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Concrete Sealers and Curing

We know concrete is durable and long-lasting but best practices while finishing are paramount in order to ensure the integrity of the concrete. Not only do concrete sealers & curing products protect against damaging factors, but they can also enhance the overall look and finish of the concrete for the desired decorative look.

Concrete Curing & Sealing

Curing allows for moisture and temperature conditions to be maintained in freshly poured concrete to allow cement hydration to happen at a controlled rate so that the concrete finishes and develops to the desired properties. Concrete sealers are chemical compounds that protect concrete from the elements. Precipitation, chemicals, and changing temperatures can all factor into deterioration, so it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent damage. Water-based and solvent-based sealers are available in a wide variety of gloss finishes that provide a breathable finish.

Types of Concrete Sealers

Topical sealers adhere to the surface of your concrete to form a protective top layer. Many homeowners choose to use topical sealers on indoor concrete surfaces like concrete floors because of the flexibility in design choices.

Integral sealers are compounds that are added to a concrete mix before the truck even leaves the plant, saving you not only the 28-day waiting period but also the cost of rehiring a contractor. With integral sealers, you receive the same benefits of a topical sealer, but the sealing will start immediately. Our own integral sealer, Ozinga Shield, can also offer aesthetic value by boosting the appearance of concrete stains or dyes. 

Penetrating sealers actually penetrate the concrete and form a chemical barrier that shields against moisture. 

Acrylic sealers dry within an hour, making them ideal for projects with a quick turnaround.

Sealers can be applied to the surface of the concrete every few years to prevent staining and surface damage. Always be sure to seal the concrete according to the manufacturer’s directions. Prompt removal of any stains and regular power washing will keep your concrete surface clean and help maintain it’s finish throughout the years. 

Concrete sealers: 

  • Inhibit mold growth and protect against UV rays
  • Increase the concrete’s longevity and durability
  • Protect against oil spills, discoloration, and other stains 
  • Enhance color 
  • Keep out moisture to protect the surface against the freeze-thaw cycle 

Concrete Sealer Applications

Sealed Concrete Driveway

Concrete Driveways

Sealed Concrete Patio

Concrete Patios

Concrete Stoops

Stoops

Concrete Walkway

Front Walks

Decorative Concrete

Decorative Concrete

Stamped Concrete

Stamped Concrete

Best Practices for Concrete Flatwork Finishing

Benefits of Sealing Concrete

Inhibits Mold

Concrete is porous, which means that it absorbs moisture. If this moisture doesn’t dry, it will create mold. Mold and mildew can form on concrete that is left wet for extended periods of time. This can cause a green discoloration to appear on your concrete surface. When you seal your concrete, you inhibit mold growth. This helps protect your concrete and keeps it looking better for longer.

Increases Durability

When exterior concrete is exposed to the elements, cracking, scaling, and other common concrete problems can occur. However, by sealing your concrete, you enhance the durability of the concrete, which can prevent damage. If you want to ensure that your concrete looks great and works properly, a concrete sealer is a wise choice.

Extends Life

An average concrete driveway can last 25-30 years, but if it suffers from discoloration or cracking, you may find that you need to replace it sooner than you planned. Concrete sealers can increase the concrete’s longevity. When you seal your concrete, you increase the chance that your concrete lasts for those 25-30 years.

Offers Protection

There are many things out there that can damage your concrete, so it’s important to protect it. Sealer can protect your concrete from oil spills and other stains, as well as the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sealer will also lock out moisture, so freezing and thawing will not damage it.

Enhances Color

When concrete is exposed to the elements, it can become discolored. This can make your concrete application look dingy or old. Topical and integral sealers can keep your concrete’s color intact, as they will protect your concrete from the elements and keep it looking clean and sharp for an extended period of time.

