Floors are a crucial component of any structure. They bear the brunt of daily activities and are exposed to various elements. Over time, the material can wear down, become stained, or get damaged. Sealing your floor is an excellent solution for protecting the surface and keeping it in good condition for longer.

Whether you’re installing timber flooring, laying vinyl planks, securing carpet tiles, or fixing ceramic tiles, you can buy easily applicable flooring sealants to create strong and durable bonds. They’re protective coatings applied to floors and play a big role in maintaining the structural integrity and appearance of the surface. To get the most out of using a sealant, it’s important to choose the right one for your floor. 

There are three main types of floors – porous, made from materials like stone or concrete; non-porous, made from glass or metal; and semi-porous made from wood or laminate. The first ones absorb liquids, the second ones don’t, and the third ones absorb some liquids, but not others. Now, let’s move to the different types of sealants and how you can find the one that suits your floor the most.

Different Types of Floor Sealants

Acrylic

It’s a surface sealant that’s long-lasting and durable. It’s typically applied as a protective layer to resist water and other substances from entering the surface and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Penetrating

Based on the name itself, this type of sealer penetrates the floor. It creates a chemical barrier between the floor and the surrounding environment and is most often used on new or recently installed floors. It provides protection, but it doesn’t change the look of the surface. A penetrating sealer is an excellent solution for natural stone tiles like marble, granite, and slate.

Polyurethane

This is a penetrating sealant as well, which forms a protective film on the surface twice as thick as an acrylic sealer. It can be water- or solvent-based with a glossy or matte finish and can be used for maintaining the timeless appeal of timber floors.

Epoxy

Epoxy floor sealants are specifically designed for concrete floors and are most commonly used on concrete floors in high-traffic areas. These sealants create a hard, durable surface that resists abrasion, chemicals, oil stains, and moisture, making them ideal for environments that demand longevity and easy maintenance. In addition to their functional benefits, epoxy coatings are available in a variety of colours and finishes, allowing for aesthetic customisation to suit the space.

The Benefits They Offer

Protection

They block water and other liquids from seeping into the floor and create a barrier against moisture, stains, chemicals, and abrasion, preventing damage and saving you from costly repairs. By reducing moisture absorption, they help inhibit mould growth, especially in damp areas.

Enhanced Look

The right sealant can instantly boost the look of the flooring material and highlight its features. To enhance the floor’s colour, you can opt for a gloss finish, but if you want to accentuate its natural appearance, you can go for a matte or satin finish.

Durability

This is particularly important for high-traffic areas where the floor is a subject of frequent use. Applying flooring adhesives creates a strong surface that can survive a lot of use and resist scratches, chips, and abrasions.

Easy Maintenance

The sealant prevents dirt and grime from penetrating the surface, making sealed floors easier to clean and maintain. Spills, dust, and debris can be quickly wiped or swept away without leaving stains or residue. This not only reduces the time and effort needed for regular upkeep but also helps maintain a cleaner, more hygienic environment. Over time, this ease of maintenance can contribute to lower cleaning costs and extend the lifespan of the flooring.

A Few Tips on How to Apply a Floor Sealant

Whether you’re a professional or DIY enthusiast, applying the sealant properly is key to getting the desired results. The first and most important thing is to choose a sealant that matches your floor type and the level of protection needed. Once you have it sorted out, prepare the floor. Clean it thoroughly by removing all dust, dirt, grease, and stains, and make sure it’s completely dry before applying the sealant.

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools at hand, such as notched trowels, rollers, brushes, mixing containers, and protective equipment, including gloves and eye protection. Start with testing the sealant on a small, inconspicuous area. Put a small amount of sealant on it to ensure it doesn’t discolour or damage the floor material. 

Apply thin, even coats of sealant across the entire surface using a trowel and notch size as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the sealant dry completely and apply an extra coat (or more) for added protection, allowing drying time between each. 

Maintain your floor; clean it regularly with non-abrasive products and reapply sealant as needed. There are no strict rules on how often you should reseal your floor; it depends on the floor type and traffic. To stay on the safe side, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re refreshing old floors or finishing new ones, flooring sealants are an excellent addition to the process. They protect the look and feel of the surface and allow you to enjoy clean and durable floors for a long time.