Although stain is permanent and won't flake off like paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the concrete surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is worn by traffic or weather exposure. To prolong stain life, stain manufacturers recommend keeping stained surfaces protected with multiple coats of clear sealer (outdoors) and a floor wax (indoors). A good sealer will provide other benefits as well, such as adding sheen to the surface and enhancing color intensity.

1. Sealing Stained Concrete

2. Although stain is permanent and won't flake off like
paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the concrete
surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is
worn by traffic or weather exposure. To prolong stain
life, stain manufacturers recommend keeping stained
surfaces protected with multiple coats of clear sealer
(outdoors) and a floor wax (indoors). A good sealer will
provide other benefits as well, such as adding sheen to
the surface and enhancing color intensity.

3. Sealing Interior Stained Concrete
Acrylic Sealers: For interior concrete, you want
to use an epoxy-infused acrylic like the Armor
AE Fusion Gloss. It will bond better and last
longer than conventional acrylics and it is more
cost effective and easier to apply than an epoxy.
This sealer is used a lot on retail floors.
The Armor AE Fusion Gloss is a
penetrating and breathable,
water-based epoxy infused acrylic
that provides a superior high gloss
finish to a multitude of interior
horizontal or vertical concrete and
masonry finishes.

4. Sealing Interior Stained Concrete
• Epoxy Sealers: If your stained floor is high traffic, such
as a restaurant or other public space, an epoxy sealer
may be a good option. Epoxies are harder than
acrylics, but don’t allow trapped moisture to escape
which may become a problem later. When sealing with
an epoxy, thorough moisture testing is a must. Epoxy
sealers are popular for stained countertops. See the
Armor Epoxy System
• Urethane Sealers: This sealer type is the most
expensive, but also the most abrasive-resistant. To get
a proper bond, urethanes must be applied over a
water-based epoxy. You also should be aware that they
are not UV stable. See the Armor Alpha UTN60

5. Sealing Exterior Stained Concrete
Acrylic sealers are best for outdoor stain applications
because they allow moisture in the slab to escape. Many
contractors prefer solvent-based acrylics over waterbased acrylics because they tend to perform better
outside. If the shiny or wet look is not desired, siliconebased penetrating sealers are recommended for a matte
finish.
To keep exterior stained surfaces protected, apply a new
coat of sealer every year or two, or as necessary. When
you begin to notice that water no longer beads up on the
surface, it's time to reseal.

6. Wet Look/Satin Sheen
• The Armor AR350 Satin
Sheen sealer is a penetrating, low
VOC, solvent based 100%
enhanced acrylic lacquer designed
to protect your decorative
concrete and provide it with a soft
satin sheen. The Armor AR350
Satin Sheen is fast drying, nonyellowing, and provides excellent
resistance to rain, sun, freezing
temperatures, stains, and other
pollutants.
• Want a non-slip surface? Add the
Armor Non-Slip Additive to this
sealer.

7. Wet Look/High Gloss
• The Armor AR500 Clear Gloss
Coat sealer is a high solids, low
VOC, solvent based 100% acrylic
lacquer designed to protect your
decorative concrete and provide it
with a high gloss shine. The Armor
AR500 Clear Gloss Coat is fast
drying, nonyellowing, and provides excellent
resistance to rain, sun, freezing
temperatures, stains, and other
pollutants.
• Want a non-slip surface? Add the
Armor Non-Slip Additive to this
sealer.

8. Stained Concrete Maintenance
While protecting stained concrete with a sealer or floor finish will repel dirt and help prevent wear, it
does not eliminate the need for periodic maintenance. How much traffic the surface receives often
dictates the amount of ongoing maintenance required.
Here are some general maintenance tips:
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For interior concrete floors subject to only light foot traffic, maintenance is usually a simple matter
of dry dust mopping and occasional wet mopping with a neutral-pH cleaner.
If stained floors begin to loose their luster or shine, re-waxing will usually revive the appearance. In
a typical residential setting, a year or longer may go by before it's necessary to buff and re-wax the
floor. In businesses with more traffic, it will be necessary to reapply the finish at more frequent
intervals.
For exterior stained concrete, keep the surface clean by sweeping it with a broom or leaf blower or
rinsing with a garden hose. To remove stubborn dirt, scrub with a mop or medium-bristle brush and
a mild cleaner.
To keep exterior surfaces protected, apply a new coat of sealer every year or two, or as necessary.
When you begin to notice that water no longer beads up on the surface, it's time to reseal.
Stained concrete countertops will have different protection and maintenance needs than walking
surfaces.

9. Visit Us!
Learn more about Foundation Armor’s
professional grade line of concrete
sealers, concrete coatings, concrete cleaners
and concrete repair products by visiting
FoundationArmor.com or by calling
866-306-0246.