Expert: Dan Griffin - 12/3/2008

Question
Hello,
We have recently renovated a barn into office space, and we poured a new
concrete slab over radiant heating. The space will be used for photo shoots
and will have a fair amount of traffic. I'd like to seal the floor with something
clear, durable, and low-voc. I'm not sure if I need a penetrating sealer or not,
and I'd really like to not have to repeatedly apply it over the years. Having it
not be stinky is also very important. Any ideas?

Thanks very much!
Sarah

Answer
Sarah,  I don't know if you are after something shiny or just something to harden/dust free/ and stop stains.  There are good quality products available from several companies.

Dayton Superior?Conspec
http://www.daytonsuperior.com
scroll down to Chemicals / Water repellants & sealers


W.R. Meadows
http://www.wrmeadows.com/wrmproducts.html
scroll down to Common work results/

Prosoco and others

You will need to find a commercial contractor's supply house.  Most of these are not available at Home Depot type places.

Most of these will have an odor problem when applied, especially if you are sensitive.  The silanes and siloxanes dry quickly and I think of them as odor free once the vehicle evaporates.  It is a bit like painting a room, it smells a day or two until the material dries.  I am not aware of one that has a long term ododr problem.

The shiny ones will need periodic reapplication depending on traffic, etc.