The Cheapest Way To Seal A Concrete Floor

Sealing a concrete floor on a budget, you say? Totally doable. So, you know that concrete is super porous, right? Over time, it can absorb water, oil, and all sorts of stuff you don’t want sinking in. That’s why sealing it is a pretty smart move. Now, on to do it without breaking the bank.

So, let’s start with the prep work. You’re going to want to clean that floor really well. Just sweep it, maybe even vacuum, and if there are some stubborn stains, you can attack those with a little soap and water. No need to go for any special cleaner unless the floor is really messed up.

Okay, so once the floor is clean and dry, you’ll want to think about what kind of sealant to use. Now, there are all sorts of options out there, from epoxy to acrylic, but if we’re talking budget-friendly, you’re probably going to want to go with a basic water-based sealant.

It’s generally easier to work with and cheaper than some of the fancier options.

Just head to your local hardware store and look for a water-based concrete floor sealer. You can even ask the folks there for the most cost-effective option. Usually, you can find a gallon for a reasonable price.

Make sure to read the instructions so you know how much area it will cover and so you don’t end up buying too much or too little.

Once you’ve got your sealant, you’re going to need a way to apply it. A paint roller works wonders for this kind of job. If you don’t have one, you can usually pick one up for cheap.

Just dip the roller in the sealant and apply it evenly across the floor. Usually, one coat does the trick but read the instructions on the sealant to be sure.

Give it time to dry, again, the drying time will be on the instructions, and voila! You’ve got yourself a sealed concrete floor that didn’t cost an arm and a leg.

What are the different types of concrete sealers and what is the difference in price?

The world of concrete sealers it’s more varied than you might think, and each type comes with its own set of pros and cons.

First up, we’ve got acrylic sealers. These are kind of like the all-rounders in the sealer world. They’re usually the go-to for people looking to spend less but still get decent results. Acrylics dry fast and they’re super easy to apply.

You can even use them indoors or outdoors. The downside? Well, they’re not the most durable. You’ll probably find yourself resealing more often compared to some of the other, more robust types of sealers.

Next on the list is epoxy sealers. These guys are like the heavy-duty option for your concrete. They create a thicker layer, which means they’re excellent at resisting all kinds of chemicals and wear and tear.

They’re also glossy, which some people love for an indoor space. The catch? They’re generally more expensive and can be a bit trickier to apply. If you’re not super comfortable with DIY projects, you might find it challenging.

Now, if you’re going all-in and want something that will last for ages, you might want to consider polyurethane sealers. These are like the luxury cars of the sealer world.

They offer excellent protection against chemicals and abrasion. Plus, they’re UV-resistant, so they won’t yellow over time. They can be a bit pricier and typically require more prep work, but they’re a great long-term investment.

Finally, there are penetrating sealers. These are perfect if you want to keep that natural concrete look because they soak into the concrete rather than forming a film on top.

They’re excellent for outdoor use because they’re good at warding off things like freeze-thaw damage. On the downside, they’re not the best at resisting surface stains, so maybe not the best choice for a garage floor that’s going to see oil spills.

Alright, so how do you decide? If you’re going budget-friendly, acrylic is probably your best bet. But if you’re looking for something more durable and you’re willing to invest a bit more time and money, you might want to go with epoxy or polyurethane.

And if you’re all about that natural look and mainly need something for outdoor use, penetrating sealers are a good way to go.

Is there any kind of natural element or alternative that can be used as a floor sealer?

Sometimes, people just prefer to keep things as eco-friendly as possible. And this in most cases also implies a reduction in material costs.

One popular option is linseed oil. Now, this isn’t a new thing; people have been using linseed oil for ages on wood and even concrete. What’s cool about it is that it’s derived from flaxseeds, so it’s a renewable resource.

It penetrates the concrete and provides a decent level of protection against moisture. You just apply it like you would with a standard sealer, usually with a roller or a brush.

