Recent Trends in Concrete Flooring: Waterproof Concrete Sealant for Glossy Surfaces
Concrete has long been a crucial substrate for indoor and outdoor spaces, in commercial, residential, and industrial constructions, both walls and flooring. Concrete is a staple material, being cost-effective and relatively simple to maintain once sealed. However, a more recent trend in concrete flooring especially involves the use of concrete not as a go-to floor for garages and basements, but as a decorative surface.
The Challenges of Decorating with Concrete
Glossy concrete has grown in popularity across modern commercial and residential buildings due to its shine and versatility in appearance, colors, and textures. However, the porous nature of concrete makes it susceptible to damage from moisture and other contaminants, especially in outdoor environments. Good sealers fix these problems, protecting the concrete while also enhancing its appearance – and different types of sealers have different effects on a concrete substrate’s appearance.
Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based Sealants for Decorative Concrete
Water-based concrete sealants are known for being eco-friendly and low-odor sealers for indoor use. They tend to give a more natural, somewhat glossy appearance to the substrate, without changing much in the way of texture. The technology of water-based sealants has come a long way in terms of outdoor use as well, rivaling even the traditional solvent-based concrete sealants.
Solvent-based sealants on the other hand typically offer better performance and durability, especially in outdoor applications, and create a very high-gloss “wet” appearance even after drying. Also, outdoor applications typically require some level of water resistance, so the typical waterproof concrete sealant will also be solvent-based. Unfortunately, solvent-based sealants also aren’t as safe or eco-friendly, and tend to be more costly.
At Gellner Industrial, we wanted to bring the advantages of water-based sealants to outdoor spaces, without losing the advantages of performance or appearance.
Ottopol WRX-40: A Waterproof Concrete Sealant for Decorative Concrete
Ottopol WRX-40 is the most recent water-based polymer developed by Gellner Industrial which can be formulated into a high-performance concrete sealer for indoor and outdoor use. However, the unique aspect of WRX-40 is that it’s a waterproof concrete sealant that is also water-based, and still rivals and in some cases outperforms common solvent-based sealers even in outdoor applications.
This anionic emulsion polymer self-crosslinks at room temperatures, creating a strong, nearly impenetrable barrier against contaminants and moisture. In addition to being very durable, WRX-40 also imparts a very glossy appearance that makes it an excellent polymer for sealants used on decorative concrete, such as the floors found in outdoor decks and floors with high-traffic from the outdoors.
Interested in learning more about Gellner Industrial’s products?
Gellner Industrial is a premiere manufacturer of water-based acrylic polymers for use in a variety of coatings, inks, and adhesives, such as Ottopol WRX-40 in waterproof concrete sealants. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to contact us for more information or to request free samples of any of our products.
