Can I Apply Stamped Concrete Sealer In Direct Sunlight?

Can I Apply Stamped Concrete Sealer In Direct Sunlight?

 

 

 

Can I Apply Stamped Concrete Sealer In Direct Sunlight

A freshly sealed concrete surface can look beautiful, protecting your investment for years. But what if you want to apply that decorative concrete sealer when it’s sunny and hot outside? Will the sun’s heat and UV rays prevent the coat of sealer from properly bonding to the concrete surface? Will they even damage it? Let’s find out the best temperature to apply a concrete sealer.

 

Many homeowners worry that applying the sealer to their concrete floor in direct sunlight or hot weather will ruin it. You can use the sealer on your concrete surface with the right products and techniques. You can even do this in higher temperatures when it’s sunny out. Here’s what you need to know.

I can assure anxious homeowners that today’s UV-resistant sealers are specially designed to cure appropriately in the sun and heat. The keys are choosing the correct sealer application, proper prep, and careful application. We seal concrete year-round, whether it is cloudy or sun-shining. If the surface is clean and dry, sunlight is no longer a barrier to successful, long-lasting protection. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep the temperatures below 90°F / 32.22°C in the sun to avoid issues.

I am an experienced decorative concrete contractor. I trust the newest generation of acrylic and urethane sealers. They promise sun and heat safety at application. Modern chemistry has created formulas that were not available decades ago. But the prep work remains vital – no sealer will bond well on a dirty, unetched surface, sun or not. Careful application is also essential to prevent uneven drying or skinning. Do your homework to choose the product. Do the sweat equity prepping thoroughly? Take the time to apply correctly. Do those things right. When used on a sealer surface, today’s sealers live up to their durability claims in UV light.

Why Sunlight Matters For Concrete Sealers

There are a few reasons why some common concrete sealers don’t work as well in sunlight:

  • Heat – Some acrylic concrete sealers need to cure at lower temperatures. If it’s 90+ degrees out, the sealer can dry too fast or even burn.
  • UV Rays – Sunlight includes UV rays, which can yellow or degrade some sealers over time, which is a typical common concrete sealer problem.
  • Moisture – Sealers need a dry surface to bond to the concrete correctly. Sunshine can dry out the concrete thoroughly before you apply.

So, sunlight can cause issues if you choose the wrong sealer. But don’t worry! There are still great options for sealing in the sunshine.

Choose The Right Sun-Safe Concrete Sealer

The key is picking a professional-grade sealer specially designed to cure in the sun and heat. Look for these descriptors when shopping:

  • High heat tolerance – Can handle summer temps over 90°F / 32.22°C.
  • UV-resistant – Won’t yellow or break down from sunlight over time.
  • Fast-drying formula – Bonds and cures quickly, even in heat and sun.
  • Low VOC – Lower fume formula, better for you and the environment, is ideal when applied as a concrete floor sealer.

You should be golden if the manufacturer says their sealer is safe for sun and heat at application. Watch out for sealer issues such as blushing or bubbling.

Some suitable sun-safe concrete sealer types include:

  • Acrylic sealers
  • Water-based epoxy sealers
  • Solvent-based acrylic sealers
  • Urethane sealers

And make sure to choose clear sealers whenever possible. Tinted ones tend to have more issues in sunlight over time.

Prep Your Concrete Surface Correctly

Sun or not, correct surface prep is vital for sealer success. Make sure to:

  • Clean thoroughly – Remove all dirt, oils, residues, wax, etc., that can block sealer bonding.
  • Etch concrete – Open pores with acid or pressure washing if needed.
  • Repair cracks – Seal all cracks and defects so moisture can’t get under the sealer.
  • Let dry – Ensure bone-dry concrete before sealing, especially after pressure washing.

Pro tip: Sunshine can help fully dry out your surface; just don’t let it overheat above 90°F / 32.22°C before sealing.

 

 

Apply Sealer In The Shade

Apply your first sealer coat in a shaded area if possible. Choose the best temperature to apply. Then, the remaining coats can go down in the hot weather.

  • Work in sections – Move scaffolding or tents to stay in the shade.
  • The time is right – Apply in the morning/late afternoon when the concrete is cooler.
  • Mist lightly – Lightly wet surface if overheated, without puddling.
  • Follow directions – Stick to product temp and application instructions.
  • Apply concrete sealer in the proper temperature ranges 50-90°F / 10-32.22°C

Putting down a good base layer in the shade gives sun-safe concrete sealers the best grip. This causes problems. The extra coats have something to bond to.

Prevent Bubble Issues From Sunlight

While applying sealer, beware of a few sun-related issues:

  • Concrete too hot – Mist lightly with water if surface temp exceeds product specs.
  • Coats drying too fast – Work in smaller sections to prevent premature drying.
  • Bubbling – A sign of trapped moisture is a common sealer blushing problem when applying a wet sealer. Stop and address the source before continuing.
  • Skinning over – Top dries before rest of coat. Scrape off and reapply thinner coats.
  • Uneven sheen – Apply evenly and backroll for consistent coverage.

Stay observant of any bubble or blister problems. Stop to troubleshoot or wait for better conditions.

Cure Sealer Properly After Application

Once your last coat goes down, keep that sealer safe while curing:

  • Block sun/heat if possible – Drape tents, tarps, or cardboard temporarily.
  • Allow full cure time – Don’t let traffic or cleaning on the surface before fully cured.
  • Check for tackiness before opening the concrete area. Slip hazards on wet sealer stop being fun after the 3rd broken tailbone.
  • Reapply if needed – Touch up thin or missed spots for complete protection.

Protecting the fresh sealer will help it cure correctly in sunlight or out. This will provide maximum durability.

Sealing Concrete In Sunlight – The Bottom Line

Don’t let everyday worries about sun exposure stop you. Protect your concrete with a sealer. Plus, a sealer can beautify it. You can apply concrete coating sealers in direct sunlight. Use sun-safe products, apply them carefully, and let them cure properly.

The key is choosing the proper UV and heat-resistant sealer for the job. Prep your surface well. Work carefully in the shade at first. Prevent and address any issues that pop up.

It may take more time and work than applying a concrete sealer on an overcast, cool day. With a careful approach, you can seal that color of the concrete in the sunshine. You can still get gorgeous, long-lasting results.

So go ahead and tackle that sealing project in the summer sun! Just make sure to wear sunscreen. We want nice-looking concrete and no painful sunburns.

 

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