I have just had a stamped concrete deck installed for a swimming pool. Typically the contractor seals the deck. However, this will cause the color to be considerably darker than it is before sealing. So, is it worth sealing the deck? If so, is there a sealer available that doesn’t cause the final color to darken?
Thanks.
Replies
Didn't they seal it as part of the job? Typically the stamped work is sealed a day or two after the concrete goes down. They you seal it with a non-yellowing sealer every coupla years to keep the dirt out and keep the color sharp.
They told me that they need to wait 28 days after pouring to allow the water to get out. If they seal it prior to that, the sealer turns white from the water leaching out of the concrete.
>> If they seal it prior to that, the sealer turns white from the water leaching out of the concrete. << This has not been my experience. Like Cloud said, normally we seal 2 or 3 days after installation. Must be the type of sealer they use. Here is one that I've used: http://www.qcconprod.com/products/index.htm and specifically the 18%.
As far as the contractor installing the wrong color concrete, not sure how wrong it is but color is effected by what comes from the batch plant (fly ash content, sand color - etc). Also, the concrete will lighten up significantly as it cures. Just as a point of information, my concrete guy charges the same to remove concrete as he charges to install regular flat work (materials included). I'd recommend asking the contractor for a substantial discount, and just go on with your life. Matt
Thanks for the link. Unfortunately they really did use the wrong color - foreman of the job got fired in the middle for stealing and the guys left put down a brown instead of a grey.
Hopefully this sealer will work, b/c I don't really want to rip the whole deck out.
>> the guys left put down a brown instead of a grey. <<
Bummer!!
Matt
I just had a stamped concrete drive put in. My concrete guy used 18% sealer on some parts (just broom finished colored concrete) and 30% on other parts (hand colored and skinned). He did it within a couple of days because it keeps the moisture in. Your guys don't sound too experienced. The 18% sealer was applied with a garden sprayer and while it darkened it initially, it really didn't make much difference in the long run. The 30% sealer did darken though.
In your case, since you got the wrong color, I would either make them tear it out (tough though since it's pool season) or not seal it and let the sun work on it. If you don't seal it, the color will fade. But you could always clean it even if you have to use muriatic acid or something. Without sealer, you can also always go back and use acid staining on it, which will darken the color but might give you something you like more. Once you put a sealer on, you got what you got.
I hope you haven't paid him.
How long ago did you pour it. I choose a brown for my driveway that was many shades darker than what it ended up. I knew that was coming, so I choose dark and got close to what I wanted, but it took 10 days or so before the color was final.
MERC
Question for you guys with sealed concrete, do the sealers create a glossy look? I saw a driveway that was stamped and looked great but had the wet look. Not appealing to me.You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
We have stamped concrete around our pool, and I have had it installed on homes that I have built. It is essential that the stamped concrete is sealed. Minimum two coats on new stamped concrete, and an additional coat every 2 years thereafter. If it is not sealed, and kept sealed the surface will weather and become chalky. You will regret it. I know it makes it darker, (hotter) but it's just kind of the nature of the beast. The sealer that is used around here is, I believe a lacquer base - or at least it smells like it. It is pretty much crystal clear, but it does darken the surface in the same way a wet board is darker in color than a dry board. There is a "grit" type additive material to help to keep the surface from being slippery when wet. I'm surprised that your concrete contractor didn't give some kind of verbal warranty disclaimer when you said you did not want it sealed. I let the concrete go for 3 years around our pool, and it started showing signs of weathering and wear. Stamped concrete gives a really nice look and several visitors thought it was slate (obviously not having a trained eye) but it is NOT a maintenance free surface.
Thanks for the note. The only reason I am consdiering not having it sealed is that they used the wrong color concrete, which looks ok now but when sealed is considerably darker that what we chose. I am trying to find an alternative to having the contractor rip it out and repour the deck with the correct color. It looks like not sealing the deck is not an option.
Thanks.
Check here.http://www.decorative-concrete.net/IIRC there are several "classes" of sealers and they have different affects on the concrete. Don't know if all of the are appropriate for this kind of application or not.