In some cases, stamped concrete sealer problems are a result of using a bad product, and in other cases, stamped concrete sealer problems are the result of not properly applying the sealer.
There are two types of sealers that can be used to seal stamped concrete. The first is a penetrating water repellent sealer (high solids silane siloxane) and the second is an acrylic lacquer. Acrylic lacquer coatings are the most popular because they help to protect the integral color, and enhance the surface with a wet look, satin sheen or high gloss finish. Sealers (high solids silane siloxanes) rarely experience any problems, but they not enhance or change the appearance of the stamped concrete in any way.
When you use an acrylic on stamped concrete, you can experience certain problems. Stamped concrete sealer problems include:
- Peeling and Flaking
- Yellowing
- Turning White
- Wearing Off
- Bubbles
Avoiding these problems is fairly simple when you have a understanding of how the sealer functions and how to properly prepare the concrete.
Peeling and Flaking
Peeling and flaking can be caused by a variety of factors. If the acrylic peels after the first few weeks of applications, the sealer was most likely not applied. When acrylics are applied to a properly prepared surface, they will penetrate and bond to the pores of the concrete. If the coating is not able to form a bond to the concrete, or if too little of the coating is applied, it will peel and flake away.
Solution: Avoid peeling and flaking by making sure the surface of the stamped concrete is porous. A rough surface will allow for better penetration and bonding; a smooth surface will prevent proper penetration and bonding. When applying the acrylic, use a roller and make sure that 2 even coats are applied to the concrete. This will allow for proper film formation. Make sure the concrete is 100% dry during the application and that it is not expected to rain for a few days.
If you have an acrylic down that has started to peel, you have a few options. If a water based acrylic was used, you have no choice but to remove it. If a solvent based acrylic was used, you can use Xylene to repair the surface. Xylene will bring the coating back to a liquid form and allow it to re-cure. In some cases, you can leave the coating as is once Xylene was used. In other cases, a new coat will be required once the solvents have evaporated.
If the acrylic peeled from a moisture issue, consider applying a high solids silane siloxane to reduce moisture and protect the coating.
Yellowing
Acrylics today aren’t what they were 10 years ago. Any good acrylic will resist yellowing and will not yellow under UV rays. If you are using an acrylic that experienced yellowing, you should consider removing it and try a different acrylic. Most all acrylics today are formulated with UV blockers.
Turning White
A white haze is very common with acrylic coatings. The coating can form a white haze from moisture, or from old age. In any event, the solution is easy. If a water based acrylic was used, you have no choice but to remove it. If a solvent based acrylic was used, you can use Xylene to repair the surface. Xylene will bring the coating back to a liquid form and allow it to re-cure. In some cases, you can leave the coating as is once Xylene was used. In other cases, a new coat will be required once the solvents have evaporated.
Wearing Off
Wear is common when a sealer starts to reach the end of its life cycle. If a water based acrylic was used, you have no choice but to remove it. If a solvent based acrylic was used, you can use Xylene to repair the surface. Xylene will bring the coating back to a liquid form and allow it to re-cure. Once the solvents have evaporated, apply 2 new coats of a solvent based acrylic lacquer.
Bubbles
Bubbles form when air is trapped below the coating during the curing process. These can be rolled out with a touch up of Xylene and a roller.
