Last Updated on January 19, 2023
Concrete is an incredibly resilient material and can stand up to all kinds of wear and tear, but it is not immune to damage. One issue that can arise is white sealer, which appears when a solvent-based sealer or acrylic polymer has been applied in excess or if calcium carbonate is present.
White sealer not only looks unappealing but can cause serious damage to the concrete surface if left untreated. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to fix white sealer on concrete surfaces. In this blog post, we will discuss what white sealer is and why it occurs, as well as provide tips on how to fix it.
How to Fix Concrete Sealer Turned White: 9 Steps
If you already have white sealer appearing on your concrete surfaces then there are several steps one can take in order to fix this issue depending upon what type of product was used originally for sealing/surfacing purposes:
Determining the Type of Concrete Sealant Used
To begin fixing the issue one must first determine what type(s) of product were used previously so that they can accurately assess how best tackle removing them without causing further damage or discoloration in their attempt at doing so.
Removing Excess Sealant from Concrete Surface
Once you have correctly identified what type(s)of product was used previously then you should begin by removing any excess material still remaining on the surface by either scraping away at gently where necessary or using chemical agents (followed up by power washing if needed).
Stripping with Chemical Agents or Power Washer
If there are still traces remaining after scraping away then chemical agents may need harnessed alongside power washing in order remove all residues left behind from previous application(s).
Gently Scraping and Washing Down Affected Area
Once all residues have been removed you will then need to gently scrape away at where required followed up by washing down affected area using clean water until no further evidence remains visible indicating presence/residue left behind from previous application(s).
Applying New Concrete Sealant To Replace Damaged Portions
After completing all necessary cleaning processes you may now proceed with applying new concrete sealant onto affected area but be sure select appropriate formulating replacement product before commencing process so that relevant instructions provided by manufacturer are taken into account prior proceeding any further (e.g., temperature level etc.).
Furthermore make sure dry out entire area properly before carrying out next step which involves resealing entire portion work carried out earlier (as directed per label instructions).
Select Appropriately Formulated Replacement and Reseal Areas
Before carrying out this final step choose appropriately formulated replacement product per label instruction which may include selection specific types such as epoxy coatings/sealants for exterior purposes etcetera depending upon what type(s) were originally used previously along accompanying requirements (e.g., temperature level etc.). Once selected prepare necessary.
Prepare Surface as Directed by Manufacturer’s Instructions
Once all necessary preparations have been made ensure you follow directions provided by product manufacturer as directed per label instructions prior to application in order avoid any potential damages or discolorations.
Apply Per Label Directions, Allowing Sufficient Cure Time
Be sure apply product per label instructions and following any additional directions provided by manufacturer to ensure that entire job is properly carried out (e.g., allowing sufficient cure time for products used etcetera) so as not encounter same issue in future with potential discoloration taking place as result of not adhering correctly listed procedures outlined beforehand.
Cleanup, Disposing of Waste Properly
Finally, once job is completed make sure dispose any remaining materials properly so as not cause potential damage or health hazards those living nearby etcetera. Lastly, clean down all tools used which involved process with appropriate cleaning agent based upon their designated type before putting away and storage.
Definition of White Sealer
White sealer is a form of discoloration and chalkiness that appears on concrete surfaces due to overuse of certain products such as solvent-based sealers, acrylic polymers and calcium carbonate.
This type of discoloration can result from an excessive amount of product being applied or from other types of chemical reactions. The resulting white appearance can range from lightly covering the surface area to completely covering it.
Reasons White Sealer Occurs
Excessive Application of Solvent-Based Sealers
When too much solvent-based sealant is applied, it can cause a reaction with the calcium carbonate found in the concrete surface which causes it to form a whitish coating on the surface known as white sealer.
Overuse of Acrylic Polymers
When too much acrylic polymer is applied on top of a concrete surface or mixed into the existing sealant, it can create a whitish film on top of the concrete known as white sealer due to its high alkaline content reacting with the calcium present in the original surface.
