Concrete sealers are often used in large amounts in order to cover a large surface area. Because of this, customers end up having unused or partially used cans lying around. But how long will they last while in the can?
Unopened concrete sealers will last up to around 12 months from the date of manufacture. If it’s been opened, it should be used up within 1-3 months. To maximize shelf life, the cap should be properly closed and the container should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
There are other factors that may affect the shelf life and longevity of concrete sealers, so read on to learn more.
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How Long Does Concrete Sealer Last?
Sealing large surface areas of concrete requires at least two or three cans to ensure even coverage. For this reason, many manufacturers recommend buying an extra container because it’s critical not to run out of sealer in the middle of your application. Doing so can result in not just uneven coverage but also variance in color.
When customers do buy extra cans of concrete sealer, they are almost always left with leftover sealers whether opened or unopened. As a general rule of thumb, opened cans of sealer should be used up within 1-3 months for the best results though they may last longer depending on its type or if the manufacturer says so. Acrylic concrete sealers last the longest in the can; others not so though it’s highly dependent on formulation and storage.
Here’s a guide to the various types of concrete sealers and their shelf life, from the date of manufacture:
Type of Concrete Sealant | Shelf Life in Unopened Can |
|---|---|
Acrylic | Up to 2 years |
Water based | Up to 2 years |
Solvent based | Up to 1 year |
Penetrating | Up to 1 year |
Silicone / silicate / silane | Up to 1 year |
Polyurethane | Up to 2 years |
Epoxy | Up to 2 years |
Polyaspartic | Up to 1 year |
Proper Storage
It’s critical to think about the proper storage for concrete sealers because this will have a significant impact on its shelf life, as well as its lifespan and quality when used:
- 1Avoid all types of foreign contaminants; the best way to ensure this is to close the lid tightly and properly before storage. Don’t pour sealer back into its container if you have already used some of it unless you strain it first.
- 2Keep the sealer in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The room should be temperature-controlled.
- 3Don’t allow the sealer to be exposed to heating or freezing. Once it has been exposed to hot and cold elements, this renders it unusable.
The same rules apply for opened and unopened cans.Â
Most importantly, while there are general rules for how long certain types of concrete sealers last while in the can, the most accurate way to check is by reading the label and what the manufacturer says about the specific sealer’s shelf expiry or use-by date.
How Long Does Concrete Sealer Last after Application?
There are many things that affect the longevity of sealer after application. First is its quality; higher percent solids are usually better quality concrete sealers that ensure it will last from 5 to 10 years. Low quality solids last from 6 months to 2 years.Â
Second, it’s important to consider the how well the surface was prepared as well as its condition upon application of the sealer. Surface preparation is critical to ensuring the sealer lasts a long time. Properly cleaning and drying the concrete surface will lead to better sealant adhesion, thus improving durability while its condition, or the presence of any deterioration, will have the same impact.Â
Last but not least, the method of application you use can have a small but ample impact on durability and how long concrete sealer takes to wear off. Experts recommend using a sprayer for the first coat, and succeeding coats should be applied with a roller.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if concrete sealer has expired?
If concrete sealer in a can looks like it has been separated, or is clumpy and thick, it’s most likely expired. In addition, the sealer will expire when the lid has been kept off, or it has been exposed to heat, sunlight, the cold, or all of these.
How long does stamped concrete sealer last?
Stamped concrete sealer is available in either water-based or solvent-based acrylic, in its most common form. They can last up to 2 years from the date of manufacturer for as long as it’s been kept in proper storage conditions: in a cool, dry place; away from exposure to direct sunlight, freezing or heating temperatures.
How long does tinted concrete sealer last?
The shelf life of tinted concrete sealers in the can depends on its base. If it’s acrylic, water based, polyurethane, or epoxy, it can last up to 2 years; if it’s penetrating, silicone/silicate/silane, or solvent-based, it can last up to a year.
However, you have to keep in mind its storage conditions. Exposing tinted concrete sealer to freezing or heated temperatures as well as direct sunlight can dramatically shorten its shelf life.
How long does Valspar concrete sealer last?
Valspar Concrete Sealer is an oil based sealer that will last up to one year from manufacture date in an unopened can.
How long does Eagle concrete sealer last?
Eagle Concrete Sealer is a solvent based formulation; it lasts around one year in the can when unopened.