What Types of Sealers Are Used on Interior Concrete Floors?
2017-11-06
With many Acrow-Richmond concrete sealers to choose from, it can be hard to identify which will be the right fit for your project. While penetrating, film-forming, siloxane, acrylic, epoxy, polyurethane, clear, and stamped concrete sealers can all be used indoors, you may desire a specific shine or colour that can only be offered by some sealers. This article, explores the types and features of each different sealer.
Interior Concrete Sealers
Ideally, those applying concrete sealers indoors should consider a water-based sealer over a solvent-based sealer. This is because water-based sealers have low VOCs and low odours, whereas solvent-based sealers have high VOCs and can be very odorous. However, some water-based concrete sealers do not last as solvent-based concrete sealers.
Below we highlight some quick facts that you should be aware of before making your decision:
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Water-based
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Solvent-based
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Avoiding VOCs Indoors
VOCs are solvents that are released into the air as sealants, chemicals, or paints dry. VOCs should be avoided (when possible) as they can cause:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Liver and kidney damage
- Nervous system damage
If using products with VOCs indoors, you should always open up windows to allow for air circulation, cover your mouth and nose with a respirator designed to work with organic vapours to reduce inhalation, and keep children and pets away.
Your Best Interior Concrete Sealing Options
Water-based Sealers
Sikargard High Gloss Sealer is water-based with a mild latex-type odour and low VOC content. Easy to prepare and use, this sealer needs no dilution or mixing. The Sikargard High Gloss Sealer appears ‘milky’ when wet - for visibility of application and coverage. It also creates a high gloss sheen that is resistant to mild corrosives and harmful substances, and it helps to reduce dusting and staining.
DECRA-SEAL W/B is a non-yellowing, proprietary blend of polymers, high solids, and liquid sealer for decorative concrete. The product is clear, transparent, and easy to apply. DECRA-SEAL W/B also offers greatly improved chemical resistance when compared to standard curing and sealing compounds. The product has been formulated to seal and protect decorative coloured concrete by producing a hard (yet flexible) clear film.
Additional Options
Decorative Concrete Sealers
VOCOMP water-based acrylic curing and sealing compound is formulated using special acrylic polymers in a true water-based carrier. VOCOMP dries clear to provide a transparent sheen finish. The sheen can be controlled by the number of coats applied. VOCOMP resists yellowing from ultraviolet exposure and provides a durable, long-lasting finish. Available in 3 sheen levels for your desired look.
Sikagard Natural Look Clear Sealer is a single part, low VOC containing, clear silane/siloxane emulsion. It has a superior penetrating ability, and when dry it provides long lasting protection against water penetration and salts while maintaining the natural appearance of concrete, mortar, masonry and stone.
Acrylic Sealers (Solvent Based)
Acrow-Richmond sealer is an economical curing and sealing compound formulated from acrylic polymers and quick-evaporating solvents. When applied on freshly placed concrete, it forms a clear, uniform, moisture-retentive film, which simultaneously cures and seals the concrete.
Acrow-Richmond High Gloss Acrylic Sealer
Acrow-Richmond High Gloss Sealer is a clear, ready-to-use formula of acrylic copolymers and quick evaporating solvents, which cures and/or seals freshly placed or existing concrete.
Acrow-Richmond Premium Acrylic Sealer
Acrow-Richmond Premium Sealer is a clear, ready-to-use formula of acrylic copolymers and quick evaporating solvents, which cures and/or seals freshly placed and/or existing concrete. This blend is formulated with premium resins to provide a durable and lasting finish.
Hiac Acrylic Concrete Sealer Voc
HIAC (VOC) acrylic concrete sealer is an acrylic co-polymer solution that dries to a clear, colourless, abrasion-resistant film. It is highly resistant to stains, acid, oil, grease, most industrial chemicals, and de-icing salts, and will not yellow the concrete.
Penetrating Sealers
PENTREAT 244-100 is a penetrating, 100% active silane sealer that inhibits water and chloride ion penetration in concrete and masonry structures. PENTREAT 244-100 is a hydrophobic, impregnating sealer that helps prevent chloride-induced corrosion of rebar, scaling, spalling, freeze-thaw damage, and other causes of debilitating concrete.
MasterProtect H 1000 is a clear, breathable, high-performance, 100% silane, water repellent sealer that achieves the highest depth of penetration.
Sikagard® SN-100 is an advanced generation of highly penetrating, clear, monomeric silane sealer. Using proven technology, the material has been formulated to be VOC compliant while providing an integral barrier against the ingress of moisture and water-borne salts into concrete and masonry.
How National Concrete Accessories Can Help
If you have any questions or concerns about what concrete sealer to use on your interior floor, give us a call at 1-888-777-9272 today!