Dissolved Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is naturally found in many materials used for sealing and surfacing concrete surfaces; however, when exposed to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals, it can dissolve into solution creating an alkaline environment that turns the finish white instead of clear or transparent.
Preventative Steps for Avoiding White Sealer
In order to avoid having your sealant turn white due to any of these reasons mentioned above, there are some simple precautions you should take before applying any product onto your concrete surface: firstly make sure not to apply too much; secondly use only recommended products; thirdly mix any added polymers properly into your existing mixture and lastly apply any product according to instructions provided by manufacturers.
Additionally, be sure to take weather conditions into account when choosing products and applying them accordingly based upon temperature levels outside at time of application so that they do not react adversely with each other or with your existing surface material.
How long does it take for the concrete sealer to fade?
Answer: Usually, the amount of time it takes for a concrete sealer to fade depends on several factors such as the type of sealer used and the amount of exposure to UV and other environmental elements. Generally speaking, an acrylic-based sealer will last from 1-3 years before fading depending on how much wear and tear it is exposed to.
A solvent-based sealer can last up to 5 years before fading begins. But in some cases, these can start showing signs of fading after just one year if exposed to extreme conditions.
How do you fix white patches?
Answer: White patches on concrete surfaces can be caused by a variety of factors including salt deposits, oxidation due to water exposure or from an oil or solvent spill reacting with the surface. To repair these, you should first scrub away any residue with a power washer or wire brush.
Then apply a surfactant cleaning solution that can penetrate into the pores of the concrete surface, this will help remove any remaining impurities and if needed you may have to re-seal the area afterwards.
If there are deep discolored areas, you may need to use a premixed patching compound and follow manufacturer instructions for proper application. If there are minor white patches, they may be able to be concealed with a stain or color matched paint.
Can you add color to the clear concrete sealer?
Answer: You cannot add color directly to a clear concrete sealer as it is not designed for that purpose and doing so could result in damage. However, there are special tinted coatings available which are designed specifically for adding color onto sealed concrete surfaces.
These products come in various colors depending on your preference and feature UV resistant pigments that won’t fade over time like regular paints would when exposed outdoors.
The tinted coating must also be applied over top of an existing clear sealer in order for it adhere properly and create a uniform finish without looking patchy or streaky.
Can a concrete sealer be buffed?
Answer: Yes, certain types of concrete sealers such as epoxy coatings can be buffed with an abrasive pad or disk sander attachment once they have been applied according to manufacturer instructions and allowed adequate time to cure completely (generally around 2 weeks).
This process helps smooth out any unevenness or inconsistencies in the finished product while also creating a glossy sheen which gives off an attractive appearance when light reflects off its surface.
Keep in mind that different kinds of coatings require different buffing techniques so always refer back to manufacturer instructions before attempting this step as improper use can lead cause damage instead of improvement.
How do you restore color to concrete?
Answer: Color restoration for concrete surfaces requires more than just applying new coats of paint as these tend not only crack over time but also lack longevity against weathering conditions like humidity and rain which tend wash away their pigments quickly.
An alternative option is using acid stains which reacts chemically with minerals present in most concretes giving them permanent hues without damaging their surface texture like painting will eventually do following prolonged exposure outdoors.
Furthermore, these stains come in various colors allowing users greater creative freedom when designing spaces using concretes stamped with vibrant shades provided by these pigment rich solutions instead of traditional paints which simply act as protective covers rather than coloring agents on themselves.
Conclusion
Tackling white sealer head-on is a great way to ensure your concrete surfaces remain safe and attractive for years to come. The first step in fixing white sealer on concrete surfaces is determining what type of concrete sealant was used originally.
Once you identify the sealant, you can then remove any excess from the surface using chemical agents or power washers and gently scrape the affected area before applying a new layer of concrete sealant with appropriate formulation to replace the damaged portions.
By following these steps, you should be able to restore your concrete surfaces back to their original condition.
