Polyurethane Sealers for Concrete

Use these high-build sealers to produce a very durable,

chemical-resistant finish
Polyurethanes sealers are nearly twice as thick as an acrylic sealer and form a high-build
protective film on the concrete surface that provides excellent resistance to abrasion and
chemicals. They are available in water- and solvent-based versions and a range of sheen
levels. They can be used on both interior and exterior concrete to impart a transparent, non-
yellowing, highly durable finish.
Applications
Typical applications for polyurethane sealers include:
Floors in high-traffic areas, to provide good resistance to scuffs and staining
To enhance the beauty of colored, stamped or exposed-aggregate concrete
Concrete countertops
Most polyurethanes are moisture intolerant until they cure, so they should not be applied to
surfaces if any water is present. A chemical reaction will occur that results in foaming and
bubbling. They also don't allow for moisture vapor to move out of the concrete, which could
present problems on some exterior concrete surfaces, such as driveways.
How to apply
Polyurethane sealers require more care when applying compared with single-component
sealers, such as acrylics. Avoid applying water-based polyurethanes with a garden-type
pump-up sprayer, since they don't reach the level of pressure needed to achieve a thin, even
spray pattern. Instead, use a low-volume, high-pressure airless sprayer. Polyurethanes can
also be applied with a micro-fiber mop, using a push-and-pull motion to get thin, even
coverage.

Sealers Perform Differently, Why?
Question:
On a recent stained concrete project, some areas of the floor were sealed with a two-
part polyurethane sealer, while other areas of the same floor where sealed with a
solvent-based acrylic sealer. Why did the two-part polyurethane peel off, while the
one-part solvent-based acrylic is still down and performing great? The surface has a
hard-troweled machine finish, and no additional surface prep was completed prior to
staining or sealing.
Answer:
This is a case of chemical versus mechanical bonding and solids content. Two-part
polyurethane sealers form only a mechanical bond with concrete. This is why
profiling the surface creating more surface roughness is always called for when
working with two-part polyurethane sealers.
The same reason two-part polyurethane sealers don't chemically bond to concrete is
also what makes them such good sealers. They don't chemically stick to anything, and
nothing chemically sticks to them, including oil, gas, solvents, water, dirt, and graffiti.
The other major factor is solids content. Most two-part polyurethane sealers are high
in solids, above 55%. The higher solids content makes them less able to penetrate the
concrete surface, thus requiring additional surface profiling to promote adhesion.
Conversely, one-part acrylics bond both mechanically and chemically with concrete
and are lower in solids typically 20% to 30%. They tend to wet out faster, even on
hard-troweled surfaces. As illustrated by the case in question, an acrylic sealer may
chemically bond to a hard-troweled surface, but the surface won't have sufficient
profile, or roughness, to mechanically bond with a high-solids polyurethane sealer.
Most manufacturers of high-solids sealers require a well-defined profile before
application of their products. The use of a primer or diluting the first coat of sealer are
also common methods for promoting sealer adhesion on denser surfaces. Before
applying a high-solids sealer, be sure to consult with the manufacturer and perform an
on-site adhesion test. Find out more about two-part and one-part sealer technology
and application methods from Surtec Inc.


Polyurethane on Brick Floors
A brick floor is durable, lasts darned near forever, and you can count on the fact not everyone has a
floor like yours. But brick is rough and gritty, and since it's made from hardened earth, it easily can
absorb stains. Using polyurethane to seal the bricks protects the brick, your feet, and your other
floors.
About Polyurethane Sealer
Polyurethane is a surface sealer, meaning it doesn't soak into the bricks so much as coat the
bricks instead. It has a tendency to yellow with age, and reapplying it every couple of years
keeps it looking fresh. When sealing a new brick floor, wait at least 30 days to ensure the
grout and bricks are dry first. Always sweep or vacuum the floor thoroughly before applying
polyurethane to prevent sealing in dirt and debris. Apply a brick or concrete stain to your
brick first, if you desire, carefully following the product instructions. Be aware that
polyurethane imparts a glossy, still-wet look, and may darken the brick somewhat.
Polyurethane Your Brick
Outline the room edges with a narrow brush about 3 inches wide. Switch to a paint roller with
a 3/4-inch nap, and fill in the center of the room. Blend seams as you work, moving quickly
to prevent a sticky mess, as polyurethane dries fairly quickly. Do two coats, several hours
apart, on the first day. Apply two more coats on the second day. Clean polyurethane-coated
brick with hot, soapy water to care for it properly.


Hazards of Polyurethane Floor Finish
Woodworkers and homeowners often gravitate to polyurethane to finish their wood floors, because
it's reasonably priced and creates a pleasing shine. It seals the wood, protecting it from abrasion,
stains and other mishaps. But the very properties that make polyurethane so protective of your
wood floors also make it a hazardous material to work with.
Chemical Hazards
Polyurethane floor finishing products contain harmful additives and ingredients that can harm
the environment and people. Ozone-depleting methylene chloride and chlorofluorocarbons
present in polyurethane contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Isocyanates -- what the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration calls the "raw materials" in all polyurethanes
-- irritate the skin, eyes and the mucous membranes of the respiratory and gastrointestinal
tracts. Inhaling isocyanates may cause breathing problems, and repeated exposure is linked to
cancer, organ damage and fetal abnormalities.
Exposure to Flames
One spark can create a fatal flash when you're applying polyurethane floor finishes, according
to the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health. Smoking around wet
polyurethane, generating a spark when turning on a light switch or having the furnace kick on
can cause the vapors to explode. Burning polyurethane also creates dioxin -- one of the most
toxic substances on Earth. To prevent such accidents, allow proper ventilation when using
polyurethane and during the drying phase. See the manufacturer's product instructions for
more information.