FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT

STAINS AND SEALERS FROM H&C® CONCRETE STAIN

Where can I use H&C® Products?

H&C products can be used on most concrete and masonry surfaces, such as garage floors, driveways, patios, pool decks, sidewalks, walkways, foundations and commercial buildings.

What is the difference between H&C Silicone Acrylic Concrete Sealer and Shield Plus™ Ultra Concrete Stain? Silicone Acrylic Concrete Sealer is H&C’s most durable coating for garage floors, driveways, and pool decks. It is a solvent base coating that is applied over bare surfaces. Shield Plus Ultra Concrete Stain is the most durable coating for interior use. It’s a latex based coating that is VOC complaint in all 50 states. It can also be used for exterior applications.

Do I have to do anything to my surface before I apply an H&C Coating?

Yes. As with any painting project, surface prep is the key to a successful job. The surface must be clean, free from dirt, grease, mold and mildew. When coating a bare horizontal surface (i.e. driveway, garage floor, patio) the surface must be acid etched prior to application of a coating.

I am not sure if my surface had a clear sealer applied in the past, how can I tell?

To test a surface to see if a possible clear sealer was previously applied, sprinkle either muriatic or phosphoric acid on the surface. The acid will bubble on contact. If it continues to bubble this is an indication that the surface is not sealed. If the acid does not bubble after initial contact, that is an indication that the surface is sealed.

My concrete is freshly poured, can I apply an H&C coating immediately?

No. New concrete has to cure 30-45 days prior to application of any H&C coating. The surface must also have a pH between 6-10 units.

How soon after I use H&C on my garage floor can I park my car on it?

After using either H&C Silicone Acrylic Concrete Sealer or H&C Shield Plus Ultra Concrete Stain, the surface should cure for 72-96 hours.

Does H&C have a coating for asphalt?

Yes. Not all driveways are concrete--many are asphalt. H&C Shield Plus Ultra Concrete Stain is excellent for asphalt driveways.

What is the best way to waterproof my basement walls?

H&C Block Shield Masonry™ Waterproofer is a waterbased textured finish that is designed for porous masonry surfaces.

I have a concrete ramp that becomes slippery when wet, is there anything I can do?

Yes. H&C Sharkgrip™ Slip Resistant additive can be added to H&C Sealers or Stains to create a slip-resistant surface.