There are two ways to apply colored concrete sealers. You can either apply a sealer that has already had the pigment dyes built into the sealer or you can apply the dye first and then apply a sealer over the top of the dye. The latter method although more labor-intensive gives you a lot more flexibility because you can adjust the depth and shade of the color or apply multiple different colors before you seal it. Whichever method you decide to choose we recommend that you take advantage of the small 4-ounce spray sample bottles to test a small inconspicuous area to see how the color looks on your concrete before you commit to staining the entire area.
Our Colored Concrete Sealers
The colored concrete sealers are available in twenty UV stable colors for all exterior and interior applications. This enables you to seal and dye your concrete in a single process. You can mix any combination of the different colored sealers to create your own individual unique color or pattern. For testing purposes, you can either order 4-ounce spray bottle samples or a full set of all 20 colors.
After you have decided on your color(s) you have to decide on which type of sealer?
All of the sealers will make the concrete stain and water repellent. The difference between them is that the Colored Concrete Sealer X-3 leaves a natural or invisible finish. Colored Concrete Sealer X-4 leaves a gloss finish and Colored Concrete Sealer X-5 leaves a semi-gloss or satin finish.
We recommend two applications (coats) using either a medium nap (3/8″) roller or a sprayer for all of the sealers at 40-80F. The coverage rate is approximately 300sf per gallon for each application. For Concrete Sealer X-4 and Concrete Sealer X-5 we recommend that you wait for 4 hours at a higher temperature and 6 hours at the lower temperature between applications. Apply Concrete Sealer X-3 quickly with a maximum time of 2-4 hours between applications. Apply in sections for large areas.
Alternatively, dye and then seal in two separate stages
The “dye and then seal” method involves selecting your color first from one of the twenty UV stable dye colors available. They are environmentally friendly water-based dyes that are ready to use and easy to apply.
The coverage rate of these dyes is approximately 500sf per gallon per application and we recommend two applications. When applying the dyes using a sprayer with a conical tip in a fine mist, brush or medium nap roller. It is normal not to see a strong coloring on the first coat but the color will be much stronger on the second coat. Allow at least 30 minutes between applications and apply the dye at 40 to 80 degrees F. Multiple colored dyes can create any type of intricate design that you can imagine. For testing purposes, you can either order 4-ounce spray bottle samples or a full set of all 20 colors.
Application of Clear Sealers
Once you have completed your design, solid, mottled or faux pattern you have to decide which of the clear concrete sealers that you want to apply. If you do not want to disturb your pattern or design we recommend that you spray the sealer whereas if you want a more random pattern then use a roller as this will tend to move the dye around on the first application because it is not substantive to the concrete at this stage.
All of the sealers will make the concrete stain and water repellent. The difference between them is that Concrete Sealer X-3 will leave a natural or invisible finish. Concrete Sealer X-4 will leave a gloss finish and Concrete Sealer X-5 will leave a semi-gloss or satin finish. With this method, you also have the option of using solvent-based versions of these sealers. These are Concrete Sealer X-3S, Concrete Sealer X-4S or Concrete Sealer X-5S. Apply all sealers at 40- 80 degrees F. For Concrete Sealer X-4, Concrete Sealer X-4S, Concrete Sealer X-5 and Concrete Sealer X-5S allow 4 to 6 hours between applications. Apply Concrete Sealer X-3 2-4 hours apart. All sealers will achieve a full cure after 24 to 48 hours.
