How Long Does Concrete Sealer Take to Dry?

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.

Drying Times of Different Concrete Sealers

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

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 Water Repellent Sealers

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 Water Repellent Sealers

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

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

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

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.

Angi Tip

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.

Caroline Gilbert

Director, Content & Editorial, Angi

How to Seal Concrete

Photo: BanksPhotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

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.