Concrete sealers offer an essential layer of protection against the potential for unsightly discoloration and scratching on concrete surfaces. And if you're looking for the best products to do the job, you may have heard of Radonseal, Foundation Armor, and Ghostshield. So, we researched these products' pros, cons, and differences.
The table below shows the differences between Radonseal, Foundation Armor, and Ghostshield including their pros and cons:
|
Concrete Sealer Products |
Product Description |
Pros |
Cons |
| Radonseal |
|
|
|
| Foundation Armor |
|
|
|
| Ghostshield |
|
|
|
Keep reading as we discuss how to apply these three products and elaborate on what factors you should consider when choosing a concrete sealer.
How Should You Apply Radonseal, Foundation Armor, And Ghostshield Sealers?
Here are steps on how to apply each of these concrete sealers, in case you're wondering if the application process is different for each product.
Steps in Applying Radonseal Sealers
Before starting, make sure you get and use all the right tools for the task. Use a fan-tip nozzle-equipped hand-pump sprayer to apply. If spraying is not possible, another option is to use a paint roller.
Additionally, RadonSeal is used in wet-on-wet treatments. Before using, shake the container well.
Now, here are the steps in the Radonseal sealer application.
1. Clean the Surface Before Applying The Product
- Surfaces need to be spotless, and permeable. Remove extra dust and loose debris by vacuuming or sweeping.
- Cover surfaces that are not meant to be sealed to avoid damage; RadonSeal can etch glass.
- Eliminate any paints, sealers, curing agents, adhesives, grease, efflorescence, oil, mold, and other pollutants that might prevent the sealer from penetrating the surface. Completely rinse away any chemicals that had been used for cleaning or stripping.
- If you want to seal a hard-troweled concrete surface it might need to be mechanically or chemically treated to increase porosity as RadonSeal will not properly adhere to non-porous surfaces.
2. Spray The Surface With Water
- RadonSeal will best penetrate a damp surface, so apply water using a sprayer, mop, or roller.
3. Apply Radonseal To The Surface
- Spray RadonSeal evenly onto the surface, making sure to keep a wetting layer in place.
- For floors, use a push broom to gently brush a damp surface while pushing the sealant into the concrete.
4. Apply Second Coat
- About half an hour after the initial application, apply a thinner second coat to the surface while the concrete is still moist.
- The floor surface should be gently scrubbed with a push broom.
5. Let It Dry
- Prevent walking and driving until it is dry. Drying time usually takes 1 to 4 hours.
Steps In Applying Foundation Armor
Here is how to apply Foundation Armor to concrete surfaces:
1. Clean The Surface
Make sure the surface is clean and devoid of any impurities, including dust, oil, stains, and additional sealants. The surface should be pressure washed or rinsed, then given at least 24 hours to dry completely.
Because acrylics are moisture-sensitive and might develop white spots when moisture is present during the application, it is crucial to ensure that the surface is dry.
2. Apply The Product To The Surface
Apply one coat of the sealer with a roller or sprayer. The manufacturer recommends applying it when the surface has already cooled down from sun exposure. The best time to do this is in the early evening or late afternoon.
3. Apply Second Coat And Let It Dry
Only apply a second coat if you think it's necessary. If additional coverage is required, wait 4 to 24 hours and repeat.
Let the sealer dry for 1 to 2 days before using the concrete surface.
You can refer to this video on how to apply Foundation Armor sealer:
Steps In Applying Ghostshield Sealers
To apply a Ghostshield Siloxa-tek 8510 sealer, you can follow this simple guide:
1. Clean The Surface And Cover What You Don't Want To Spray
The concrete substrate needs to be structurally sound and free of impurities such as paint, prior sealers, adhesives, oil, grease, filth, wax, curing agents, efflorescence, and other contaminants that could prevent the sealer from penetrating the concrete.
To attain the appropriate surface condition, it may be necessary to power wash, acid etch, or physically scarify.
Before applying, let the required amount of time for drying. Concrete's surface-zone moisture content shouldn't be higher than 4% weight. If you see standing water, don't apply.
