Whitening, also known as “blushing,” can occur when applying a water-based acrylic sealer to concrete surfaces. This issue typically arises due to moisture trapped beneath the sealer, causing a cloudy or milky appearance.

To solve this problem, you can follow these steps:

1. Assess the conditions: Check the weather and ensure that you are applying the sealer under favourable conditions. Avoid applying the sealer in high humidity, extremely cold temperatures, or when rain is imminent. These conditions can contribute to moisture-related problems.
2. Remove the existing sealer: If there is already a sealer on the concrete, you may need to remove it before proceeding. Use a suitable sealer stripper or a concrete etching solution to strip away the previous sealer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and removal.
3. Clean the concrete surface: Thoroughly clean the concrete surface to remove any dirt, dust, or contaminants. Use a pressure washer or scrub the area with a concrete cleaner and a stiff brush. Rinse off the cleaning solution and allow the concrete to dry completely before applying the sealer.
4. Test a small area: Before applying the sealer to the entire surface, it’s wise to perform a test application in a small, inconspicuous area. This allows you to evaluate the potential outcome and observe any whitening or other issues that may arise.
5. Apply sealer in thin coats: When applying the sealer, make sure to use thin, even coats. Avoid applying a thick layer as it can trap moisture and lead to whitening. If necessary, apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
6. Ensure proper drying and curing: Allow the sealer to dry and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves keeping the surface free from foot traffic and water for a specified period. Adequate drying and curing help prevent moisture entrapment and minimize the risk of whitening.
7. Evaluate the results: After the sealer has dried and cured, inspect the surface for any signs of whitening. If whitening is still present, you may need to remove the sealer and reapply it using the steps mentioned above. Alternatively, you can consult with a professional in the concrete sealing industry for further advice and assistance.

Remember, it’s crucial to read the documentation, correctly analyse the associated conditions and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific sealer you are using, as different products may have unique application requirements.

Barefoot Concrete supplies high-quality, concentrated, eco-friendly products to the concrete and natural stone sealing industry that are safe without compromising on quality, performance and durability.

The two main advantages are that the products are concentrated, so you get more for your money as one pail will make up four pails. Therefore, as an example, if you bought a pail of concentrated sealer for $240, after dilution of 1:3, each pail will cost you $60. Secondly, they are designed to be applied to a wet surface, which means you don’t have to wait hours for the surface to dry, the product works best with a wet-on-wet application.

We have two nano-sealers, B883 Sealer and G887 Sealer which are eco, non-toxic, breathable, and penetrating sealers. These products are Ideal for concrete, burnished floors, granite, marble and other natural stone surfaces. They are also suitable for residential, commercial, workshop and warehouse floors.

Most acrylic sealers consist of large individual polymer chains that clump together to form a thick film on the surface, more commonly known as topical sealers. These films rely on a fairly weak adhesion to keep them stuck to the surface so they are far more prone to delamination and failure than penetrating sealers.

However, the B883 Sealer and the G887 Sealer are different. Its polymer chains are tiny, just a few nanometers in length. So they penetrate deep into the substrate and bond together to form an interlocking matrix from the inside out. This matrix is permanent and serves to strengthen and protect the materials sealed. The top of this matrix sits above the surface and provides a wear layer. We recommend applying a maintenance coat every few years, to replenish the wear layer and deliver maximum protection.

B883 Sealer and G887 Sealer have the smallest polymer size in the range of concrete polymers Barefoot Concrete supplies. So it’s ideal for dense materials like concrete and natural stone. While, for more porous surfaces, like normal concrete, W881 Sealer is more suitable depending on what outcome you are looking for.

Being a true nano sealer, Both B883 Sealer and G887 Sealer build a very thin, yet tough surface layer. So it isn’t a self-levelling type seal that delivers artificial gloss. However, on smooth surfaces, G887 Sealer will be Low matt/gloss and it can be buffed to achieve even higher gloss levels.

The sealers can be applied as a two-coat stand-alone sealing system on most types of concrete, natural stone or polished concrete. Specifically, G887 Sealer can be used as a top coat over W881 Sealer on more porous surfaces, as W881 Sealer fills up the concrete pores better as its a bigger acrylic particle. G887 also has the highest water repellency and stain resistance in our range of sealers and therefore offers the best protection from elements that can stain the surface.

