What Time Of Year Is Best To Seal Stamped Concrete Patio
So you spent good money to have a fancy, textured concrete deck installed in your backyard. It looks amazing and feels wonderful underfoot. But concrete is porous, meaning liquids and stains can seep in. The best way to protect the appearance and durability of your concrete over time is to seal it periodically. But when’s the optimal time to seal colored concrete?
I have owned my decorative concrete company for over 30 years. I always recommend sealing stamped concrete patios in the spring or fall. Temperatures are moderate then. The warmer months can cause sealers to cure too rapidly. Winter weather brings its application challenges. I am an experienced contractor. I have sealed thousands of square feet of patterned concrete. I find the 50-90°F / 10-32.22°C range ideal. It promotes proper sealer penetration and bonding.
Note that the concrete slab should be fully cured and moisture-free. Apply protective coatings only after the concrete is ready. My crews always use concrete moisture meters to check for readiness. They allow a 1-month minimum for curing. Taking time to prep surfaces correctly pays dividends in long-lasting protection. Also, watch weather forecasts.
Contractors should know a key fact: never seal damp concrete. Trapped moisture causes major bonding issues with sealers. Letting substrates dry out adequately makes for better adhesion and performance. Applying sealers at moderate temperatures in spring and fall helps ensure they cure as intended. This maximizes their durability.
Why Seal Your Concrete Anyway?
Sealing concrete serves a few key purposes:
-
It prevents blemishes from oil, grease, food, rust, and other common concrete surface offenders from soaking into the concrete. This prevents permanent marks. A good sealer makes it easier to clean up spills and dirt before they have a chance to set.
-
Sealing minimizes moisture from getting inside the concrete. Water inside can cause cracks from freeze-thaw cycles in cold climates. The water expands as it turns to ice, putting pressure on the concrete.
-
It protects against abrasions, scratches, and scuffs from foot traffic. It also guards against furniture scraping across the surface.
-
Sealers lock in the color and appearance of patterned concrete. Unsealed surfaces often fade quicker from sun exposure and weather.
Think of concrete sealer as a raincoat for your deck—it keeps the moisture out!
Spring and Fall: The Best Season for Sealing
The ideal time to seal concrete is spring and fall. Temperatures should climb above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why spring? A few reasons:
1. Avoid Moisture Issues
Applying solvent sealer to damp concrete can create bonding problems or discoloration issues. Morning dew or recent rains make concrete damp. Spring weather is generally drier as temperatures rise, making moisture problems less likely. Let your concrete surface dry out completely after winter. Then, attempt to seal it. Wait at least 24-48 dry hours after rain or cleaning before sealing.
2. Warm (Not Hot) Temps Are Best
Hot summer temperatures can cause sealer to dry too fast as it’s applied. This can create bubbles, peeling, flaking, and other cure issues. Manufacturers recommend applying when surface temps are 50-90 degrees. Spring temps in this range help the sealer penetrate and cure properly.
3. Avoid Winter Weather Extremes
Freezing winter temps make application tricky. Sealers may not bond well in very cold conditions. And snow or ice needs to be cleared before you can seal. Save yourself the hassle by sealing in spring or fall instead.
Prep Your Concrete Before Sealing Concrete
Before applying that protective sealer, make sure your concrete is prepped properly:
-
Clean thoroughly with a concrete degreaser and/or pressure washer. This will remove built-up dirt, mildew, and algae. Rinse well.
-
Allow the surface to dry completely for 24-48 hours after cleaning or rain.
-
Repair cracks, chips, spalls, or other damage to ensure the sealer bonds well.
-
Read the manufacturer’s application guidelines to understand the drying time between coats. Also, understand the coverage rate per gallon and other directions.
Use the Proper Solvent-Based Concrete Sealer
When using decorative concrete, you want a sealant that enhances the pattern and color. It should also protect the surface. Solvent-based acrylic sealers work well for enhancing color. Topical sealants leave a protective coating on top of the concrete. They are best for maintaining the crisp look of patterns in textured concrete.
Choose a sealer type that matches your concrete terrace’s specific needs:
-
Acrylic adds a layer of acrylic resin that protects stamped patterns and resists UV rays. Most are water-based for easy cleanup.
-
Polyurethane provides a durable surface abrasion that maintains texture well. Solvent-based versions enhance color better than water-based ones.
-
Penetrating contains oils, silicones, or silanes. They soak into the concrete to repel moisture. They don’t alter surface appearance much.
-
Wax sealants provide a slick, glossy layer for decorative concrete. Multiple thin layers work better than one thick layer.
Time Your Penetrating Sealer Application Carefully
Pay attention to weather forecasts before sealing concrete. You want moderate temperatures, low humidity, and no chance of rain for 24-48 hours. The National Weather Service issues hourly forecasts. They are handy for planning your project.
Late afternoon is the best time to apply as temperatures moderate after the day’s peak heat. The concrete surface will still be warm enough for the sealer to penetrate properly. Manufacturers advise against sealing in direct sunlight or on extremely windy days.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s specific recommendations for application timing. Some products require additional drying time between layers.
Apply A Penetrating Concrete Sealer Properly
Use these application tips to get great results sealing your patterned concrete deck:
-
Wear protective goggles, gloves, and clothing to avoid skin and eye irritation. Work in a well-ventilated area.
-
Use a pump sprayer for larger areas, applying sealant in long, overlapping bands. Backroll with a long nap roller to even out the surface.
-
Apply with a paint roller, brush, or solvent-resistant mop. This works best for small areas like stairs or borders.
-
Maintain a wet edge as you work to prevent lap marks at edges as the sealer dries. Feather out borders and edges.
-
Allow proper drying time based on humidity and temperature conditions. Then, apply a second layer or walk on the surface.
-
Avoid leaving puddles of excess sealer that could get tracked through the house. Wipe up any drips or runs promptly.
-
Wait at least 28 days before applying any sealant so the concrete fully cures and hardens.
How Often Should A Concrete Driveway & Terrace Be Resealed?
On average, expect to reseal decorative concrete every 3-5 years. But it depends on your climate conditions, traffic levels, and desired look. Reapply sooner rather than later at the first signs of wear to avoid moisture damage or fading.
Signs it’s time to reseal include:
-
Fading, flaking, or loss of color
-
Concrete feels rough, etched, or porous rather than slick
-
Spills and stains starting to soak in rather than beading up on top
-
A white, chalky powder forms on the surface of the concrete
Use the same sealant type each time unless you want to change the surface appearance. For example, switching from an acrylic to a urethane sealer will make the surface glossier. Test a small hidden spot first when changing types.
Protect Your New Concrete Investment with Regular Wet Look Sealing
Reseal your decorative concrete surface professionally or do it yourself every 3 to 5 years. This ensures it continues looking like new for decades. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s directions, weather conditions, and application techniques. This will give you the best results. The small effort pays off in preserving your terrace’s decorative appearance!
Our Locations:
Nashua, NH
North Hampton, NH
Concord, NH