Sealed the same day it's cleaned, so it's protected for years.
A surface that has just been cleaned is at its most vulnerable. Every pore is open, and there is nothing on it.
Clean first, then apply a water-based penetrating sealer to the damp surface. It doesn't need to dry first. It is not a topical sealer — it soaks in rather than sitting on top.
One application. Once it's absorbed and dried it won't take any more, so there's no second coat.
Transparent penetrating sealer, and nothing else.
There is no change to how the surface looks. No shine, no darkening, no wet look. When it's done the surface looks like itself — just clean, and stays that way for longer.
I don't use gloss, wet look or colour-enhancing sealers, so there's no finish to choose between and nothing to regret once it's down.
Up to five years. That's what the manufacturers say, and the honest part is why they say up to.
A shaded, undercover wall and an open driveway in full sun are the same sealer with very different lives.
There are two kinds. One sits on the surface. One goes into it.
How long does a seal last?
Up to five years. Harsh cleaning chemicals, chlorine and full exposure pull that back to two or three. Gentle cleaning, or anything undercover, pushes it past five. It isn't permanent and it does wear.
Does sealing change the colour?
No. I only use transparent penetrating sealers, so the surface looks exactly like itself when it's done. Gloss and wet look sealers do change the colour — I don't use them.
The water stopped beading after a year. Has it worn out?
No, and this catches a lot of people out. The dramatic beading comes from the last traces of sealer sitting on the very top, and those wear off first. The sealer that's doing the work is down in the pores and is still there. Judge it by whether things still stain, not by the beading.
Can you seal over an old seal?
No. A penetrating sealer has to penetrate, and old sealer stops that happening. If you think there's something already on your surface, tell me on the phone — it's often not what people assume.
Do you seal the same day you clean?
Always. It's never a return visit. The only thing that moves it is weather — if rain is possible within 48 hours the whole job moves to another day, rather than the sealing being left for later.
Will sealing stop the black coming back?
It won't stop it forever, but it slows it a lot and reduces how bad it gets. What does come back washes off far more easily than it does on bare concrete.
Will it stop oil stains?
It gives you a real chance at them. Oil beads on the surface instead of soaking straight into the concrete, so it can be cleaned off rather than living in the slab. It is not a force field — leave it long enough in the sun and anything will mark — but it's the difference between a stain you can get off and one you can't.
Call me now to find out more or book a quote — 0410 952 300
If your job is urgent, call me now on 0410 952 300
