It is the spring time that calls for utilizing the patios to the best of their ability. If you do not have a patio at your place, then spring is the perfect time to think about getting a new one. Not just for patios, but also for flooring, you can ask the flooring expert to use the water-based concrete sealer. However, irrespective of when you want the patio or a new floor at your place, there is one more important decision to make and that is to decide which sealer to use. Whether to use a water-based or solvent-based sealer. Well, in this blog, you will get to know the main reasons you should go for a water-based concrete sealer for your next project: 

Water-Based Sealers Do Not Release Harmful Vapors into Air 

Water-based concrete sealers have a lower level of VOC i.e., volatile organic compounds content which is a typical solvent-based sealer. It means that this sealer is less harmful to the person who uses this product as well as to the environment. This is the main reason water-based concrete sealer is the ‘go-to’ choice for many people 

Cost-Effective to Apply  

Not only are water-based sealers affordable to the pocket but these are also cost-effective to apply on the floors. Unlike solvent-based sealers, water-based sealers can be applied with a less expensive plastic sprayer or even with a short paint roller. This also eliminates the need to buy any expensive material for spraying.  

Easy-to-Use When Applied Correctly  

How easy is this? You might have this question in mind as long as you follow the weather restrictions for the application. Normally, it is mentioned that the temperature above 50°F and no excessive moisture for 24 hours is perfect. You can also eliminate many common sealer problems such as chipping, bubbling, and roller marks. Another benefit is that the water-based sealers do not flash dry on a warm day.  

Gives a Natural Appearance  

This does not darken the concrete just like a solvent-based sealer does. So, to get rid of any such darkness, it is perfect to go for water-based solvent. It gives a decorative effect as you might be trying to achieve for your floor. It gives your floor a more natural appearance. This is especially perfect when working with uncolored gray concrete floor. However, some water-based concrete sealers such as Euclid Chemical’s Everclear Vox are said to be perfect for any application – whether decorative or non-decorative. Water-based concrete sealers are enough to enhance the appearance of any colour but this might not be enough to give it a full-on wet look, therefore creating a subtle, and natural finish. 

Available in Two Finishes – High Gloss and Matte  

Water-based sealers are made up of polymers i.e., solids which are suspended in the water solution. As the sealer spreads, the water starts to evaporate, and the polymers start to change their shape and then fuse together. Through this process, a continuous transparent coating is formed. This coating does not only protect the concrete but also gives it a gloss like shine. The best part is that these sealers are available in different finishes such as matte to high gloss. On the other hand, solvent-based sealers are usually glossier in look. Irrespective of the look you choose, water-based concrete sealers are considered the best.  

Here at Tuff Build, concrete floor sealer Melbourne, we provide you with the right sealer based on the flooring project.   

Long-Lasting Concrete Sealer 

There is no such thing as a miracle sealer. While some resins in a concrete sealer formula will allow a sealer to perform better, there are usual expectations that people expect from the concrete sealer.   

Longest-Lasting Concrete Sealer 

If we talk about the longest lasting concrete sealers on the market, those are sodium and lithium silicate concrete sealers.  

These types of sealers are designed to chemically react below the surface to build a permanent Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH) barrier within the pores on the floor.  

All sodium and lithium silicate-based sealers are designed in a way that give an identical reaction. The difference between the two sealers would probably be in their packaging.  

The CSH structure which is formed from the chemical reaction is also sparked by a silicate sealer which is permanent in nature. It cannot be broken down or removed easily. This is the same for other sealers as well. One must only use silicate-based sealers if you have to increase the strength and density of the concrete. While these can reduce the movement of water as well as moisture through densification, silicate offers little to zero benefits. These cannot bead water or cannot even protect against deterioration which otherwise might be caused by ice, water and salt.

What are Long Lasting Penetrating Concrete Sealers? 

Water repellent concrete sealer is the second longest concrete sealer. This category is more diverse in nature than the silicate category. Under the category of water repellent sealers, there are various options available such as siliconate water repellents, siloxane water repellents, silane-siloxane water repellents, and silane water repellents.  

This can give up to 7-10 years of life and would only require a single heavy coat. Not just this, water repellent sealers will also provide protection against the deterioration of water absorption like spalling, cracking, pitting, ice damage, freeze-thaw cycles, salt damage, and staining.  

About Long Lasting Acrylic Concrete Sealer 

This market is also becoming very hard and competitive. It often gets hard to choose the best acrylic sealer. What makes one acrylic sealer different from the other is the quality of resins that are used in the formula. 

Whenever you decide to get the flooring done at your place, make sure you ask queries to the concrete floor sealer installer in Melbourne and then start the process. To know anything about concrete sealers, contact Tuff Build, the best flooring contractor in Melbourne. Also, have a look at other services we provide. For any issues, reach out to us. We have a team of professionals who will inspect the floor and then tell you the right solution. So, call for the right guidance.