Many don't people realize that contractors can color and stamp plain concrete to make it look like a whole host of other materials. Stone patios, brick entranceways, field stone walkways and cobblestone driveways are routinely done using patterns and coloring on the concrete. The benefit for customers is that this decorative concrete work can be done at a fraction of the real materials that they mimic. Unlike many of the real materials, however, the concrete needs to be sealed to protect the coloring agent.
Whether the concrete is colored, dyed, stained or powder coated, the color layer will wear ayway from normal foot and vehicle traffic. By sealing the concrete with an acrylic sealer, the coloring layer is protected for several years. The sealers have the added benefit of darkening the color and giving it a gloss finish.
Acylic Sealers
Acrylic sealers are the most common sealers used in the decorative concrete industry. This is because they are UV resistant and do not yellow with age. They are very easy to use, even for a novice. And unlike polyurethanes, acrylics are not moisture intolerant during application and until they cure. This makes them much easier to apply.
Acrylic sealers also protect the concrete from water, de-icing salts, oil, grease and other stain causing liquids.
Water-based Acrylic Sealers
Many states are now regulating how much VOC (volatile organic compounds) can be in concrete sealers.
This is to improve the air quality in these areas. In many states, such as California and the Northeast, traditional solvent based sealers cannot be used at all. One alternative is to use a water-based acrylic sealer. These sealers provide a medium gloss and can be applied even when the concrete is wet. They have the added benefit of being very low odor and are therefore the preferred sealer for interior projects.
Just like you should not use a latex paint over an existing oil based paint, water-based acrylic sealers should not be used over an existing solvent based sealer. The older sealer will not allow the new sealer to properly bond.
The sealer should be reapplied every two years or so since it will wear away from exposure and traffic. Simply clean the area to be resealed and apply the acrylic sealer.
Whether the concrete is colored, dyed, stained or powder coated, the color layer will wear ayway from normal foot and vehicle traffic. By sealing the concrete with an acrylic sealer, the coloring layer is protected for several years. The sealers have the added benefit of darkening the color and giving it a gloss finish.
Acylic Sealers
Acrylic sealers are the most common sealers used in the decorative concrete industry. This is because they are UV resistant and do not yellow with age. They are very easy to use, even for a novice. And unlike polyurethanes, acrylics are not moisture intolerant during application and until they cure. This makes them much easier to apply.
Acrylic sealers also protect the concrete from water, de-icing salts, oil, grease and other stain causing liquids.
Water-based Acrylic Sealers
Many states are now regulating how much VOC (volatile organic compounds) can be in concrete sealers.
This is to improve the air quality in these areas. In many states, such as California and the Northeast, traditional solvent based sealers cannot be used at all. One alternative is to use a water-based acrylic sealer. These sealers provide a medium gloss and can be applied even when the concrete is wet. They have the added benefit of being very low odor and are therefore the preferred sealer for interior projects.
Just like you should not use a latex paint over an existing oil based paint, water-based acrylic sealers should not be used over an existing solvent based sealer. The older sealer will not allow the new sealer to properly bond.
The sealer should be reapplied every two years or so since it will wear away from exposure and traffic. Simply clean the area to be resealed and apply the acrylic sealer.
This article is written by Aaron Kuertz with Applied Technologies Aaron has been in the waterproofing industry since 1998. Applied Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier to professional waterproofing contractors and homeowners in the United States. To learn more about acrylic concrete sealers visit Applied Technologies on the web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaron_Kuertz 
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