Siliconate Sealers

Siliconate concrete sealers significantly reduce porosity in concrete, stucco, plaster, and cementitous chemistries.

Like the silicates they seal by forming a permanent chemical change in the concrete dissolving the calcium hydroxide, reacting with it and other alkalis to form a new, non-soluable chemistry. However, they are usually a larger molecule, offering more surface protection. Hydrophobic response is more obvious in the siliconate family than in the silicate.

The siliconates will usually bead water quite well, and they continue to resist water in the form of water sheeting for years there after. Because they are larger molecule, they usually can be spread farther - figure about 200 sq ft on average.

Siliconate concrete sealers make an excellent call when your primary concerns are reducing moisture and freeze thaw damage and stains. They will dry flat and clear leaving concrete looking much like it did before the sealing process.

They are also ideal because they can usually be used the day of the pour - as a cure and a seal. However, they leave behind no membrane (unless you have a blend). This is often preferable if you plan to paint, coat or do something else like tile later.

The "cure" portion is accomplished by retarding the hydration process. The concrete will still be breathable; the MS1 allows approximately two percent vapor escape - meeting the requirements for breathable concrete. Use this technology of sealer when you want the most "bang for your buck" and you are going on poured walls, or broom type finishes.

Stamped concrete may also be done so long as there is nothing that prohibits penetration. Power toweled surfaces may be treated, but MS07 will be much more effective over the long term.

For basement type application, consider siliconates like the MS1 for the walls and a good silicate blended (MS07) to get through the smooth trowel floor. Siliconates also make excellent primers for cemetitious substrates. Use before painting stucco to keep moisture from soaking through the paint later.   

Use on basement walls or other concrete before painting to achieve a longer paint life. Use on sidewalks, driveways, walkways, etc. to resist cracking, stains, and penetrations from mold, mildew and algae.