concrete sealer

We are pooring a very large concrete floor. The salesman recommends sealer be put on for $500. more. We are concerned as to what happens with the sealer when we spill caustic material on it, as we will. We refinish furniture and body work on cars etc. there would be gas, diesel, solvents of all kinds including paint thinners and finish removers. So we want a floor we can just clean up when we spill but are afraid these chemicals may cause sealers to turn to gel or discolor or flake off, and wonder if it wouldn't just be better with out the sealer. Any opionions.

 

Hi,

it will depend of the sealer you are going to use.

But as general rule, once you are going to use chemicals, don't use sealers. Probabily the chemicals will "eat" the sealer in few weeks, and the concrete will remain with spots.
And, my main concern, the sealer may react with the chemicals, and create toxic products

Hope this helps

 

Thanks

 

If you haven't already sealed your new slab, try this:

www.revereproducts.com

 

You might call Sonneborne Technical Service (1-800-243-6739) and ask for their recommendation; they carry a full line of proffessional products.

The product that comes to mind is Lapidolith. It's a chemical that is applied to the concrete and reacts with the lime to form a very hard, dense surface. I used it in my garage and it really did a nice job. Not expensive either, as I remember. You do need to call Sonneborne, though, to be sure it is OK with your chemicals or if they have a better product; they can also tell you where to buy it.

Bruce

 

Thank you very much.

 

I am with pmgca on this one. Concrete tends to be porous and soak up moisture and stains like a sponge. Sealers are great for protecting concrete, but when it comes to acids and other caustic products, sealers provide little or no protection. Even if you did not expose concrete to caustic chemicals, depending upon sealer and conditions, you are looking at 6-12 months before resealing.

Talk with others in your business and determine what they do. You will probably find they don't know what you are talking about.

I am sure if I discussed the cleanliness and condition of the concrete floor of my beloved man who takes care of my car, he would look at me with cross eyes. He takes excellent care of me, and picks up my car at the store. The few times I have been at his shop, I wanted to run because the concrete and everything else was so nasty.