Pentra-Pel (SI)

Choosing the right concrete sealer for your project can determine the life and quality of your floors. Depending on the project, consider what kind of surface sealer would work best.

Concrete sealers are useful for preventing concrete staining and abrasion by building a protective barrier between the concrete and the surface layer. An impregnator sealer, like Pentra-Pel (SI), is designed to preserve the natural look while penetrating deep into the pores of the concrete for a permanent insoluble bond. Other surface sealers, on the other hand, can be used to add a sheen to the surface layer of the concrete.  Sealing a concrete floor reduces the risk of moisture getting into the pores and acts as a water repellent. The most common reasons to use a concrete sealer or a surface impregnator are to enhance longevity, protect concrete flooring from water absorption, staining and mold-growth. By using an eco-friendly two-component penetrating sealer like Pentra-Pel (SI), you can prevent early concrete damage most commonly caused by water penetration and water absorption. Before applying any concrete sealant to your flooring, consider the following:

1. The type of sealer previously used—if there was one

2. How heavily trafficked the area is

3. The porosity of the concrete you want to seal

Choosing a surface impregnator for concrete over a traditional topical sealer will not only achieve a more durable flooring but will help concrete stay cleaner, improve slip-resistance and repel water, oil, and stains. What Does an Impregnator do? A surface impregnator works to reduce the natural absorbency of concrete by filling in the porous spaces within the concrete. This ensures that if and when spills occur, they are less likely to seep into the concrete, eliminating the chance of damage, and will be much easier to clean up.  Key Benefits of Pentra-Pel (SI) Pentra-Pel (SI) works in two ways. It provides stain protection by combining Nano-Lithium® silicate densification with silicon reactive chemistry (SiRE)™ that is unique to Convergent Concrete Technologies. And it also works to seal, densify, and harden the surface layer of the concrete. This penetrating concrete sealer seeps into the pores to bond together, providing a less porous, water-repellant flooring solution that helps to eliminate damage from aggressive salts like chlorides and sulfates.  Using a surface impregnator with advanced micro-bonding stain protection creates an abrasion-resistant surface that can help protect polished concrete without forming an unwanted film on the top. Due to its hydrophobic property, Pentra-Pel (SI) helps to reduce water absorption but still allows interior moisture to escape without damaging the sealer. When sealing exterior concrete, it is always important to determine what possible damage, aside from heavy traffic, could harm the surface. Pentra-Pel (SI) was designed to prevent freeze-thaw damage by filling the gaps in porous concrete so that when temperatures drop below freezing, unwanted moisture within the concrete doesn’t freeze and cause further damage.   Common Applications Using a surface impregnator creates a protective barrier for concrete that resists staining. Pentra-Pel (SI) is a penetrating lithium sealer and stain guard designed for interior and exterior concrete, stone, and other masonry surfaces. It works to densify, seal, and repel spills without altering the appearance of the surface. While it performs well on natural stone, it also works well for polished concrete, parking garages, grocery stores, stadiums, schools, processing plants, healthcare facilities, as well as decorative concrete, stamped concrete and more.  Preparation and Post-Application Care Pentra-Pel™ (SI) can be used at the end of the polishing process in place of traditional film-forming guard products. This treatment is easy to use and is VOC compliant. Before applying the sealer, remove any dirt, laitance, curing compounds, or coatings that could prevent Pentra-Pel (SI) from penetrating the surface. Avoid using citrus or acidic cleaner to clean. If used previously, neutralize the surface using an alkaline cleaner like laundry detergent. For the concrete stain guard to work correctly, apply when temperatures are above 40ºF—including curing time. Application techniques to cure and seal vary depending on exterior and interior surfaces. For both processes, be sure not to over-work material into the surface. Once it has been spread, avoid all contact until it has dried. The surface is ready to use once the product has thoroughly dried.  On exterior surfaces, use a sprayer to apply Pentra-Pel™ (SI) evenly on the surface. Keep the surface wet with the product for at least 20 minutes, adding more product where needed so that it can be fully absorbed. As the material dries into the surface, spread out any puddles with a soft bristle broom. For interior surfaces like polished concrete, use a sprayer to spray Pentra-Pel™ (SI) on the surface and use a flat microfiber pad to spread evenly.  Remember that cleaning concrete surfaces with the right products significantly reduces maintenance costs. Safely clean and protect concrete surfaces using a daily cleaner.