Do concrete countertops need to be sealed
Yes!
Concrete is a porous material. This is the reason why concrete countertops should always be sealed to protect them from stains, scratches and liquid absorption. Sealers not only protect the surface, they also enhance the color and pattern of concrete.
Types of sealer:
There are two types of sealer used in the industry today - topical and penetrating sealers.
The topical sealers form a hard layer on top of the concrete. The most popular/used topical sealers right now are polyurethane based hybrids. They are characterized with high scratch resistance and are more hard wearing than penetrating sealers.
The penetrating sealers soak deep into the concrete. They are usually being applied in more than four layers. The more the better.
Which is the ideal sealer:
It does not exist.
Do concrete countertops have to be resealed?
Yes! The sealer does wear off and has to be resealed every 1 to 3 years. The exact period will depend on the usage and the recommendation of your contractor. Waxing the countertops monthly after they’ve been sealed is not usually a requirement for stain free concrete, but for those who want to make sure, it is a must.
What are the worst enemies of concrete countertops?
Vinegar and lemon juice. They are able to actually etch the concrete surface which is much worst than staining. Any strong colour liquids like red wine, beetroot, orange juice etc. In general if you clean up reasonably quickly nothing will hurt you concrete worktops.
