How to Re-Seal Imprinted Patterned Concrete

Imprinted Patterned Concrete (IPC) or stamped concrete, is a popular, cost-effective, and low maintenance alternative to block paving. A technique used as far back as the Roman Empire, it involves pressing stencils into wet cement to resemble individual tiles or other materials. It is very widely used and can be found on driveways, high streets, patios, decks, and even interior floors.

While the finish is very durable, stamped concrete will sometimes require re-sealing to replace a peeling seal due to wear and tear or freeze-thaw cycles.

 

AdSeal Imprinted Concrete Sealer

Fortunately there is a simple solution to resealing Imprinted Patterned Concrete using AdSeal Imprinted Concrete Sealer, suitable for driveways, forecourts and car parks, paving and pedestrian areas, hotels, golf clubs, and more.

AdSeal Imprinted Concrete Sealer used on imprinted concrete at McDonald’s Leeds.

 

The sealer maintains and could even increase performance life of surfaces, as it virtually eliminates grass and weed growth in any joints and reduces routine maintenance. This can yield significant ‘whole life’ cost savings. Its unique formulation makes it easy to apply and achieve an even, uniform, and seamless finish with increased impact and abrasion resistance.

AdeSeal is a family owned and run company with over 45 years’ experience and expertise, trusted by the trade, architects, and surveyors. They have become the UK brand leading manufacturer in paving and flooring sealers, and have earned an enviable reputation for quality, service, and value for money.

Step 1 – Preparing the Surface

It is important to undertake a representative test area to ensure that the product is suitable for your requirements prior to commencement of the project and assessed for final appearance, chemical resistance, and wet/dry slip resistance. This is particularly important where the surface has previously been sealed.

Surfaces should be clean, dry & free from oil, grease, dust, laitance, and any other deleterious materials. Then, if necessary, the surface can be cleaned with Adseal Surface Cleaner. This cleaner can also be used to clean the finished coating. Spray onto the area and wipe with a brush, mop, or sponge. For heavily soiled areas, agitate and leave to work for a few minutes before rinsing.  Ensure that the surface to be treated is completely dry before moving on.

 

Step 2 – Colour Pigment

For old and fading coloured concrete, AdSeal Colour Pigment can be added – from a slight tint to full obstruction depending on the amount – to restore the original colour of the concrete. This can make a good alternative to painting concrete driveways.

To get an indication of how a surface will look when sealed, look at it when wet as this will be the colour of the final finish. If this is suitable, then a tint is not necessary.

Often all that is needed is a tint. To find the right colour when tinting, simply choose the darkest colour used on the paving when installed, which can usually be found at the joints. If you are going for an opaque finish, then choose the main colour of the paving.  AdSeal Colour Pigments are available in 6 standard colours to match all kinds of concrete.

To tint apply only a small amount to the resin sealer and stir thoroughly, then test in a discreet area and check the colour when dry. If more colour is required, repeat the process. Complete obstruction can be achieved using the entire pack to a 25L pail of sealer. ALWAYS start off with a small amount before adding more – you can add it in, but you can’t take it back out!

Stir frequently during use. If there are a few badly faded patches, these can be touched up first with a brush and tinted resin before applying a coat over the whole area.

Step 3 – Low Slip Additive

As freshly sealed surfaces can be very slippery, we strongly recommend the use of AdSeal Low-Slip Additive. This is a clear granular material which can be mixed into the sealer prior to use.

Use one pack of low slip additive per 25 litre can of sealer. The additive is designed to be invisible when mixed correctly. Too much and it will show, so resist the temptation to use more than is recommended.

Step 4 – Application

Application should ideally be by an airless sprayer designed for solvent-based products such as the AdSeal Compact Sprayer, an ideal starter sprayer for the contractor or for the DIYer. Resin will clog and damage an ordinary garden sprayer, however the AdSeal Compact Sprayer has ‘Viton’ seals and solvent resistant hoses which allow for use with resin products.

Application by brush or roller is also suitable.

During application, care should be taken to protect adjacent areas and equipment from overspray. Shake can thoroughly before opening. The product is supplied ready to use and should not be diluted.

We recommend a 2-coat application to give an even coating. The AdSeal Compact Sprayer is the preferred method of application for both coats.

Application Tips

During application of the first coat, a stiff brush must be used in small circular motions. Work the sealer into the pores of the concrete to ensure proper penetration. Be careful not to allow any puddles or bubbles to form in the imprinted joints. This could adversely affect the curing. A second coat can be applied with the sprayer without the need of the stiff brush. Alternatively, a long-haired roller can be used for application – do not use foam rollers!

Apply first coat at 45 degrees to the surface. The second coat can be a ‘tight’ coat applied at 90 degrees to the first. This coat will even out any uneven brush strokes or other blemishes in the finish. Don’t apply the liquid too thickly as this can cause poor adhesion.  Make sure to replace the lid on container as soon as possible as air and moisture will cause it to cure.

Tools can be cleaned using AdSeal Solvent. Under normal conditions, the surface will be touch dry within 1 – 2 hours. It may be lightly trafficked after 24 hours, making for a quick turnaround time and high efficiency.

 

Step 5 – Maintenance

Imprinted concrete surfaces sealed with AdSeal Imprinted Concrete Sealer are very low maintenance. To keep the concrete at its best, sweep regularly to remove abrasive dirt and grit from the surface. Rinse down weekly using mild detergent if required. Spills and marks should be wiped up as soon as possible and not allowed to dry on.  Heavy stains can be removed using AdSeal Surface Cleaner.

 

Should signs of wear appear, a maintenance coat of sealer can be applied. Clean and thoroughly dry surface to be treated. Apply single ‘tight’ coat which will cross link into earlier coats, so there is no need to strip unless there is resin build up or blemishes are an issue.

Posted: 23rd September 2022 | Updated: 10th September 2024