It is best to apply sealer on a day with moderate temperatures and no rain in the forecast.

The sealer typically becomes dry to the touch within 15 minutes and requires up to 24 hours to fully cure. Light rain after the surface has dried is usually not a problem. Moderate rain a few hours after application is often tolerable.

However, heavy rain within the first 24 hours may affect the finish and cause a cloudy or hazy appearance.

If this occurs, the issue can usually be corrected with a light application of xylene, as described above.

ProxSeal 180 was our original high-gloss sealer and remains a reliable choice for stamped concrete and exposed aggregate. It contains approximately 21% solids (resin) by weight.

ProxSeal 185 was later developed with a higher solids content of 25%. A higher solids content provides a thicker film, similar to applying a heavier coat.

ProxSeal 185 is particularly well-suited for interlocking brick and paving stones, which are more porous and may otherwise require multiple coats. Many customers also prefer it for exposed aggregate. ProxSeal 180 is still recommended for stamped concrete.

Our sealer is designed for both spraying and rolling. Spraying is considered best practice and is preferred by most contractors.

However, for homeowners who seal their surfaces every few years and prefer not to invest in spraying equipment, rolling is a suitable alternative. Keep in mind that rolling may result in slightly higher material usage, as it is more difficult to control the application rate.

A high-gloss sealer can make concrete more slippery, particularly on stamped surfaces and when wet.

To reduce slipperiness, an anti-slip additive can be added to the sealer. Products such as Shark Grip can be mixed directly into the sealer before application.

A cloudy or white haze is typically caused by moisture trapped between the concrete surface and the sealer. This moisture can lead to delamination, which creates the hazy appearance.

Common causes include:

• The surface was not completely dry before sealing
• Rain occurred shortly after application
• Moisture is present within or beneath the surface

This is especially common with interlocking or paving stones, where moisture may come from polymeric sand or from below the surface, particularly after pressure washing.

In most cases, this can be corrected by applying a light spray of xylene. This will temporarily re-liquefy the sealer and allow it to properly re-bond to the surface.

Bubbling on a sealed surface can occur when concrete is sealed on a hot day, especially under direct sunlight. This issue is most common with stamped concrete.

When the surface temperature is too high, the sealer dries too quickly. A thin film can form on the surface while liquid sealer remains trapped underneath. As the trapped solvents try to evaporate, they cannot escape properly, which results in bubbles forming. Applying a heavy coat can make the problem worse.

In most cases, this issue can be corrected by applying a light spray of xylene over the surface. The xylene will temporarily re-liquefy the sealer, allowing the bubbles to collapse.