Concrete is used within many facets of home construction, from foundations to the screed base of kitchen floors. But it’s a common misconception that concrete is infallible. In most cases, concrete will crack, crumble, and flake without the help of some form of protection.
The best method for achieving that protection is by applying a concrete sealer. But what exactly is a concrete sealer? How does it work for those homeowners who are as yet unaware of the need for such a product?
What is Concrete Sealer?
UK Homeowners have spent over £300 billion over the last five years on home improvements. But many fail to realise that, to protect their investment, they often need to seal interior concrete that’s been installed either as the flooring or a working surface.
Without the use of a concrete sealer, the porous surface will be vulnerable to damage that could cost nearly as much as the initial home improvements to put right.
How Does Concrete Sealer Work?
First, it’s important to note that there are different types of clear concrete sealers. There are topical sealers which add a protective layer on top of the concrete surface. However, the best protection comes in the form of penetrating concrete sealers which enhance the concrete’s strength and form a hydrophobic barrier to prevent any moisture, mould, or mildew from creeping in and causing damage.
The issue with some of penetrating concrete sealers on the market is that they are formulated with harsh solvent-based chemicals that can severely damage the surface of floor tiles, for example. By contrast, some are water-based, which doesn’t provide adequate protection against moisture as other materials.
More recently, there are now natural oil-based products that have risen in prominence due to their market-leading performance without the potential damage downsides.
Why Choose Osmo Concrete Oil for Interiors?
The new interior Concrete Oil 610 from Osmo is a concrete sealer that leaves a transparent, impregnable layer of protection on nearly all types of concrete (exposed), as well as artificial stone, screed, unglazed tiles and microporous natural stone.
The Concrete Oil 610 contains a small amount of natural hard wax, which when dry, provides a very thin layer of wear protection for floors and work surfaces. Kitchen and bathroom worktops and countertops are therefore no problem for this versatile protective product.
Once applied, the concrete sealer leaves a breathable finish that isn’t prone to cracking, peeling, or flaking once applied. It also provides a high degree of water repellence combined with comprehensive protection against dirt and wear.
Since it’s made from natural oils and waxes, it’s a much kinder concrete floor sealer or concrete worktop sealer than some competing products.
The best part? Osmo concrete oil will also intensify the colour of substrates, whether that is concrete or stone, leaving an attractive, desirable finish.
Please always trial apply first.
Best Oil for Exterior Applications
Interior Concrete Oil 610 isn’t designed or recommended for exterior conditions. That said, Osmo have also developed the new Stone and Terracotta Oil 620, which is best suited for outside surfaces, such as stone, terracotta, granite, slate and limestone.
Osmo 620 Oil doesn’t contain the hard wax like the 610 Oil. The product uses different types of binders which excel in an external environment, compared to the interior Concrete Oil, and is highly water repellent.
Buy Natural Concrete Sealer from Osmo Today
Osmo has utilised over 40-years of experience of creating natural products to produce a natural clear concrete sealer that’s free of many of the harsh chemicals that can have such a disastrous effect on worktop surfaces and flooring products.
Just as comfortable working as a concrete countertop sealer as it is a concrete floor sealer, Osmo has created a product that delivers concrete sealing properties across a wide range of possible use cases.
Learn more about each product on its product page, and find your nearest Osmo supplier today. For any technical advice before purchasing, join the Osmo Community on Facebook for a quick response or contact the team directly via email.
