Concrete is strong, but it is not completely non-porous. An unsealed surface can absorb water, oil, dirt and other contaminants, making it harder to clean and allowing stains and weathering to affect its appearance over time.
Applying the right concrete sealer can help protect driveways, shed floors, pathways, patios, pool surrounds and decorative concrete. The important part is choosing a sealer made for the surface, location and finish not simply using the same product everywhere.
What Does Concrete Sealer Do?
A concrete sealer forms a protective coating or penetrates the surface, depending on the product. Its job is to reduce the amount of moisture and contamination that can enter the concrete and to make routine cleaning easier.
Depending on the selected sealer, it may also enhance the colour of decorative concrete or exposed aggregate and provide a matt, natural, semi-gloss or gloss appearance.
A sealer does not repair structural cracks, stop movement in a slab or correct poor drainage. Cracks, surface damage and moisture problems should be assessed and repaired before sealing.
Why Seal a Concrete Driveway?
A driveway is exposed to vehicle traffic, rain, dirt, leaves, tyre marks and occasional oil or fuel contamination. An appropriate exterior concrete sealer can:
- Help reduce water and contaminant penetration
- Make oil, dirt and general grime easier to remove
- Help protect decorative colour and surface finish from weathering
- Enhance the appearance of plain, coloured, stamped, stencilled or exposed aggregate concrete
- Create a more uniform finish across the driveway
Driveways need a sealer rated for exterior use and vehicle traffic. After application, the full curing time specified by the manufacturer must be observed before vehicles return to the surface.
Why Seal a Shed or Garage Floor?
Shed and garage floors often collect dust, dirt, tyre marks, oil and workshop spills. Sealing the concrete can reduce surface dusting and create a finish that is easier to sweep and wash.
The correct system depends on how the area is used. A domestic storage shed does not have the same requirements as a busy workshop, machinery shed or commercial floor. Check chemical exposure, tyre traffic, ventilation and whether the slab has an existing coating or moisture problem before selecting a product.
Other Concrete Areas That Benefit from Sealing
- Patios and entertaining areas: Easier cleaning and protection from everyday outdoor contamination.
- Paths and entrances: Helps reduce water and dirt penetration in regularly used outdoor areas.
- Exposed aggregate: A purpose-made sealer can enhance the aggregate while protecting the surface.
- Stamped, stencilled and coloured concrete: Sealing helps protect the decorative finish and can refresh its appearance.
- Pool surrounds: The selected system must be suitable for the surface and location, with slip resistance carefully considered.
Choosing the Right Sealer
There is no single sealer that suits every slab. Consider whether the concrete is indoors or outdoors, plain or decorative, new or existing, and whether you want a natural, matt, semi-gloss or gloss finish.
General Domestic Floors and Driveways
Auseal Clear Sealer is a 100% acrylic copolymer sealer formulated for dry concrete-based domestic floors and driveways where a medium-gloss finish is required.
Exterior Decorative Concrete
Dulux Avista General Purpose Concrete Sealer Semi Gloss is a solvent-based clear sealer for exterior surfaces including pavers, stamped, stencilled, resurfaced and coloured concrete.
Higher-Wear Exterior Areas
Dulux Avista Extended Wear Concrete Sealer Semi Gloss is designed for durable protection of exterior concrete including driveways, paths, pavers and decorative concrete.
Exposed Aggregate
Dulux Avista Exposed Aggregate Concrete Sealer is specifically designed to protect and enhance new or existing exposed aggregate driveways, paths, pool surrounds and outdoor areas.
A Water-Based Option
Dulux Avista Waterbased Concrete Sealer is a water-based acrylic option for concrete driveways, pathways, outdoor areas and residential concrete floors. Always check the current Technical Data Sheet for substrate suitability and application requirements.
Fresh Concrete and Same-Day Systems
Most sealers intended for cured concrete should not be applied too early. Where a project specifically requires a same-day system, use a product designed for that purpose, such as Auseal Curite Same Day/Exposed AG Sealer, and follow its Technical Data Sheet exactly.