The downside? Well, it’s not as durable as your commercial sealers, so you’ll need to reapply it more frequently. Oh, and make sure you’re getting the boiled linseed oil, not the raw kind, as boiled linseed oil dries faster.

Another one to consider is beeswax. Yep, you heard me, beeswax. It’s more commonly used on wood floors but can be used on concrete too. It offers a more matte finish and is pretty easy to apply.

Just melt it down and rub it in. It’s not the most durable option and doesn’t offer the same kind of protection against chemicals or heavy traffic, but for low-traffic areas, it could be a neat, natural solution.

You can also look into soy-based products. These are becoming more popular as people are leaning towards greener options. Soy-based sealers work similarly to their chemical counterparts but are usually less toxic and easier to clean up.

They’re relatively new to the market, so they might be a bit pricier than the conventional options, but they’re worth considering if you’re committed to keeping things natural.

Then there’s the ultimate DIY option, making a homemade sealer out of stuff like cornstarch or even baking soda and water. This works by creating a paste that fills in the porous surface of the concrete.

It’s not going to be anywhere near as effective as commercial products, but if you’re in a pinch and want something really, really natural, it’s an option.

Can you use vegetable oil to seal concrete?

People use vegetable oil for all sorts of things beyond cooking, but using it as a concrete sealer is a bit of a stretch. Here’s why.

See, the main goal of a sealer is to protect the surface and maybe add a bit of shine or change the texture. Vegetable oil isn’t really cut out for that job.

It’s organic, right? So it’s prone to breaking down over time, especially when it gets hit with sunlight or changing temperatures. You wouldn’t want to lay down a layer of vegetable oil only to find it’s gone rancid and started to smell, or worse, attracted a bunch of bugs.

Plus, vegetable oil isn’t going to give you the kind of protection you’d get from a proper concrete sealer. We’re talking about concrete’s arch-nemeses like water, oil, and chemicals.

A layer of vegetable oil isn’t going to put up much of a fight against those guys.

And don’t forget about safety. Floors can be slippery enough as it is, and a layer of vegetable oil is just asking for someone to take a spill.

So while I admire the out-of-the-box thinking, if you’re looking to effectively and safely seal a concrete floor, you’d be better off sticking with products designed for that purpose.

Even if you’re looking for a more natural or eco-friendly solution, there are better options out there, like linseed oil or soy-based sealers that we talked about earlier.

Is it better to seal concrete or not?

Think of concrete as a sponge, okay? It’s really porous, which means it loves to soak up whatever you throw at it, water, oil, you name it.

Now, if your concrete floor is indoors and you’re not really doing anything messier than spilling some coffee now and then, you might think, “Why bother sealing it?” But here’s the thing: even indoor concrete can suffer from moisture issues.

Ever heard of a little thing called mold? It loves moisture.

Sealing concrete sort of acts like a raincoat for your floor. It keeps all the stuff you don’t want sinking in, well, out. This is particularly important for outdoor concrete surfaces.

Think driveways, patios, and pool decks. Rain, snow, and even just morning dew can seep into unsealed concrete over time, leading to things like cracks and surface damage.

And if you live somewhere that gets really cold, that freeze-thaw cycle can do a number on unsealed concrete.

But hey, I hear you. Maybe you’re digging that natural, rustic look and you don’t mind a little wear and tear. Or maybe you’ve got an industrial space and you think a bit of roughness adds character.

Sure, unsealed concrete has an aesthetic all its own. But keep in mind, it’s going to be more maintenance in the long run. Stains will be harder to remove, and you’ll have to keep a closer eye on it for signs of damage.

Also, depending on what you’re doing with the space, an unsealed floor might not meet certain regulations. For instance, some commercial spaces require sealed floors for hygiene reasons.

So, is it better to seal concrete or not? In most cases, I’d say it’s better to seal it. The cost of sealing is usually a small price to pay for the long-term benefits you get in durability, appearance, and maintenance.