How Long Does Concrete Sealant Take to Dry?

Sealing concrete is not nearly as time consuming as applying a full epoxy coating and finish.  There is still a significant time commitment required to seal concrete, however.  A good portion of this time is spent allowing the sealant to dry.

Most sealers are dry to the touch within a few hours.  Just because your finger does not leave an imprint on the sealer does not mean it is safe to walk or drive on, however.  The length of time it takes a sealer to fully cure depends almost entirely on the type of sealer.

Silicate sealers dry very quickly.  They will look dry in as little as half an hour, but should not be walked or driven on for at least 36 hours.  Because silicate sealers are penetrating, they will continue to react with the concrete for days (or even months for certain formulas!).  Because these chemical reactions take place deep within the concrete, walking or moving equipment across the surface of the concrete will not hinder the reactions.

Topical sealers like epoxy or acrylic take a little longer to dry.  Because they remain on the surface of the concrete, it is very important that they remain undisturbed for at least 12 hours.  Light foot traffic should not harm the sealer after these 12 hours, but vehicles or other heavy machinery should not be driven on the concrete until the sealer has had at least 48 hours to harden. 

While it may be tempting to add heat or increase air movement to help concrete sealant dry faster, this is generally not recommended.  Sealers work best when they are allowed to cure between 10 and 32 degrees.  Too much heat can cause the sealer to pop and bubble, ruining the smooth surface of your concrete and creating gaps through which water and other contaminants can enter the concrete.  Penetrating sealers may evaporate in high heat, keeping them from soaking into the concrete and forming the necessary chemical bonds.

Air movement in itself is not a problem, but it generally does not have enough of an effect on the drying time of sealants to make it worthwhile.  If you do use fans or other air circulation methods, just be sure you do not cool the room or the concrete too much - cold temperatures can keep sealers from absorbing into the concrete or bonding to its surface properly. 

While concrete sealers do require time to dry, in most cases the time required is not excessive or unmanageable.  The above guidelines are a great tool for planning a project, but you should always read the manufacturer’s guidelines or speak to your installers about the exact drying times for your chosen product.  You are sealing your concrete to protect and enhance it for years to come - don’t sacrifice years of satisfaction by driving across your freshly sealed concrete a day too soon!

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