The new technology B883 and G887 Sealers

Barefoot Concrete has recently received the newly formulated B883 and G887 Sealers which are the latest evolution of the Barefoot Concrete sealer range. The primary feature of this sealer is that it solves the problem of whitening or “blushing” due to its new technology. This is actually a big deal as one of the common problems of water-based sealers is whitening and if this solves the problem, then its good news for the concrete coating industry. 

Therefore, the new formulation is designed to offer the same functionality and performance yet enables moisture to pass through the sealer more efficiently without compromising the integrity of the sealer. The whitening occurs because moisture is trapped under the sealer, however, with the new formulation, the moisture is released more efficiently thus resolving the whitening issue.

Due to our nanotechnology, the sealers are also specifically designed to penetrate deep into dense surfaces like polished concrete and dense natural stones like marble and honed granite. This was accomplished by modifying the base formulation. As a result, the nanoparticles and the enhanced cross-linking result in more efficient water vapour permeation rates, higher gloss potential and the ability to keep out even the finest organic stains.

These properties make our nanosealers a high-performance, environmentally friendly sealer solution for all types of concrete and stone benchtops and furniture; burnished floors – including food preparation and other wet areas; natural stone tiles and cladding; and Venetian plaster.

Why is penetration so important?

When applied correctly Barefoot Concrete sealing products penetrate below the surface to form a permanent matrix within the upper layers of the substance being sealed. This matrix will remain in place for the service life of the surface. This matrix not only keeps out stains but also serves to strengthen the surface of the materials being sealed. Since it becomes one with the surface it is impossible for the sealer to peel, blister or fail.

Additional coats will build on top of the matrix and form a film above the surface to provide enhancement and a wear layer to protect the surface from chemical and mechanical damage. Applying additional coats every few years will rebuild the wear layer and provide the best possible level of protection.

Like all products in the Barefoot Concrete sealer range, both B883 Sealer and G887 Sealer are applied to damp surfaces. This ensures the best possible protection as surfaces can be sealed immediately after cleaning.

It’s also a time-saver in many cement-based manufacturing and construction processes as the sealer can be applied and will fully cure within the normal curing and drying time. Plaster can be sealed as soon as it’s finished and concrete furniture can be sealed straight out of the mould and the MRT will ensure better curing and strength development too.

With no VOC’s it’s a safe and responsible choice for all indoor surfaces, but it has the durability and UV stability to be used outdoors, in any environment.

B883 Sealer and G887 Sealer can be used as standalone sealers for dense surfaces or as the final coat in a sealing system for any other surfaces. It is fully compatible with the Barefoot Concrete sealer range and it will seamlessly adhere to and enhance surfaces pre-treated with W881 Sealer.

Key Features

• Versatile sealer for concrete and dense, natural stone, honed finish floors and polished concrete surfaces
• Developed with MRT Science (Moisture Retention Technology) aiding in the curing of new installation cement-based materials
• Increases surface quality of new and old concrete
• Highest level of stain resistance
• Eco-Friendly Non-Hazardous Material
• Easy water clean up
• UV resistant / Industrial Grade Pure Acrylic Sealer
• Will not delaminate, blister, peel or turn yellow over time
• Commercial/Industrial Grade
• Applied to a wet substrate, saving time and money

Uses

G887 Sealer is used with confidence to seal and provide stain protection for all types of natural stone, including benchtops and tables. G887 Sealer is also used as a final gloss coat together with another Barefoot Concrete product, usually W881 Sealer or B883 Sealer.

G887 Sealer:

• is a penetrating sealer
• provides superior stain-protection
• is a great option to seal natural stone benchtops used in outdoor kitchens as it is UV resistant, non-toxic and won’t peel, blister or turn yellow
• is an excellent topcoat option for driveways, an alfresco, around pools or wherever a higher gloss finish is required

What are the benefits to applicators or contractors?

• Clean and Seal the same day! Sealer is applied to wet surfaces
• Can be applied to curing cement-based products for enhanced strength development and reduced project turnaround times
• Forms a matrix seal that does not blister or peel = no callbacks
• Concentrated formula = economical and easy to transport

What are the benefits to homeowners?

• Safe and environmentally friendly product. Contains no VOC’s = healthy choice for your family and pets
• High quality and extreme durability for long-lasting protection
• Excellent stain resistance and water repellency
• Can be easily reapplied in the future with minimal disruption

Contact us at Barefoot Concrete to discuss your requirements.