There are many benefits that are tacked to concrete sealers. When applied on a regular basis, concrete sealers help protect the concrete surface, as well as the internal structure of the concrete. There are many different types of concrete sealers available in the market. One of the most commonly seen sealer, is the solvent based sealer.



When considering buying or using a solvent based sealer, the first thing that you need to take note of is whether the sealer is VOC compliant or not. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. Some solvents are actually harmful to the environment. To prevent harmful solvents from being released into the environment, solvent based products such as sealers have to comply with strict legislation. This is to ensure that all solvents used in the sealers are environmentally friendly.

So, how can solvent based solvents be beneficial to concrete?

Beautifying the surface.

When a single coating of solvent based solvent is applied to concrete, the surface of the concrete starts to look glossy. The glossy look gives the same feeling as that of a well polished floor. The overall look and feel is one that is clean and well maintained.

Ease of maintenance.

Speaking of maintenance, a coat of sealer makes the concrete easier to maintain. It acts as an external layer of outer covering that protects the concrete from water, oil, dirt, grime and other harmful materials. When such materials come into contact with the concrete surface, they can easily be cleaned off with some warm water and detergent. This will help prevent grease or grime from entering the insides of the concrete and damaging its internal structures.

Protection from unwanted plants.

Unwanted plants such as weed tend to grow in unprotected concrete. As dirt, soil, grime, etc starts to accumulate in cracks or holes, this gives weeds an opportunity to grow on the surface of the concrete. The roots from the plants can actually grow deep into the concrete, further weakening its structure. This may be a slow process that often goes unnoticed. Cracks within the concrete starts to widen as the roots force its way through. In severe cases, the affected area needs to be completely replaced with new concrete.

Solvent based sealers can help prevent this from happening. Firstly, it helps to prevent cracks and the accumulation of dirt and grime. Without the proper conditions, weeds cannot grow. Secondly, the inherent properties of the solvents actually help discourage plant growth. Plants don't like the chemicals!

Solvent based sealers can come in different finishes - semi-gloss, gloss, or matte. You will need a concrete sprayer or a half inch roller cover to apply the sealer. Avoid using thin plastic sprayers, as they may react in a negative manner with the solvents. They come in cans of 1 gallon or 5 gallons. Usually, you will need 1 gallon for every hundred feet.