Concrete patios have become the most famous material when it comes to building a patio because it’s considered a more practical option since you can build a gorgeous patio out of the material all by yourself. It’s always important to do the regular maintenance of your patio to make it look adorable and feel comfortable all the time.
One of the most common maintenance steps that you have to do is sealing. Sealing is still considered a good way to keep the look and comfort of your outdoor space. Moreover, sealing is also quite easy maintenance that you can do all by yourself without costing you a lot.
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Check this easy tutorial on how to seal concrete patios by yourself.
How to Seal Concrete Patio
Before doing the process, you will need some tools and supplies:
- Outdoor broom
- Stiff bristled brush
- Garden sprayer
- Dry ice
- Detergent
- Water
- Muriatic acid
- Bucket
- Stiff brush
- Rubber gloves
- Eye goggles
There are three types of sealants that you can use to seal your concrete patio which are acrylic sealer, epoxy sealer, and penetrating sealer. Each one of the options offers its own plus and minus points that you can choose based on your needs.
Pick the Right Day
If you have a new patio, you need to wait for at least 1 month before sealing it. Then, you have to pick the days with warm temperatures (around 50°F). Patio sealant needs dry conditions to make it settle completely and it takes at least 3 days to finish the process.
- Use the weather apps on your phone and check for 3 consecutive days with the warm temperature and low humidity.
- Determine the days when you want to start the project right away.
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Clean the Patio
To optimize the application of concrete sealant, you have to clean it up at first.
- Use a stiff brush to remove the weed and moss that grow between the spaces of the patio, you can also pull them by using your hands.
- Sweep all the leaves, dust, and dirt on the surface of your patio.
- After all the debris is all gone, spray the concrete for a cleaner appearance.
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Remove All Stains
If you spot some stains from old paints or grease, you can use a stain remover, but if you are willing enough, you can use a more DIY way for this step.
- Blast your concrete patio with dry ice to remove the old paint stains.
- Mix water and detergent then pour the mixture onto the surface of the patio.
- Scrub the paint stains and grease with a stiff brush. If you spot the stains that have penetrated the pores of the surface, you have to use muriatic acid. Be careful about dealing with this chemical, use a small amount first, and wear your safety gear.
- Let the patio completely dry.
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Start Sealing
Once you are sure that your concrete patio is dry completely, then you can start applying the sealer that you have purchased.
- Apply the first coat of the sealer from one corner of the patio towards the other corner. It’s better to work the sealer backward.
- Let the first coat completely dry, then apply the second one.
- For the best result, apply the second coat in similar angles to the first coat.
- Do not step on the patio before it’s dry.
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So those are the steps that you can easily follow when you have a plan to seal your concrete patio by yourself!