Ozinga Concrete Sealers & Decorative Products

Ozinga Water Stop S Concrete Sealer

Water Stop S

  • Solvent-Based Sealer (Silane/Siloxane)
  • Excellent Water Repellency
  • Coverage Rate: 50-200 sq/ft per gallon depending on surface

A solvent-based siloxane/silane water repellent and impregnating agent for porous masonry surfaces such as concrete, block, brick, and unglazed tile. Water Stop S penetrates and chemically bonds deep within the substrate to provide long-lasting protection against deterioration and staining due to water conditions.

Water Stop S SDS Information
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Ozinga Decorative Concrete Sealer

Decorative Sealer High Gloss

  • Solvent-Based Sealer
  • 25% Solids
  • Non-Yellowing and High Gloss
  • Meets Cure and Seal Specifications
  • Coverage Rate (New Concrete): 250-300 sq/ft per gallon
  • Coverage Rate (Old Concrete): 350-400 sq/ft per gallon

UV-resistant sealer designed for exterior decorative concrete. It offers improved resistance to freezing temperatures, stains, and other pollutants that can be hazardous to concrete. With substrate wetting agents and anti-foaming additives, it provides superior adhesion to properly prepared concrete.

Decorative Sealer SDS Information
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Ozinga Merrimack Brown Concrete Sealer

Merrimack Brown

  • Solvent-Based Sealer
  • 30% Solids
  • High Gloss
  • Non-Yellowing
  • Coverage Rate: 250-400 sq/ft per gallon

A high-gloss, UV-resistant, solvent-based acrylic exposed aggregate brown tinted sealer. It offers improved resistance to rain, sun, freezing temperatures, stains, and other pollutants that can be hazardous to concrete. Merrimack Brown provides superior adhesion to properly prepared concrete. Applying it to exposed aggregate will also help eliminate loose pebbles and premature wear.

Merrimack Brown SDS Information (350 VOC)
Merrimack Brown SDS Information (700 VOC)
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Ozinga Envirocure C309 Concrete Sealer

Envirocure C309

  • Water-Based Cure
  • Low Sheen
  • Non-Yellowing
  • Sprayable Formula
  • Coverage Rate: 200-300 sq/ft per gallon

A low-odor, non-yellowing, water-based cure formula designed for curing concrete. It’s a breathable coating that provides a satin finish to interior and exterior horizontal or vertical concrete and masonry finishes.

Frequently Asked Questions using Envirocure C309
Envirocure C309 SDS Information
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Ozinga Finish-Aid Concrete Sealer

Finish-Aid

  • Surface Evaporation Retarder
  • Excellent Finishing Aid for Flat Work
  • Ready-to-Use Formula
  • Reduces Drag in Finishing
  • Coverage Rate: 200-300 sq/ft per gallon

A specially formulated monomolecular liquid to reduce surface moisture evaporation in adverse conditions. It practically eliminates the need for extra water to battle surface evaporation that can cause wind crusting, plastic shrinkage cracking, and poor surface texture during the finishing process. Its blue color allows for easy identification of applied areas to ensure appropriate uniform coverage.

Finish-Aid SDS Information
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Ozinga Salt Shield Concrete Sealer

Salt Shield

  • Water-Based Silane/Siloxane
  • Excellent Water Repellency
  • Non-Film Forming
  • Provides Natural Look
  • Coverage Rate: 50-200 sq/ft per gallon depending on surface

Penetrates and chemically bonds deep within the substrate to provide long-lasting protection that won’t impair the natural breathing characteristics of treated substrates, nor will it produce a film. Salt Shield will help concrete and masonry surfaces to resist common issues such as cracking, spalling, staining, efflorescence, and other damages caused by intrusion of water.

Salt Shield SDS Information
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Ozinga Enviroseal CS309-1315 Concrete Sealer

Enviroseal CS309-1315

  • Water-Based Cure and Seal
  • 25% Solids
  • Semi-Gloss
  • Non-Yellowing, Easy Roll-On Formula
  • Coverage Rate: 200-300 sq/ft per gallon

A low-odor, non-yellowing, water-based formula designed for curing and sealing applications. It’s a breathable coating that provides a medium gloss finish to interior and exterior horizontal or vertical concrete and masonry finishes. It provides better film formation, early water resistance, adhesion, toughness, and outstanding efflorescence and alkali resistance.

