THE BEST WAY to Seal Stamped Concrete!

0:00 Intro
0:57 Sealer Problems
4:32 Cleaning Concrete
4:53 Tools
7:00 Cleaning Sprayer
7:45 Adding D-Grip
8:53 Application

Tools/Materials Used In This Video:

I’ve certainly had my share of problems with sealer back when I was installing stamped concrete in the field, and after working here at Deco-Crete for the better part of the last decade, I have seen the same problems over and over again. Things like bubbles, white spots, loss of shine, and delamination are all things that cut into contractors' profits and personal time. Sometimes it seems like even if you did everything perfectly, you still have a few jobs per year that caused some callbacks in the spring. I’ve heard contractors say that are trying to do less stamped concrete jobs just to avoid this. The truth is, it does not have to be like that; there is a better way.

The problem with high solids sealers is the amount of resin that gets left behind. If you have a sealer that consists of 25% solids and you apply two coats, that’s almost like putting on a coat of 50% solids sealer. It might look really nice and shiny when you leave the job but putting that much sealer on exterior stamped concrete is just asking for trouble. Yes, these sealers are breathable, but after two coats, or even just one thick one, most of the breathability is lost. Even if you waited until the concrete was completely cured out, there is still a high risk of trapping moisture.
When it comes to bubbles, the thickness is still the problem. The high viscosity of these sealers will not allow the product to penetrate, and most of just sits on the surface. As the sealer dries, the top of it starts to skin over while the solvents are still trying to escape. On hot days, or in direct sunlight, this ends up creating those annoying little bubbles all over the surface.
These days, acrylic resins do not hold their shine as long as they used to. This generates a lot of calls in the springtime from customers who say their concrete needs resealed. As a contractor, you know that the sealer is still there, and another coat is a bad idea. A product like Rejuvenator will certainly help, but avoiding the problem altogether leads to fewer calls backs in the spring and happy customers for the entire lifespan of the sealer.

In an attempt to solve this problem, contractors try really hard to follow good sealing practices. While this is certainly crucial for success, it still comes down to thickness. We have seen so many contractors cut this callback problem out of their life by just doing one simple thing: switching to D-One.

D-One is a low viscosity sealer made up of the toughest and most breathable acrylic resin on the market. As a hybrid style sealer, it not only leaves a topical film behind but also has a water repellent that penetrates the surface of the concrete. Why is this so effective? The low viscosity & breathability virtually eliminates white spots and clouding as long as you let the concrete cure out for the proper amount of time. After two coats of D-One, the color of your stamped concrete will look just as good as it does with high solid sealers. Don’t worry, you won’t sacrifice any protection or water repellency due to the siloxane. Because D1 is applied so thin, it has a natural look that will last for years. To sum it up, D-One is tough, breathable, you can apply it thin and get maximum protection, and it makes stamped concrete look the way it should!

[bman]

D1 is a great product. I started using it back in 1923 on my first stamp job and I’m still using it today…

[frankflanagan]

Great tips as always! I, like many, have run into problems with sealer and need to give D1 a shot! Thanks

[TimDCVA]

Great video. Looking forward to trying this soon.

[Daniel-bnmp]

Good video. My original patio had a high gloss. Now it is faded and dull. What would I use to create the high gloss again. Thanks

[dksellou]

Hello I recently resealed my stamped concrete. However, the part of the patio which is exposed to sun and rain ( not covered by the roof), still has spots that seem like there is no sealer or less sealer than the covered patio (white areas that are not as dark as the rest). Does this mean I didn't apply enough? I was told to apply 2 coats both thin, (1 gallon per 400 square feet for the first coat and 1 gallon per 300 square feet for the second coat. The first coat I applied it with the sprayer having my wife using a roller behind me, and the second coat I applied only with the sprayer. It's been 1 month now and it shows some fade areas on the exposed to the sun/rain area of the patio. I mean, is it normal to fade? I would expect to last longer ( I used the expensive sealer Armor AR350). QUESTION: After 1 month, will it be stupid to wash this faded spots/parts of the patio and reseal them again using a roller? Or I need to power wash again and start all over again? Thanks!

[AlexRodriguez-hmbo]

I have used water base non glossy sealer in the past for my stamped tri color pool concrete deck. I have so e white spots and trying to see what is recommended should i apply a color then antique color then sealer?

[leasaroulier]

Can I use this product on my tile entry as well as my stamped concrete next to the tile?

[jennifermurray]

I'm sealing stamped landscape edging... I've heard a penetrating sealer is best with longest life, but cannot find what that actually IS! Is D1 a penetrating sealant? Do you still have to spray it on if just doing concrete edging/curbing?

[tesq]

Can this be applied over old solvent based sealer that is wearing? Or does old sealer need to be completely stripped?

[nicolemartin]

Loved the video will be using d1 to seal. I have to repair for crack and chips in ashlar slate brown stamped concrete around a pool. any advice on products to use for the repair. any advice would be appreciated. dyi novice

[BigTpowerwashing]

great video but I have a question. I usually use water-based but have used solvent a few times but each time I use it and try to backroll the roller sticks to the solvent and when you lift it up its stringy...Do you add extra Xylene to the sealer?? to make it spray easily and easier to backroll?? Thanks

[mattmcelreath]

Is the deco grip only added to second coat or both? Great video!

[juanrodriguez]

D1 sealer ok to go over water based stains?

[heatherwood]

2 questions. I have a stamped concrete patio and fire pit. Should I be sealing the fire pit as well and how long should I wait in between coats?

[johnathonullhorn]

How long does it usually take to dry between coats ?

[tavioj]

Is this product solvent or water based?

[jophester]

How long does this sealer last before you need to reapply? I’m in Ohio.

[jophester]

Can D1 be used on a brushed finish concrete driveway?

[williamwright]

4-5 days? I've been told 14-21 days by the guys in Columbus.

[leinitta]

90% Saline sealer is the key…Saline in the ingredient to look for. The more saline the better the impregnator a sealer is. The the video says prep is also key.