Because acrylic sealers are thin, you may need to apply 2 coats for better protection.

Epoxy sealers provide grip and can resist scrapes and abrasions, another reason they’re a popular choice for garage floors. You can also choose a clear epoxy sealer as well.

If you’re sealing a concrete countertop, choose a food-grade polyurethane concrete sealer for the best protection. Polyurethane sealers are also the most expensive.

It’s super important that the concrete is clean before you apply silane or siloxane sealers so they’re able to effectively penetrate the surface. Penetrating sealers can make the concrete appear a little bit darker after you apply it, and if there are any grease stains on the concrete, it may make them more noticeable. You can also use penetrating sealers for concrete countertops, but make sure it’s food-grade.

Concrete sealers are full of chemicals that could be potentially harmful, so make sure pets and small children can’t enter the area as well. If you’re sealing a concrete wall, take off any items attached to it or hanging from it.

Use a dustpan to pick up the dirt and throw it away.

Even though mineral spirits are odorless, they can be harmful if you’re exposed to their fumes for a long time. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a face mask to avoid breathing them in. Mineral spirits won’t stain the concrete, so use as much as you need to get rid of any stains.

If you don’t have a pressure washer, you may be able to rent one for the day from your local hardware or home improvement store.

The concrete surface needs to be uniform for the sealer to form an even coat. You can find concrete repair caulk at your local hardware or home improvement store. You can also order it online.

Rubber gloves will protect your hands from chemicals as well.

Different sealers will have different preparation, so be sure to check the packaging before you start. Don’t mix epoxy sealers until you’re ready to start applying it or it may harden.

For concrete countertops, you can use a spray bottle instead of a garden sprayer if you’re applying a penetrating sealer. Check the packaging of the sealer to see if you need to apply more than 1 coat. Some acrylics recommend that you apply 1 coat, wait 10 minutes, and then apply a second coat to properly seal the concrete.

For example, acrylic and epoxy sealers may take up to 48 hours to fully cure, while a penetrating sealer like siloxane may only take 8 hours to cure.