Concrete Sealer Dry Time Before Rain

There are a few reasons why you should wait at least 24 hours to seal your concrete.

Concrete sealer dry time before rain.

Normally we like to allow at least 24 hours before any rain but we use additives that can allow us to speed up the curing process. Yes rain can wash the sealer off if it rains right after its put on. Concrete sealed with a urethane coating should not be walked on with the exception of a recoat driven on or wet for at least 36 48 hours. Within the first 30 minutes the sealer will dry off from the surface.

It is best to speak with the manufacturer. You can walk on the surface within a few hours but ensure that the concrete remains dry for at least 36 hours so the sealer has ample time to react. Don t forget to read the instructions and look for the general drying times when choosing the right kind of sealer. The biggest problem you may be faced with is the effect the rain may have had on the surface of the concrete.

If it is cold and cloudy we recommend that you give the sealer at least 72 hours before you can start driving on it. Typically it can take anywhere from 10 12 hours to dry before being able to be walked on but they will continue to harden for up to 48 hours after being applied. The bad news is that the surface of the concrete should not have been allowed to dry out for a week or more a time also referred to as the curing period. Water and moisture want to escape it is a natural reaction.

While the surface of the concrete may appear dry water and moisture is still present in the pores. At least 24 48 hours to dry before you start walking or driving on it. The usual drying times are about 4 8 hours. Wait for a dry spell open as many windows and doors as possible use a fan to move air across the floor and take another test after 24 to 36 hours of drying.

But below the surface it may continue to work for at least 72 hours. The dry time of a urethane will depend on the type of urethane used. This is very important especially when applying an acrylic sealer. However when there is enough sunlight and no trees are hindering the sun from drying the driveway it will take a shorter time.