DIY guideDriveway and walks

Seal concrete floors, walks and steps

Clean the concrete, let it dry right through, and roll on a thin coat of sealer: a basement floor, a garage slab or the walks and steps.

8 steps

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Sprinkle water on the concrete. If it darkens and soaks in fast, it's ready for sealer; if it beads up, the last coat still works.
Indoors, a water-based sealer made for floors. Outside, one made for walks and steps that won't turn slippery.
Move everything off, sweep, scrub oil spots with degreaser and rinse. Fill thin cracks first.
Wait until it's dry all the way through, often a day or two, in mild weather with no rain coming.
Indoors, open the windows and run a fan. Tape off the walls and doors, and cover plants outside.
Wear gloves and eye protection, and keep the fumes moving outside.
Pour a little, roll it thin and even, and work toward the way out so you never step in it.
Keep feet off for as long as the can says, and cars off for longer.
Water coming up through a basement floor, or concrete flaking and crumbling: ask Handyman for a concrete pro.

Handyman says: Don't seal over it. I'll find a concrete pro.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.