You can’t rush concrete sealing
In general, concrete sealers take about one to three hours to dry to touch.
Penetrating sealers, however, may take up to 48 hours to fully dry below the surface.
Drying time for concrete sealers depends on various factors, such as temperature, humidity, and airflow.
Once you install concrete, sealing is not an option— it’s a necessity. That is if you’d like to protect it from the elements and ensure your installation stands the test of time. But just how long does concrete sealer take to dry? It depends on the type, temperature, and other factors.
The type of concrete sealer you use will dictate the drying time. Some dry as quickly as one hour, while others take as long as three days.
Silicate concrete sealers are intended to strengthen the surface of the concrete. While they may seem dry in only 30 minutes, they may take up to 90 days to completely dry below the surface. Fortunately, you can walk on concrete sealed with silicate concrete in a few hours.
Silane siloxane sealers are water repellants and help minimize concrete stains and deterioration. They can also reduce the risk of efflorescence, mold, and mildew. Silane siloxane sealers may look like they’re dry in 30 minutes, but they continue drying below the surface for up to 72 hours. These are great for garage floors—call your local garage flooring contractor for details on how much a project would cost.
Siliconate sealers combat damage from water, de-icing salts, and freeze-thaw cycles. Even though they might appear dry in 30 minutes, it takes up to 24 hours for them to fully dry below the surface.
Acrylic concrete sealers are often chosen to protect concrete with a glossy finish. These types of sealers may take anywhere from four to 12 hours to dry. You should avoid waking or driving on concrete with an acrylic sealer for at least 36 to 48 hours.
Epoxy coatings are made to protect and improve the appearance of interior concrete floors. While dry time will depend on the manufacturer, 10 to 12 hours is standard. It’s a good idea to refrain from walking or driving on concrete with an epoxy-coated sealer for at least 36 to 48 hours.
Urethane coatings are designed to shield interior concrete floors from gas, oil, and other chemical exposure. They may take 10 to 12 hours and shouldn’t be walked or driven on for up to 48 hours, just like epoxy coatings.
You should seal concrete every one to five years depending on the external conditions and level of wear and tear. A masonry contractor can advise on how often your surface will need resealing.
First, make sure to choose the right sealer for your situation. Then, wait for late afternoon with a temperature between 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is the best time to seal a driveway or another concrete surface.
Next, clean the surface and remove any oil, dirt, dust, and other imperfections. You should also remove any sealant you may have previously applied. Once the surface is clean and the old sealant is gone, apply one or two coats with a roller or sprayer.
Note that sealing concrete costs between 1,000 and $7,000. If you don’t have time or prefer to outsource the task, don’t hesitate to outsource concrete sealing to a professional. Contactors charge $1.25 to $1.75 per square foot.
Most concrete sealers take about one to three hours to dry. However, those that penetrate may take up to 48 hours or more to completely dry. You can find specific drying details from the manufacturer on the label.
Factors like the time of day you choose to seal the concrete, temperature, humidity, and airflow will impact drying time. To shorten the drying time, seal concrete in the late afternoon on a day with a temperature between 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
While concrete is durable, it’s also a porous material, meaning that spills can damage the material. Not only does sealing safeguard against this issue, but it can also reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
If you want to ensure your concrete sealer is applied correctly and lasts for as long as possible, hiring a professional is a good idea. A pro can recommend the ideal sealer and ensure it’s applied correctly.
