How to Vet a Sealing Stamped Concrete Company’s Standards

Have you ever regretted hiring a concrete contractor to seal your stamped concrete? Maybe the sealer peeled after a few months or turned cloudy when it rained. These issues often arise from not checking a company’s standards before hiring.

This guide will help you vet a stamped concrete sealing company. By the end, you’ll know the right questions to ask, what to look for, and how to tell professionals from amateurs.

Key Takeaways

• Experience Matters: Choose companies that specialize in stamped concrete coatings.

• Preparation Is Critical: Proper surface prep involves 80% of sealing success.

• Quality Products: Professional-grade sealers last longer.

• Written Details: Get all processes, products, and warranties in writing.

• References: Always check past work and talk to previous customers.

• Price Context: The cheapest bid often costs more in the long run.

• Maintenance Plan: Understand what care is needed.

Why Proper Sealing Matters for Your Stamped Concrete

Before vetting, let’s understand why clear coating a concrete driveway is crucial. Stamped concrete isn’t just regular concrete; it boosts your property’s look and value.

When sealed correctly, stamped concrete:

• Keeps colors vibrant for years.

• Resists stains from oil, grease, and debris.

• Withstands freeze-thaw cycles without cracking.

• Maintains clear and defined patterns.

• Lasts significantly longer.

Improper sealing can lead to:

• Peeling, bubbles, or flaking sealer.

• White hazy appearance (blushing).

• Premature wear in high-traffic areas.

• Water damage and deterioration.

• Faded colors and patterns.

 

 

Key Factors to Evaluate When Vetting a Sealing Company

1. Experience and Specialization

Not all floor coating concrete companies know how to apply solvent-based or water-based clear coats to stamped concrete surfaces. This skill requires expertise in decorative surfaces.

Key Questions to Ask:

• How many years have you focused on sealing stamped concrete?

• What percentage of your work is stamped concrete clear coating?

• Do you have training in patterned concrete maintenance?

• Pro Tip: Companies focusing solely on concrete pouring might not know how to coat it properly.

2. Product Knowledge and Selection

An expert knows the best sealers for each situation. They can also explain their choices for your project.

Sealer Type	Best For	Typical Lifespan	Appearance
Acrylic	General purpose, economical	1-3 years	Glossy or matte
Polyurethane	High-traffic, enhanced protection	3-5 years	Various sheens
Epoxy	Garage floors, industrial	5-7 years	High gloss
Penetrating	Natural look, no sheen	7-10 years	Invisible protection

Key Questions to Ask:

• What type of sealer do you recommend, and why?

• Is your sealer designed for stamped concrete?

• How many coats do you apply?

• What’s the expected lifespan of your recommended sealer?

Pro Tip: Be cautious of companies offering only one type of sealer. Different situations require different solutions.

3. Preparation Process

Good sealing starts with preparation. Many companies skip this step.

Standard Preparation Should Include:

1. Thorough cleaning (pressure washing).

2. Remove the previous sealer (if needed).

3. Acid etching or mechanical abrasion for adhesion.

4. Complete drying time before application.

5. Repair of any damaged areas.

Key Questions to Ask:

• How do you prepare the surface before sealing concrete?

• How do you handle existing acrylic sealers?

• If it rained recently, how will you ensure this type of concrete is dry?

• How do you manage stains or damage?

4. Application Methods

How the sealer is applied affects the final result and longevity.

Key Questions to Ask:

• Do you use an airless sprayer, roll, or brush on the sealer?

• How do you ensure even coverage?

• How do you prevent bubbles and streaks?

• How long do you wait between two coats?

• Do you use special techniques for stamped patterns?

5. Portfolio and References

Always see a company’s previous work and talk to past customers.

What to Request:

• Before-and-after photos of similar projects.

• Projects completed over two years ago (to see how they hold up).

• Contact information for at least three references.

• Locations of public projects that you can view.

Pricing and Contract Considerations

While price shouldn’t be the only factor, understanding pricing helps to set expectations.

Service Level	Price Range (Per Sq Ft)	What’s Typically Included
Basic	$0.35 – $0.75	Single coat application, minimal prep work
Standard	$0.75 – $1.50	Thorough cleaning, two-coat application, basic warranty
Premium	$1.50 – $3.00	Extensive preparation, premium sealers, extended warranty, maintenance plan

A proper contract should include:

• Detailed scope of work.