Prevent overspray from touching any surfaces not designated for treatment, including people, property, automobiles, and others.
2. Test A Small Area Before Product Application
Before applying, test a small area to ensure the intended results, aesthetics, coverage rates, and application technique. Allow the test area to completely dry for 5-7 days before inspecting.
3. Apply The Sealer
Prior to and throughout the application, thoroughly stir the material. The material should not be diluted or altered for uses other than those indicated.
Use a low-pressure, quasi sprayer, a roller impervious to solvents, or a brush to apply. Apply to saturation and allow the initial coat to absorb for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Apply The Second Coat
Spray a second coat and use the same wet-on-wet saturating technique. For the second coat, lesser material will be required. Until the sealer reaches the substrate, brush or rolls out any puddles.
5. Finish Up And Let It Dry
Xylene can be used to clean tools and equipment. In compliance with municipal, state, and federal legislation, unwanted or old items may be disposed of in a garbage disposal site.
Click here for this product on Amazon.
At 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% RH, the drying process typically takes 4-6 hours. The drying process may take longer in cooler temperatures or with higher relative humidity.
Within 24 hours, treated surfaces will be suitable for both foot and vehicle usage. Within seven days after application, the ability to resist water will continue to grow.
What Are The Factors To Consider In Choosing The Best Concrete Sealer Suitable For Your Needs?
Take into account the following factors while choosing the ideal sealer for your project.
Sealer Type
The majority of sealants can be divided into one of two categories: penetrating or film-forming.
Penetrating Sealer
The main component of penetrating sealers is silicone particles dispersed in a fluid. They enter the pores of the concrete and deposit the silicone there, leaving almost no film buildup. However, they frequently fall short of film-forming sealers in their ability to repel tough oil or grease stains.
Film-Forming Sealer
For ornamental concrete, film-forming sealers are typically preferred. This type of sealer also improves the colors below it far more than penetrating sealers do.
Both types of sealers can be used to protect stained concrete, although film-forming sealers are better for highlighting the depth of color in acid stains, dyes, and colored concrete.
Compatibility
It is important to take into account the compatibility of the sealer to prevent potential risks to the structural and aesthetic integrity of a concrete floor such as a lack of adhesion that could result in bubbles and color bleeding in the sealer.
Since the sealer serves as a sacrifice layer, it's best to pick a product that can shield your floor from everyday wear and tear while requiring less maintenance.
Type Of Surface You Want To Apply Your Sealer To
Depending on the kind of surface, different concrete sealers operate differently. Over time, concrete floors in shops, garages, and basements endure a lot of wear and tear. Acrylic that is either water-based or solvent-based will offer excellent protection, however, solvent-based acrylic often lasts longer.
Climate
The two largest enemies of concrete are moisture and salt. However, depending on your climate, you may have to fight with both of these.
Due to the porous structure of concrete, moisture can enter and cause cracks to form during freeze-thaw cycles, which must be repaired with crack fillers.
Applying a sealant that will keep these factors out is the greatest way to prevent them from harming your driveway, sidewalk, or patio.
Ecological Effect
High-quality water-based sealers have reduced levels of VOCs as well as a superior all-around performance profile, in contrast to solvent-based sealers, which emit toxic substances that may be hazardous to human health.
To Wrap Things Up
Radonseal, Foundation Armor, and Ghostshield are different concrete sealer products you can use in sealing your basements and crawl spaces.
Radonseal is a water-based, reactive sealer that strengthens your concrete, is long-lasting, and prevents mold and mildew growth. Additionally, you can apply the sealer yourself but you have to make sure that the surface you apply it to is not damaged.
On the other hand, Foundation Armor is a solvent-based acrylic sealer and is permeable and non-yellowing. Although, this is more on the costly side and requires a second coat.
Finally, Ghostshield sealers can either be water-based or solvent-based. They penetrate the surface quickly and are easy to apply but are a bit expensive.
If you enjoyed this post, you can check out these related articles:
What Is The Best Sealant For Basement Walls? [3 Great Options Explored]