Enviroseal CS309-1315 SDS Information
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Ozinga Cure and Seal S Concrete Sealer

Cure and Seal S

  • Solvent-Based Cure & Seal
  • 25% Solids
  • Non-Yellowing, Sprayable Formula
  • VOC Compliant
  • Coverage Rate: 250-400 sq/ft per gallon

UV-resistant, low-viscosity 25% solids solvent-based acrylic copolymer curing and sealing compound, as well as a dust-proofer for concrete surfaces. It offers improved resistance to freezing temperatures, stains, rain, sun and other pollutants that can be harmful to concrete.

Cure and Seal S SDS Information (350 VOC)
Cure and Seal S SDS Information (700 VOC)
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Ozinga Liquid Release Concrete Sealer

Liquid Release

  • Stamp and Stencil Release Agent
  • Barrier Between Concrete and Tools
  • Colorless and Bubble Gum Scented
  • Contractor Recommended
  • Coverage Rate: 150 sq/ft per gallon

Liquid Release is a bubble gum scented, colorless liquid release agent specially formulated as a bond-breaker between freshly poured concrete and decorative tools such as stamp mats, texture skins, stencils, etc. It creates a lubricating barrier that extends the life of the texturing tools by decreasing the friction bet decreasing the friction between the concrete and the tools.

Liquid Release SDS Information
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Concrete Sealer Application

Unless you’re using an integral sealer, your sealer should be applied after the concrete has cured, usually 28 days after it’s been poured. After you thoroughly clean the surface use a roller or sprayer to coat the surface. Once it’s dry, apply a second coat and wait until your surface has completely dried before driving on it. 

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Concrete Sealer Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to use Envirocure C309?

Envirocure is used to provide a satin finish to interior and exterior concrete and masonry work and can be applied on the same day as the new surface is poured. Make sure the surface is good to be walked on without marring before applying.

Are there types of work or applications you would not want to use Encirocure C309 for?

Generally, Envirocure C309 is safe to use on most projects and applications. However, if a dissipating cure or an IDOT cure is required for the project we would not recommend using Envirocure C309.

How many square feet can we get per pale of Envirocure C309?

Envirocure C309 can cover about 250 – 350 square feet (about the area of a parking space) per gallon that is used.

What is the most homeowner friendly way to apply it?  

The best way to apply Envirocure C309 to household projects is by using a sprayer.

Does weather impact when and how you use it?

Yes! Envirocure C309 is best used in environments warmer than 42 degrees.

Where can I find Envirocure C309?

Envirocure C309 is available for pick up at all of our locations. Use our locations page to find a location near you.

Does color and or stamping impact how or when to use it?

When using stamped or color concrete, we recommend using High Gloss for a sealer solution.

About how long should the product take to dry/set if it is used correctly?

If used correctly, a coat of Envirocure C309 will be dry in approximately 2 – 4 hours. It will cure within 48 hours, about 2 days after applying the coat.

How many coats?

Just one coat of Envirocure C309 is needed to seal your project.  

Common Concrete Problems and How to Fix Them

Concrete can add beauty and durability to many residential and commercial projects. It works great on driveways, patios, parking lots, walkways, roads, and so much more, and it creates a timeless look. While concrete offers many benefits, it’s not always perfect. Improper processes and maintenance, as well as certain weather conditions, can cause a few

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How to Maintain Concrete

Whether you have a large concrete driveway or a small concrete patio, you want to extend the life of the flatwork and keep it looking great for a long time. Knowing how to maintain concrete can be the difference between concrete that grabs attention versus concrete that people are scared to walk on. Thankfully, maintaining

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More Concrete Sealer and Stain Products

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