film forming acrylic resin product. It is available in 12 colours, ready to be tinted with the CCS Colour Master Tint. When mixed with the tint, this product will form an opaque colour finish in either gloss or matt. Applied Concrete Solutions can also make additional colours specifically upon request. Browse the ACS catalogue here for more information on this high quality concrete sealer.
Dulux Avista general purpose concrete sealer is a clear solvent based substance which will provide extreme durability for all types of concrete surfaces. Dulux Avista concrete sealer is suitable for stamped, stencilled, coloured and resurfaced concrete as well as pavers. It will not interfere with the aesthetic appearance of the concrete and comes in multiple finishes (the most popular being semi gloss).
Take a look at the dedicated Avista website, servicing both Australia and New Zealand - avista.com.au, which has product information, including technical and safety datasheets on all the products in the Avista decorative concrete range, including sealers, resurfacing, internal flooring and oxides.
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Take a look at the dedicated Avista website - avista.com.au, which has product information, including technical and safety datasheets on all the products in the Avista decorative concrete range, including sealers, resurfacing, internal flooring and oxides. 041b061a72