wax/sealer for concrete countertops - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Bazooka Joe · 09-09-2009, 02:19 PM

...anybody have a preference?

thanks

6stringmason · 09-10-2009, 10:46 AM

no maintenance sealer. You can find em so they're virtually stain proof and scratch resistant.

Bazooka Joe · 09-10-2009, 06:30 PM

thanks, i'll see if i can find one.

Bazooka Joe · 09-11-2009, 06:16 PM

...did some looking around and couldnt find a "no maintainance sealer". ...brand name?
thanks

6stringmason · 09-11-2009, 06:46 PM

Most of this info given out is learned through many hours of testing and comparing and money spent and wasted. What type of look are you going for? Wet look, shiny, matte finish, natural finish? If you want shiny and very low build try diamond clear from golden look in Texas.

Get a hold of lynn@goldenlook.com and tell her Troy Kamps from Green Bay, WI sent you.

Bazooka Joe · 09-25-2009, 11:46 AM

thanks very much Troy,
..Im going for a semi-gloss finish on this. Its in a bathroom w/ alot of slate and flat finishes so i dont want to get too glossy. Any ideas for that finish? Ive been scouring around locally and am coming up with alot of "driveway sealer is the same thing", and am a bit leary.

btw: I went through your website. That fiber-optic countertop is incredible

thanks,
Mike

GC stl · 09-25-2009, 03:02 PM

It seems to me that lithium silicate densifier in combination with a hybrid lithium silicate sealer is going to give you the best looking and most durable stain resistant finish. The best part is that once the application is finished it lasts forever. Because you actually change the make-up of the pores inside the concrete, your concrete is virtually in-destructible. This is the step concrete needed to finally put the debate of granite over concrete to rest. This combo is a penetrating application you can apply a wax coat for extra measure or extra shine, but the polishing steps should ultimately give you the desired sheen. After all we are not trying to make an epoxy counter or a urethane counter top. Concrete is what we love, the natural shine and feel of the polished concrete should be what we strive to achieve.

Thanks for listening
Carmello Gianino
Gianino Contracting
gianinocontracting(dotcom)

6stringmason · 09-25-2009, 08:12 PM

I've used lithium based sealers before, and though they give a nice looking finish, they are not stain resistant at all IMO.

6stringmason · 09-25-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazooka Joe

thanks very much Troy,
..Im going for a semi-gloss finish on this. Its in a bathroom w/ alot of slate and flat finishes so i dont want to get too glossy. Any ideas for that finish? Ive been scouring around locally and am coming up with alot of "driveway sealer is the same thing", and am a bit leary.

btw: I went through your website. That fiber-optic countertop is incredible

thanks,
Mike

They ARE NOT the same thing. Dont listen to those idiots. One if VOC compliant, one is not. You want to be able to set food on your countertop.

user50444 · 09-25-2009, 10:37 PM

As Troy had said,... driveway sealer for a countertop, never. Acrylic + methyl methacrylate based sealers are great for exterior flats + your basic grey basement or garage cure + (and or) seal, but thats about it. Though I have gotten away from that wonderful feel of raw polished concrete I do miss it much!!! I used to densify + use penetrating sealers, but had call backs within a few months from lemon juices etching + condensation rings. So epoxy is my new thing just because of the fact. Furniture tops + vanities is the only surfaces I leave as before. GC stl - when you have time email me ( laugerconcrete@charter.net ) your prefered lithium silicate based products, if you will please, I would much appreciate it. Would like to try it out.
Form filming coatings I personally do not like for the dragginess of the your fingers sliding across + they look plastic.

Point of Views · 09-26-2009, 12:12 AM

Bazooka Joe,

I agree with 6string on Lithium Silicate conditioners and sealers. I tested resistance to vinegar, lime and lemon juice and red wine about 3 weeks after sealing and had bad staining with the vinegar, some minor etching with the lime and lemon juice. Red wine did no damage to the surface. All were 24 hour tests. Literature states that the Lithium Silicate sealers continue to harden the surface for long periods after application. The finish with Lithium Silicate has a very natural appearance on concrete, and is probably a good choice for vanities. Has anyone tried a Polyurea sealer, and with what results?

Good luck on your search,
Richard

6stringmason · 09-26-2009, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Point of Views

Bazooka Joe,

I agree with 6string on Lithium Silicate conditioners and sealers. I tested resistance to vinegar, lime and lemon juice and red wine about 3 weeks after sealing and had bad staining with the vinegar, some minor etching with the lime and lemon juice. Red wine did no damage to the surface. All were 24 hour tests. Literature states that the Lithium Silicate sealers continue to harden the surface for long periods after application. The finish with Lithium Silicate has a very natural appearance on concrete, and is probably a good choice for vanities. Has anyone tried a Polyurea sealer, and with what results?

Good luck on your search,
Richard

I have used quite a few tops with polyurea. Thats the one I suggest earlier from Golden Look.

They have excellent, excellent stain protection. I did a 24 hour test and had zero spots with staining or etching using lemon juice, bleach, coffee, red wine, bbq sauce, and mustard. Very good product! And its fairly scratch restistant.

It does have a slight build too it though. Nothing like what epoxy is though. I have used both, and with looks you cant beat the natural finish you get with say a lithium based, but polyurea is they way to go for staining protection.

Have you guys watched my videos on epoxy countertops I did? Its here if you want to see them. It shows how to apply and repair, as well as the finish product.

http://www.contractortalk.com/f90/co...bartops-61515/

Bazooka Joe · 09-28-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Point of Views

Bazooka Joe,

I agree with 6string on Lithium Silicate conditioners and sealers. I tested resistance to vinegar, lime and lemon juice and red wine about 3 weeks after sealing and had bad staining with the vinegar, some minor etching with the lime and lemon juice. Red wine did no damage to the surface. All were 24 hour tests. Literature states that the Lithium Silicate sealers continue to harden the surface for long periods after application. The finish with Lithium Silicate has a very natural appearance on concrete, and is probably a good choice for vanities. Has anyone tried a Polyurea sealer, and with what results?

Good luck on your search,
Richard

thanks, I think a lithium silicate sealer is the avenue im going to take given that this is a vanity project. Do you (or anyone) have any brand name suggestions/recommendations?
thanks,
Mike

Point of Views · 09-29-2009, 07:54 AM

Bazooka Joe,

Try Innovative Concrete Technologies out of Murphys, CA. Products are Counter-Hard and First Seal.

Richard

Bazooka Joe · 09-29-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Point of Views

Bazooka Joe,

Try Innovative Concrete Technologies out of Murphys, CA. Products are Counter-Hard and First Seal.

Richard

I spoke to John yesterday, ..looks like a great product.