Ever walked across your driveway and noticed those fine cracks starting to appear? Or watched your once pristine patio slowly fade to a dull, patchy grey? Concrete takes a beating from Perth’s harsh sun, seasonal rains and just general daily use. Without proper protection, what starts as minor surface wear can quickly become expensive structural damage.
Sealing your concrete creates a protective barrier that shields against water penetration, oil stains, UV damage and everyday grime. More importantly though, it saves you money. A professionally sealed surfacecan last decades with minimal maintenance, while unsealed concrete often needs repairs or replacement within just a few years.
Two Types of Sealers, But Which One Do You Need?
Understanding your options makes all the difference. Penetrating sealers work below the surface, soaking deep into the concrete to provide internal protection without changing the appearance. Topical sealers form a protective layer on top, offering a glossy or matte finish while creating a moisture barrier.
Your choice depends on the surface type, the location and foot traffic. Driveways and pathways typically benefit from penetrating sealers that won’t wear away from tyres and shoes. Decorative concrete around pools or entertainment areas often looks best with topical sealers that enhance colour and create that polished look.
Surface Preparation Is Essential!
The difference between a sealer that lasts five years versus one that peels within months is the preparation that goes into it. Any dirt, grease or debris that is left on the surface prevents proper bonding. This is where professional pressure washing becomes essential. We regularly see DIY sealing jobs fail because the surface wasn’t properly cleaned first.
Pressure washing removes built-up grime, oil residue and contaminants that regular hosing simply can’t touch. The surface needs to be completely clean and fully dry before sealing begins. Trapped moisture leads to bubbling, peeling, and premature failure.
Check for cracks and chips before you seal. These should be repaired first. A smooth, clean base ensures even adhesion and long-term protection.
Choosing the Right Sealer
Not all sealers perform equally under our conditions. Acrylic sealers work well for decorative concrete, enhancing colour and providing a glossy finish. However, they may require more frequent reapplication in high traffic areas.
Polyurethane and epoxy sealers offer superior resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and moisture. These are your best options for driveways, garages and commercial spaces that cop heavy use.
Perth’s intense UV exposure and temperature swings demand careful product selection. UV resistant formulations prevent yellowing and breakdown. Penetrating sealers often outperform topical options in our climate, providing protection that doesn’t rely on a surface film that can degrade under constant sun exposure.
Always follow manufacturer specifications for application thickness, number of coats and for drying times as cutting corners here compromises the entire job.
Don’t Make These Common Mistakes
Even experienced DIYers can compromise their sealing results with these frequent errors:
1. Over-application
Applying too much sealer ranks as the most frequent mistake. More doesn’t mean better protection. Excess product creates a sticky, cloudy finish that never fully cures properly.
2. Skipping proper cleaning
Any dirt sealed underneath remains visible and prevents proper adhesion. This is why professional pressure washing before sealing delivers such dramatically better outcomes.
3. Rushing between coats
Applying additional coats before the previous layer has dried prevents proper curing and reduces overall durability. Wait the full recommended time between coats.
4. Neglecting ongoing maintenance
Sealed concrete still needs regular cleaning. Most sealers require reapplication every two to five years depending on traffic and exposure. Stay ahead of wear and your concrete will last significantly longer.
And Why Professional Sealing Delivers Better Results
Professional concrete sealing combines proper pressure washing, surface preparation, product selection and application expertise. We understand which sealers perform best under local conditions, while our commercial grade products and equipment provide more durable, longer-lasting protection than retail options. Proper timing and technique matter more than most property owners realise, and we know when conditions are right for application and how to achieve even coverage without streaks or thin spots.
Our pressure washing services restore your surfaces to optimal condition before sealing, and our sealing process protects your investment for years to come. Whether you need driveway restoration, patio sealing or pool area protection, we deliver professional results that extend the life of your concrete surfaces.