Silicate concrete sealers are better known as concrete densifiers. They penetrate into the surface of the concrete where they chemically react to form a permanent calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) barrier within the pores. As the CSH forms within the pores, the density of the concrete increases and the size of the pores decrease. There are many benefits to using a silicate densifier, including:
- Silicate concrete sealers won’t change the look or color of the concrete.
- Silicate sealers help to increase the strength of the concrete by up to 45%.
- Silicate sealers help to reduce dusting by increasing the surface strength of the concrete.
- Silicate sealers help to reduce the movement of water and moisture up through the pores of the concrete.
The two best types of silicate concrete sealers are sodium and lithium silicates. It is important to understand that all silicate sealers spark the same chemical reaction and leave behind the same CSH structure. They simply differ in how fast they achieve the CSH formation on various concrete surfaces.
| Sodium Silicate | Lithium Silicate |
| Forms CSH in the pores | Forms CSH in the pores |
| Permanent | Permanent |
| Large molecule size | Small molecule size |
| Slow-acting | Fast-acting |
| Great for porous concrete | Great for dense concrete |
| Increases strength of concrete | Increases strength of concrete |
| Reduces concrete dusting | Reduces concrete dusting |
Top Silicate Sealers:
- Armor S2000: Concentrated sodium silicate sealer with an average 4.8 star review across all networks.
- Armor L3000: Concentrated lithium silicate sealer with an average 4.8 star review across all networks.
How to Apply a Sodium Silicate Concrete Sealer
The following information is on how to apply the Armor S2000 silicate concrete sealer. If you are using a different silicate sealer, it is best to check withe the manufacturer on the best way to apply their silicate concrete sealer. It is also important to check the most up to date Technical Data Sheet to make sure sealer application information is correct.
Preparation
Protect all people, property, and plants in case splash and wind drift could occur. Do not apply to any surface that is dirty, frozen, or heavily saturated or flooded with water. Surface must be clean and free of all debris, dry, and absorbent. Mist water in a small area to test the surface for absorbency. Any surface to be treated should uniformly wet out. If the surface to be treated does not wet out uniformly, it is then recommended to prepare the surface mechanically to remove any remaining surface contaminants.
Application
New (Uncured) Concrete: It is not traditionally recommended to apply Armor S2000 to concrete earlier than 7 days. If this application is necessary, ensure the removal of all soft cut saw debris prior to application. Apply after final troweling at a rate of 300-400 sq. ft. per gallon using an commercial grade pump sprayer with a 0.3-0.5 gal./min. cone tip, lint free mop, or soft bristle push broom. Ensure floor saturation, removing any puddle areas with a soft bristle push broom or mop. Apply more Armor S2000 to areas that appear to be more porous and are absorbing the material more. If excess Armor S2000 is allowed to dry on the concrete surface, a white residue may form and can only be removed by mechanical means such as sanding or grinding process.
Existing Concrete: Apply at a rate of 200-300 sq. ft. per gallon using an commercial grade pump sprayer with a 0.3-0.5 gal./min. cone tip. Ensure floor saturation, removing any puddle areas with a soft bristle push broom. Apply more Armor S2000 to areas that appear to be more porous and are absorbing the material more. Rework any excess material with a soft bristle broom. If excess Armor S2000 is allowed to dry on the concrete surface, a white residue may form and can only be removed by mechanical means such as sanding or grinding process.
Polished Concrete: After completing the 400 grit stage of polishing, apply a uniform coat of Armor S2000 at a rate of 200-300 sq. ft. per gallon using an commercial grade pump sprayer with a 0.3-0.5 gal./min. cone tip, lint free mop, or soft bristle push broom, ensuring floor saturation. Do not allow to puddle. If excess Armor S2000 is allowed to dry on the concrete surface, a white residue may form and can only be removed by mechanical means such as sanding or grinding process. Follow through with additional polishing steps until desired appearance is achieved. Additional applications of Armor S2000 can be added at any stage before the final polishing phase is done if necessary at a rate of 200-300 sq. ft. per gallon. Remove any excess residue with polishing diamonds or polishing pads. Flushing with water is not necessary. Note: For softer concrete an initial application of Armor S2000 can be applied after the 80 grit stage prior to the standard polishing steps to achieve a harder surface.
Clean-Up
Use warm water and soap. Dispose of containers in accordance with local and federal regulations.
Product Removal
Once the Calcium Silicate Structure (CSH) has hardened within the pores it can’t be removed unless the concrete itself is removed.
How to Apply a Lithium Silicate Concrete Sealer
The following information is on how to apply the Armor L3000 silicate concrete sealer. If you are using a different silicate sealer, it is best to check with the manufacturer on the best way to apply their silicate concrete sealer. It is also important to check the most up to date Technical Data Sheet to make sure sealer application information is correct.
Preparation
Protect all people, property, and plants in case splash and wind drift could occur. Do not apply to any surface that is dirty, frozen, or heavily saturated or flooded with water. Surface must be clean and free of all debris, dry, and absorbent. Mist water in a small area to test the surface for absorbency. Any surface to be treated should uniformly wet out. If the surface to be treated does not wet out uniformly, it is then recommended to prepare the surface mechanically to remove any remaining surface contaminants.
Application
New (Uncured) Concrete: It is not traditionally recommended to apply Armor L3000 to concrete earlier than 7 days. If this application is necessary, ensure the removal of all soft cut saw debris prior to application. Apply after final troweling at a rate of 300-400 sq. ft. per gallon using a commercial grade pump sprayer with a 0.3-0.5 gal./min. cone tip, lint free mop, or soft bristle push broom. Ensure floor saturation, removing any puddle areas with a soft bristle push broom or mop. Apply more Armor L3000 to areas that appear to be more porous and are absorbing the material more. If excess Armor L3000 is allowed to dry on the concrete surface, a white residue may form and can only be removed by mechanical means such as sanding or grinding process.
Existing Concrete: Apply at a rate of 200-300 sq. ft. per gallon using a commercial grade pump sprayer with a 0.3-0.5 gal./min. cone tip. Ensure floor saturation, removing any puddle areas with a soft bristle push broom. Apply more Armor L3000 to areas that appear to be more porous and are absorbing the material more. Rework any excess material with a soft bristle broom. If excess Armor L3000 is allowed to dry on the concrete surface, a white residue may form and can only be removed by mechanical means such as sanding or grinding process.
Polished Concrete: After completing the 400 grit stage of polishing, apply a uniform coat of Armor L3000 at a rate of 200-300 sq. ft. per gallon using a commercial grade pump sprayer with a 0.3-0.5 gal./min. cone tip, lint free mop, or soft bristle push broom, ensuring floor saturation. Do not allow to puddle. If excess Armor L3000 is allowed to dry on the concrete surface, a white residue may form and can only be removed by mechanical means such as sanding or grinding process. Follow through with additional polishing steps until desired appearance is achieved. Additional applications of Armor L3000 can be added at any stage before the final polishing phase is done if necessary at a rate of 200-300 sq. ft. per gallon. Remove any excess residue with polishing diamonds or polishing pads. Flushing with water is not necessary. Note: For softer concrete an initial application of Armor L3000 can be applied after the 80 grit stage prior to the standard polishing steps to achieve a harder surface.
Clean-Up
Use warm water and soap. Dispose of containers in accordance with local and federal regulations.
Product Removal
Once the Calcium Silicate Structure (CSH) has hardened within the pores it can not be removed unless the concrete itself is removed.
