When you decide it’s time for a concrete floor recoating, the main element you’re looking for is permanence. This is a job that should stand the test of time, solidifying the foundation of your home for generations. But to achieve this, you must stick the landing by applying either concrete sealers or an epoxy coating. 

At Golden Concrete Resurfacing, we’re committed not just to completing a job, but to making it one you’ll be proud of for years. If you’re debating whether concrete sealers or epoxy coatings would be more appropriate for your surface, hopefully exploring their unique properties and differences will provide some clarity. 

What Are Concrete Sealers? 

Concrete sealers are applied to the concrete’s surface as a layer of protection from water, staining, and freezing/thawing damage. Concrete sealers are either clear or tinted, and they’ll generally last for several years before a new coating is needed. 

Concrete sealers are best for surfaces that are most exposed to the elements and potential water damage. They add another layer of protection to your concrete surfaces, making them advisable in these susceptible areas. In the winter, sealers combat freezing temperatures that threaten to break concrete surfaces over time. Additionally, concrete sealers can provide an aesthetic enhancement, gifting your surfaces with an attractive sheen. 

Make sure you check the weather report before you do apply concrete sealant to your surfaces. Put off the job if it’s cold or if there’s rain in the forecast; the temperature needs to stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit while the concrete dries, which could take up to three days.

What Are Epoxy Coatings? 

Epoxy coatings serve the same basic functions as concrete sealers, but they’re thicker and more durable. They're ideal for surfaces that see a lot of daily tread and wear, such as garage floors and driveways.  

Thanks to their thickness, epoxy coatings provide more protection than concrete sealers when dealing with high-maintenance damage, such as chemical burns, grease stains and spilt oil. You can safely coat new and old concrete surfaces alike, whereas you should wait a month before applying concrete sealers to fresh concrete. And epoxy coatings provide you with more cosmetic liberties, as you can use them to create different designs on your surface. 

So, Which Option Is Right for Me? 

To answer the question that’s been lingering in your mind: no, it’s not advisable to use both. Epoxy should not be applied to a surface that’s already been treated with a sealer unless you remove the sealer first. Nice try though. 

The right choice will, of course, boil down to your situation. If you’re resurfacing an uncovered outdoor area – especially if it’s exposed to the freezing conditions the Lehigh Valley regularly experiences during the winter – concrete sealers are probably the way to go. Because epoxy has low elasticity, it’s not able to absorb significant cracks in the concrete after it’s settled – making it a risky proposition for surfaces susceptible to freezing.  

Epoxy, meanwhile, is generally a bit more expensive, but offers better protection. This makes it the preferred choice for indoor surfaces or covered outdoor areas like patios or gazebos. It can fight off aggressive blemishes such as chemical damage and can be applied immediately after your resurfacing. Epoxy also offers more decorative flexibility than concrete sealers. Lastly, it will last longer than concrete sealers; epoxy usually enjoys a longevity of between 10 and 20 years, as opposed to approximately five years for concrete sealers. 

Consult a Professional Today 

Regardless of your situation, there’s no reason to reach a decision without getting a professional set of eyes to weigh in first. Contact Golden Concrete Resurfacing today to get your free quote. We’ll assess the job and give you our expert take on the best course of action. 

How you choose to safeguard your concrete surfaces ultimately comes down to you. Whatever method you opt for, our mission stays the same at Golden Concrete: to provide you with a sturdy, beautiful foundation that will support you for years to come.