Skill Level: intermediate
Cleaning and sealing your driveway and other concrete surfaces is just as important as cleaning and sealing your deck or house. Stained, cracked or spalled concrete certainly is not attractive and may not be structurally sound. You do not have to tolerate unsightly and potentially unsafe masonry around your home. Follow these simple preventive measures to maintain the beauty and extend the life of your concrete. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Paint roller with medium nap
- Paint roller tray
- Stiff bristled, nylon brush
- Bucket
- Goggles
- Rubber gloves
Materials
- Concrete sealer
- Chlorine bleach
- Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
Prepare the Surface
In order for the sealer to adhere properly, the concrete surface must be clean. Remove any dirt, oil or mildew from the surface and repair all cracks or other defects.
- Use a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and a stiff, nylon bristled brush to kill and remove any mildew.
- Use a pressure washer to lift and remove dirt and stains from the concrete's surface. Remove stubborn stains like grease or oil with a mixture of water and trisodium phosphate (TSP) and a stiff, nylon bristled brush.
Patch or repair any irregularities in the existing concrete.
Apply the Sealer
You may use a roller, brush or low-pressure garden sprayer to apply the sealer. If you use a sprayer to apply the sealer, back roll it with a medium nap roller to ensure good penetration into the concrete.
- Stir the sealer until it is completely mixed. Never shake sealer to mix it since shaking can create air bubbles and adversely affect the finished look.
- Apply the sealer liberally to the concrete surface, but do not allow it to puddle.
- Allow the sealer to dry and apply the second coat per the manufacturer's directions.
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