A Great DIY Project Is To Seal Your Garage Floor

The floor of your garage is exposed to a lot of differrent corrosive materials such as road salt, oils and other liquids, so sealing is always a good option. Not only can it help protect the concrete, it also reduces dust and makes cleaning and sweeping easier. A clear acrylic sealer protects the concrete from damage and stains and can be used as a primer under acrylic or polyurethane floor paints.

In order to do the sealing yourself you will need several materials and tools: protective clothing, neoprene rubber gloves, goggles, a stiff brush and a bucket, a paintbrush, a cartridge-style respirator with organic-vapor and small-particle filters, paint roller with extension handle and tray, medium nap roller cover, a concrete degreaser and of course some concrete sealer.

Before sealing the concrete you have to make sure the floor is free of dirt, grease and oil. To do this you should use a stiff scrub brush to apply the cleaner and concrete degreaser according to the instructions. Allow the solution to lay on the floor for 15 to 20 minutes more for stubborn stains after scrubbing. After his you should rinse thoroughly with clear water. You may need several applications. Many concrete sealers contain hazardous chemicals that may be harmful to skin and eyes and the vapors are not safe to breathe but the vast majority are acrylic. The best way to avoid damages to your skin, eyes and lungs is to wear the protective equipment made of neoprene rubber gloves, goggles and a respirator with both organic-vapor and solid-particle filter cartridges. During the process of sealing the floor you should continuously ventilate the garage by opening all doors and windows and also using a fan would be a great idea.

After cleaning and drying the concrete, the sealer has to be applied. The sealer should be tested in an inconspicuous area before applying. Be aware that different density in the concrete may result in light/dark appearance if you find this objectionable, you will want to paint the floor after the sealer has cured. By using the medium-nap paint roller with extension handle is the easiest way to apply the sealer. Start in a rear corner continuing to work your way out of the garage. Before doing anything else you should allow the sealer to dry as indicated on the sealer bottle, usually for a few hours. You should act with caution so as not to get over spray on other material since there is a high risk of staining.

Sealing your garage floor is a relatively simple procedure that will ensure your garage floor stays free of stains, and becomes much easier to keep clean.