Rollers and Frames for Applying Concrete Sealer
The correct applicator depends on the sealer. Always follow the product Technical Data Sheet, particularly for the specified roller type, nap length and solvent compatibility.
- Dulux Avista Slip Reducing Additive Powder 250g mixes into compatible solvent-based or water-based concrete sealers to add texture and improve slip resistance. Use the amount and mixing method specified in the current Technical Data Sheet.
- Lambswool Roller Cover 230mm – LW03L a 20mm-nap, solvent-resistant lambswool cover with a phenolic core and two-pack epoxy adhesive. Designed to withstand xylene and other aggressive solvents used in concrete coatings.
- Paint Roller Frame 230mm Heavy Duty – PR4 pairs with 230mm roller covers and includes a universal threaded handle for an extension pole.
- 230mm 12mm-Nap Roller Covers – 5 Pack a convenient five-pack for compatible products and semi-smooth to textured surfaces. Confirm suitability with the selected sealer before use.
- Heavy Duty Adjustable Roller Frame PR30 suitable for 270mm, 305mm, 360mm and 460mm covers, making it useful for larger concrete areas.
- Trade Roller Cover 460mm – 11mm Nap provides faster coverage on large areas when compatible with the selected coating and PR30 frame.
For solvent-based sealers, use a roller cover specifically designed to resist xylene and other solvents. An unsuitable core or adhesive can soften or fail during application.
Shop sealer application tools and accessories.
Preparation Is Just as Important as the Sealer
Even a high-quality sealer can fail if it is applied to damp, dirty, contaminated or incompatible concrete. Before sealing:
- Confirm the concrete is sufficiently cured for the selected product
- Remove dirt, oil, grease, curing compounds and other contamination
- Repair suitable cracks and surface defects
- Check for rising moisture or drainage problems
- Remove or assess any existing sealer or coating
- Allow the surface to dry as required by the Technical Data Sheet
- Check the weather, surface temperature and rain forecast
A small test area is recommended where the surface history, appearance or compatibility is uncertain.
Common Sealing Mistakes
- Applying sealer to concrete that is still damp or not sufficiently cured
- Using an interior-only product outside or an exterior product in a poorly ventilated enclosed area without checking suitability
- Applying the coating too heavily
- Failing to remove oil, dirt or an incompatible previous coating
- Ignoring the required time between coats
- Allowing foot or vehicle traffic back too soon
- Applying in unsuitable temperature, wind or rain conditions
- Assuming a glossy surface will automatically provide suitable slip resistance
Will Sealed Concrete Become Slippery?
Any coated concrete surface can become slippery, especially when wet, if the finish and texture are unsuitable for the area. Pool surrounds, sloping driveways, paths and exposed outdoor areas need particular care.
Dulux Avista Slip Reducing Additive Powder can be mixed into compatible solvent-based or water-based concrete sealers to add texture and improve slip resistance. Follow the additive and sealer Technical Data Sheets for compatibility, quantity, mixing and application. A slip-reducing additive does not guarantee that every finished surface will meet a particular slip rating.
How Often Should Concrete Be Resealed?
There is no reliable one-size-fits-all schedule. Service life depends on the product, preparation, number of coats, exposure, UV, traffic, cleaning methods and maintenance. Inspect the surface periodically for uneven appearance, water absorption, wear in traffic lanes and loss of protection, then follow the manufacturer's maintenance and recoating instructions.
Do not apply a fresh coat without checking that it is compatible with the existing sealer.
Protect the Concrete You Have Invested In
Sealing is a practical way to protect a concrete driveway, shed floor or outdoor area and make it easier to maintain. The best result comes from matching the product to the surface, preparing the concrete correctly and following the current Technical Data Sheet from start to finish.
Shop concrete sealers at Gippsland Concreting Supplies, or contact our team for help choosing the correct system for your driveway, shed, exposed aggregate or decorative concrete.