• Specific sealer products are to be used.

• Surface preparation methods.

• Number of coats.

• Timeline.

• Weather contingency plans.

• Payment terms.

• Warranty information.

Concrete Sealing Red Flags to Watch Out For

Spotting warning signs can save you from hiring the wrong company. Here are critical red flags:

Immediate Red Flags:

• No physical business address.

• No proof of insurance or bonding.

• Unwillingness to provide references.

• Significantly lower prices than other quotes (likely cutting corners).

• Pressure to decide quickly

• Cash-only payment requirements

• No written contract.

Technical Red Flags:

• Does not mention moisture testing.

• Plans to seal newly poured concrete (needs at least 28 days to cure).

• Promises to clear coat in cold temperatures (below 50°F).

• Will not explain their process or products

• Claims that all sealers are the same.

• Does not discuss reapplication timeframes.

 

 

Case Study: The Homeowner’s Patio Restoration

The homeowners had a beautiful stamped concrete patio installed in 2018. After two years, they noticed fading colors and wear and decided to recoat it.

First Company (The Wrong Choice):

• Offered the lowest price by $300.

• Said they could finish in just two hours.

• Used a generic “all-purpose” sealer.

• Didn’t clean the surface properly.

• Applied just one coat. Result: In 6 months, the sealer peeled in busy areas. After a year, it looked worse than before.

Second Company (The Right Choice):

• Provided a detailed written estimate.

• Spent a full day on preparation.

• Tested the moisture content before applying.

• A premium polyurethane sealer was used for stamped surfaces.

• Applied two carefully timed coats.

• Added anti-slip additives for safety.

• Provided maintenance instructions.

Result: Four years later, their patio still looks freshly sealed with minimal wear.

Key Questions to Ask During Your Initial Consultation

Print this list to use when meeting with potential contractors:

1. How long have you sealed and stamped the concrete?

2. Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?

3. What sealer brands do you use, and why?

4. How do you handle different weather conditions?

5. What preparation steps do you take?

6. How many coats do you apply?

7. How long will the job take?

8. When can I walk on the surface after sealing?

9. When can I place the furniture back?

10. How often will it need to be coated?

11. Do you offer a warranty on your work?

12. What maintenance do you recommend?

13. Can you share recent customer contacts?

14. Do you have before-and-after photos of similar projects?

15. Will you provide a detailed written estimate?

How to Compare Reseal Quotes

When you receive quotes, don’t just look at the price. Check what’s included:

Factor to Compare	Company A	Company B	Company C
Surface preparation details
Sealer type/brand
Number of coats
Additional treatments
Warranty period
Timeline
Total cost

Pro Tip: The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Focus on thoroughness and quality.

What to Expect from a Professional Sealer Job

A quality concrete floor company, like Northeast Decorative Concrete, LLC, will follow these steps:

1. Initial Assessment:

   • Evaluate the current condition.

   • Test moisture

   • Discuss finishing preferences (gloss level, etc.).

2. Thorough Preparation:

   • Deep clean with appropriate cleaners.

   • Treat stains if needed.

   • Remove old sealer if it is failing.

   • Acid etch or mechanically profile.

   • Ensure complete drying (often 24 hours or more).

3. Professional Application:

   • Apply in the right temperature range.

   • Ensure even coverage.

   • Allow proper drying time between coats.

   • Add non-slip additives if requested.

   • Pay attention to edges and pattern details.

4. Final Walkthrough:

   • Inspect with the customer present.

   • Provide maintenance instructions.

   • Document warranty terms.

   • Establish a follow-up schedule.

Maintaining Your Newly Sealed Surface

Even the best sealant jobs need care. Ask your contractor for specific instructions, but generally:

• Wait at least 24 to 48 hours before walking on newly sealed surfaces.

• Wait 7-10 days before placing furniture or driving on it.

• Clean spills quickly, especially chemicals and oils.

• Use only recommended cleaning products.

• Avoid de-icing salts in winter.

• Reapply sealer as needed.

By thoroughly vetting your stamped concrete sealer company, you protect your investment. Taking time to find the right professional can save you money and frustration. Properly sealed stamped concrete can maintain its beauty for decades. Investing time in picking the right company is worth it. Your textured concrete will increase your property’s value.

 

Our Locations:

 

Nashua, NH

North Hampton, NH

Concord, NH