Green concrete, also referred to as new or freshly poured concrete, should be allowed to fully cure before applying a sealer to the surface. Curing compounds, and acrylic cure and seals can be used as early as 24 hours after the pour, but if you are looking for a protective, penetrating sealer, the concrete should be fully cured (28 days) before applying.

New concrete tends to be structurally sounds so there isn’t much of a need for a silicate based sealer. Silicate based sealers, like sodium and lithium silicate, chemically react to form CSH within the pores. They are designed to increase the strength and density of the concrete. If you feel you need an increase in surface strength, you can apply a silicate sealer BUT consider also applying a water repellent over the surface.

Water repellent sealers are the best type of sealer to use on green concrete. The best type of water repellent sealer to use is a 40% solids Silane-Siloxane sealer. Silane-Siloxane water repellents are 100% breathable sealer designed to repel surface water and other liquids. They prevent the damaging effect of water absorption, such as freeze-thaw damage, cracking, spalling, pitting, and salt damage. Silane-Siloxane sealers can also reduce the growth of mold and mildew, and the formation of efflorescence.