[One Tough Pressure]

Tip: The concrete facts on flooring


By William R. Griffin
One of the benefits and advantages of concrete is that a wide range of products can be used to seal, finish or coat the surface.

Exactly which product to use should be dictated by surface texture, budget, and intended use for the area.

For example, after sealing and or finishing, a simple cleaning program may be all that is needed for several years for a warehouse floor with light use conditions.

For such use, the floor may be sealed with a water or solvent based penetrating sealer or finish of one type or another.

Two common types are silicate or silicone dressings. Other materials are also available from specialty suppliers.

Regardless of the product used, it is important to closely follow the product manufacturer’s application and maintenance instructions.

If a floor’s intended use requires more elaborate protection, a maintenance supplier that specializes in concrete coatings should be consulted to determine which type of seal/coating is best suited for the floor’s long-term use.

Concrete that has been sealed can then be coated with any compatible product, including a buffable floor finish or natural wax and then polished or burnished to maintain a high shine or luster, if desired.

In other locations, again depending on use conditions, a topical epoxy, paint or other coating may be applied to the surface.

Wm R. Griffin is president of Seattle-based Cleaning Consultant Services, Inc.