Concrete Garage Floor Sealer
It is very common with contractors to 1) seal the concrete garage floor with a penetrant sealer then 2) add an epoxy coating to the concrete floor once the penetrant sealer has completely dried. Here’s why:
Epoxies Protect The Surface – And Only The Surface
Epoxy coatings are just that, they sit on the surface of the concrete. They protect concrete from staining and can offer a decorative finish for those looking to add a little more excitement to their concrete. Epoxy coatings can’t stop water and they can’t stop efflorescence. Further, epoxies can’t be used where hydrostatic pressure is present. If you use an epoxy alone, eventually the epoxy will start to peel, flake, and fade – sooner if water becomes an issue.
Penetrant Sealers Protect The Concrete
Penetrant sealers, like the Foundation Armor Concrete Sealer, penetrate deep into the concrete and react with the free calcium and lime. This reaction forms a crystalline barrier within the pores of the concrete. Once dry, water, vapors, moisture, and radon can no longer pass through the concrete. The Foundation Armor sealer also increases the adhesion of epoxies by 20% – helping the epoxy to look better and last longer.
Two Sealers Are Better Than One
Contractos all over the country have begged us to create an epoxy because our silicate sealer is top-notch. Not to give away any secrets, but a Foundation Armor Epoxy may be coming soon!
Alternative To Epoxy
Now, you can get the same look and protection by applying the penetrant sealer and NOT the epoxy. If you apply the Foundation Armor concrete sealer, once the sealer has tried you can apply a floor wax and polish the surface. This will give you the same look as an epoxy and the same protection – for a lot less money and a lot less work.
