Project Scheduling and Drying Times
Whether doing your project yourself or having it professionally done, other than understanding the process, it is important that you consider the scheduling of the project before beginning.
Here's an example project to get an idea of approximate application and drying times for scheduling. Including advice for new construction projects.
Based on 2 people working together on a 1000 square foot project with an average daytime temp of 75 degrees F. Starting with new or in good shape concrete needing just basic cleaning.
Note: Drying times will vary, depending on temperature and humidity. Warmer and / or less humidity reduces drying times as where colder and / or higher humidity increases drying times.
Day 1
Clean & Prep totally depends on the condition of the concrete. Clean well and allow to dry.
Clean & Prep- about 1/4 day to 1 day
Drying time- about 1 - 3 hours
Concrete Staining would be done the same day as clean & prep after it has dried. Apply the stain and allow to dry overnight and up to 24 hours. If you are doing two coats then you would apply the first coat and allow to completely dry, usually an hour or two. Then you would apply second coat and allow to dry overnight and up to 24 hours.
Applying Stain- about 1 hour each coat
Drying time(between coats)- about 1 - 4 hours
Drying time(final coat)- 4 hours minimum to overnight to 24 hours.
Day 2
Neutralizing and Cleaning the Residue from the Acid Stain will take one neutralizing and rinsing twice. Allow to completely dry for Clear Shield water base sealers. Allow to dry to be bone dry, for Solvent Base sealers.
Cleaning residue- about 1/4 to 1/2 day
Drying time- usually 1 - 4 hours. Overnight to 24 hours for bone dry.
That Evening or Day 3
Sealing the Concrete with Clear Shield Sealer will take two very thin and even coats. Apply the first thin coat. Allow to dry until completely clear and no longer sticky. Usually an hour or two. Once the first coat is completely clear and you can walk on it, apply the second thin and even coat.
Applying Sealer- about 1 hour each coat
Drying time(between coats)- about 1 - 3 hours
Drying time(final coat)- 10 hours minimum to 24 hours or more in colder weather or more humid weather. Allowing to cure 48 to 72 hours is best, especially in cooler weather.
If you are doing an exterior project then you are complete.
If you are doing an interior project then it's time to wax the floor after the sealer has cured.
Waxing Day
Waxing the Concrete with Top Shield mop on Floor Wax will take two very thin and even coats. Apply first thin coat and allow to dry completely clear. Once you can walk on it, apply the second thin coat.
Apply Wax - about 1/2 hour each coat
Drying time(between coats)- about 1/2 - 1 hour
Drying time(final coat)- about 1/2 - 1 hour, though overnight is better.
If you are going to use a Solvent base sealer, and are doing a project where someone sleeps and may be affected by the sealer or other fumes during ventilation, staying overnight elsewhere is advisable.
Otherwise a water base sealer should be used to avoid the build up and toxic effects associated with solvents.
New Construction Projects - Interior
Wait until the dry in stage, (when everything is framed in and roofed but no sheet rock is up yet.)
When using Clear Shield Water Base Sealer:
Stain, Seal, Wax. Then cover the floor for protection and finish out the construction.
Once complete you can then uncover the floor, clean well, and apply a fresh coat of wax. If the floor is too bad, you may to strip the top of layer of wax and then apply a fresh coat.
When using a Solvent Base Sealer:
Stain the concrete and apply one coat of sealer. Then cover the floor for protection and finish out the construction.
Once complete you can then uncover the floor, clean well, and apply the second coat of sealer.
Allow the sealer to cure with no traffic for a couple days, and then wearing socks only, apply the wax and allow to dry overnight.
