Aliphatic Polyurethane Sealers: Features and Benefits
Aliphatic urethane Sealers are applied over acrylic or epoxy primers for protection from UV light and staining. They impart abrasion resistance to the concrete surface. Polyurethane sealers are one of the four types of concrete sealers commonly used, the other three being acrylics, epoxies and penetrating sealers like silicates and silanes.
What you can expect from your polyurethane concrete
Polyurethane concrete is not only a smart choice for both indoor and outdoor applications, it is also environment friendly. Polyurethane itself is an organic compound, making polyurethane sealers a “green choice”. They also account for higher resistance to and better protection from, chemicals, abrasions and other damages, making polyurethane concrete more durable and better-looking.
- Polyurethane sealers are harder than acrylic sealers (about twice as thick as acrylic) and hence, account for a better mileage. This makes maintenance requirements of polyurethane sealers very low.
- They are UV stable (hence suited for outdoor applications as well) and provide a superior quality, non-yellowing, transparent finish of high durability.
- They have color enhancing properties and are themselves available in a large range of sheen levels.
- Polyurethane sealers are comparatively easy to apply.
- They are completely impermeable, like epoxy sealers, but more scratch resistant and less costly than the latter.
Aliphatic Polyurethane sealers are available in two types – a) solvent based sealants that enhance the color of the concrete slab, and, b) water based sealants that offer a “natural” finish (may deepen color slightly). Solvent based polyurethane sealers are associated with a high gloss finish where as the water based variety produce a matte finish.
Applications of polyurethane topcoats
Concrete establishments that need superior protection from oil, water, abrasion, chemicals and other damaging materials can use polyurethane concrete and to great effects. They make an excellent choice for floors and counter-tops of the average home as well as commercial establishments.
Polyurethane sealers work well in high-traffic floors, providing functional benefits due to their high resistance to staining and scuffing. It also adds to the aesthetic appeal of decorative concrete like stamp overlays, colored or exposed concrete, spray textures and exposed concrete that need UV protection to prevent color from fading. Their impermeability makes them highly durable and provides resistance to largely all types of food stains. Many restaurants and breweries sport polyurethane concrete for these reasons.
Using polyurethane sealer on concrete at home
Care must be taken to ensure the concrete slab is free of moisture and completely dry at the time of sealer application. This is because polyurethane needs to cure first, before it can impart impermeability to the concrete slab.
Please CLICK HERE to watch the application of water based epoxy primer followed by water based polyurethane topcoat.
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