Q. Do I have to seal my decorative concrete or natural stone?

A: Decorative finishes are low maintenance however some maintenance is required such as resealing. Sealing surface colouring systems such as CCS Stencilpave and CCS Stylepave Overlays is essential.  Concrete, grey or decorative will act like a hard sponge so sealing concrete will assist with cleaning and minimise staining.

Q. How long will sealers last?

A: The wear and tear on the decorative finish is the ultimate indicator on when a surface needs to be resealed.  The volume and type of traffic are the main factors of wear and tear.

Recoating depends on the type of product used and the type and volume of traffic.

As a guide:

  • For residential driveways coated with an acrylic –  re-coat at 18months to 2 years after the finish is applied then 3 to 5 years after.
  • For commercial or highly abraded environments, penetrative, urethane and epoxies will require re-coating in 3-8 years.

Q: Can I reseal myself?

A: This is not recommended there are variables to resealing that they lay person would not be aware of.  Some existing coatings will need to be stripped and removed prior to resealing or a solvent wash could be required.

Every reseal will require a minimum of a 3000psi water wash with a pH neutral degreaser such as CCS HD Degreaser to remove all stains and impurities.  The surface also needs to be totally dry before a reseal can commence.

To reach an experienced contractor who can re-seal your project, please contact the CCS Helpline on phone 1800 077744 or info@concretecoloursystems.com.au

Q: Is matte sealer less slippery than Hi-Build Enduro?

A: As these sealers are the same film thickness the slip factor will be the same. If a coating has a higher gloss level this does not necessarily mean that the coating is more slippery. Traction aids can be used in conjunction with CCS film forming if slippages are a concern.  Alternatively, consider a CCS penetrative sealer which will not change the surface texture.

Q: Can I use Sand/Glass for traction in solvent based sealers?

A: Under no circumstances should sand or glass be used as a traction aid for acrylic sealers. Acrylic sealers are not thick enough to coat and surround such large particles such as sand and or crushed glass. There are specifically designed traction aids that are used in acrylic sealers. River Sands kiln dried sand and glass bead can be sandwiched between coats of CCS urethanes, epoxies and polyaspartics.

Q: Can I do Polished (Honed) concrete in external areas such as on my driveway or around my pool?

 A: Take extreme caution as these finishes are smooth.  Consult a specialist applicator who can visit your site to review options. Consider the use of CCS penetrative sealers on lightly ground concrete as these sealers wont make the surface any more slippery.

Q: Do I need a sealer so the colour doesn’t fade?

A: Pigments are integral or full depth so colour is through the entire slab. CCS colours are UV stable and weatherproof.  If coloured concrete is looking a little dull it could well mean that the slab needs to be resealed or if not already sealed, may require cleaning to remove efflorescence or salts on the surface.

Q: Do I have to thin down or dilute my first coat of sealer?

 A: CCS do recommend that the first coat of sealer be thinned down to assist with maximum penetration of film forming sealers into the substrate.  Depending on the product, this may be a solvent or clean water.

CCS penetrative sealers do not require thinning of first coat.

Consult the product specific technical data sheet or the CCS Helpline for further assistance.

Q: When can I apply sealer to my concrete?

A: If you have NEW concrete that has NOT been coated in CCS Same Day Sealer you will need to wait for the concrete to cure 28 days.

If you have NEW concrete and it HAS been coated with CCS Same Day Sealer a final coat of sealer should not be applied until the surface is uniformed on colour and appearance, this could be 7 to 20 days.

If you have EXISTING sealed surface,  you can re coat 24 hours of good weather after preparing the surface with a high pressure water wash and degreaser.

Please consult the product specific technical data sheet for further information.

Q: Why do I have to wait that long?

A: As concrete is curing/drying it is releasing water, salt and lime.  If a coating is applied whilst the concrete is curing there is potential for the coating to turn milky/cloudy or to delaminate.

Q: Can I seal my Pavers – Tiles around the pool?

 A: Please seek professional advice as resealing pavers, stones and tiles is a complex procedure. Slipping will occur with surface sealers.  For new unsealed, unglazed concrete pavers, consider sealing with a CCS penetrative sealer.

Q: How much does it cost to seal concrete?

 A:  Product cost along typically costs $2-$8/m² depending on product and substrate porosity. Typically product and labour will be $12-$30/m² depending on the requirements and the size of the project.

This is only a guide, a quotation should be obtained as prices will be subject to the size of the job, the complexity and access to the site.

Q: I have a steep driveway.  What sealer do you suggest?

 A: There are many factors including if the driveway has already been sealed, the current surface texture, if you desire colour and if you are looking to complete yourself or via a contractor.

CCS Penetrative sealers will not change the surface texture.  CCS Acrylic Sealers will change the surface texture but may be suitable if there is sufficient texture in the current concrete substrate.

Ultimately, a test sample should be conducted to ensure suitability of sealer on the surface.

Q: What colour would you choose?

A: Colour is a matter of personal choice and there is no right or wrong decision.

Generally people will choose a colour that is existing on the house palette.  These colours can be reflected in the colour of the Roof, Gutters, Windows and Eaves.

Q: When can I drive my car onto my newly sealed driveway?

A: With the exception of polyaspartics, typically most CCS sealers are touch dry in 1-4 hours.  After this time, the surface can be walked on.  Avoid driving or moving garbage bins or furniture onto newly sealed concrete for 7 days.

Q: How do I clean concrete that’s been sealed with a penetrative sealer?

A: It’s important to maintain and clean your concrete surface, even when it has a sealer applied. We recommend cleaning solutions such as CCS HD Degreaser or CCS Citric Cleaner. For further instructions and advice, download our guide to cleaning and maintaining surfaces sealed with CCS penetrative sealers here.

Q: How do I clean and maintain concrete that’s been sealed with commercial sealer?

A: It’s important to maintain and clean your concrete surface, even when it has a sealer applied. If you have used a commercial grade CCS sealer such as Armourthane, Armourgard SP, Decrathane and Rapid Floor Polyaspartic, we recommend you download our guide to cleaning and maintaining surfaces sealed with CCS commercial sealers.


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