Clears

How can I determine if my surface had a sealer applied in the past?

Simply performing the water-test: Sprinkle water in a few places to see if it beads. If the water beads there is some kind of sealer on your surface that should be removed. If the water penetrates into the concrete then you have a porous, bare surface. Please keep in mind that some concrete is finished to a very smooth dense troweled finish and may exhibit signs like there is a sealer present due to the non porosity of the surface.

What is the difference between Concrete Sealer Clear Gloss and H&C Wet Look Sealer?

Both products may be applied over our solid color stains/sealers or on bare concrete. The Wet Look Sealer is water-based and the Concrete Sealer Clear Gloss is oil/solvent-based. Mixing the two can result in product and or project failure. Water-based clears should be used with water-based solid stains and solvent-based clears over solvent-based solid sealers only. Water or solvent-based clear sealers can be used over H&C Decorative Stains & Dyes.

What clear coats can go over Infusion Acid Stain?

Any clear coat can go over the top of Infusion Reactive Acid Stain as long as the stain has been neutralized and the residue has been removed. Infusion offers a water-based and solvent-based clear topcoat as well as a floor finish for interior projects. While Infusion Sealers are the preferred method, other H&C sealers may be used.  For heavy traffic interior surfaces, our High Performance Industrial clear would be an excellent choice.

What is the best method of application for the Infusion Industrial Floor Finish?

While the Industrial Floor Finish may be applied by brush, roller, or lambs wool applicator, the best method is to apply with a synthetic cotton-rayon mop.  This applicator maximizes even coverage of material and produces a highly consistent sheen build.

With all the Sealers available in the H&C line, which is the best for application over the solid color water-based stain that is a low luster or satin finish?

Concrete Stain Water-Based Clear

What is the maximum allowable moisture content of the concrete before I can apply the H&C Sealer?

No higher than 12% moisture content

Seal coat is very cloudy, how do I fix this?

This is more than likely a result of moisture trapped underneath the sealer or if the clear coat was water based, this could be due to a heavy application.

I have a freshly poured concrete driveway and patio, how long do I need to wait until I can seal it?

You must wait 28 days after the concrete is poured.  Although the concrete looks and feels ready to coat, it needs to “cure” and any coatings put down prematurely will most likely fail in one way, shape or form.  H&C Clear Gloss can be used over freshly placed concrete as a cure and seal product.  It complies with ASTM C309 Standard Specification for liquid membrane-forming compounds for curing concrete.

What is the difference in look between a water-based and solvent-based sealer?

Solvent-based sealers tend to make the colors beneath them much bolder, darker and deeper.  While the water-based sealers will not have that same effect on the colors final appearance.  This is why it is so crucial to do a sample test area with the sealer to be sure the customer approves the final color and appearance.