I really need to learn how to sealcoat. Lost track of how many customers ask if I do it.
Same. Not sure most will be willing to pay for it and if it’ll actually be worth the upsell. Also not sure how easy it is to mess up applying it…
I should say lost customers when I told them I don’t.
I have had some success with Hydro Defend from Sherwin Williams, very easy to apply. A customer of mine raved about Ecosil from Epro waterproofing, I spoke to a factory guy stated they offer a water and solvent based though they will drop the solvent based eventually.
For concrete sealers, which backpack sprayer would you all recommend? No room for a 12v system on the truck, so trying to get by with a smaller set up for a driveway and sidewalk…
Looks like you can go as cheap as $25:
https://www.harborfreight.com/4-gallon-backpack-sprayer-63092.html
Or $160 from a well-known brand:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200332331_200332331
I’ve used those Harbor Freight hand pump backpack sprayers around the yard and they work good. A big driveway would suck though. Although, it’s much easier than a handheld pumpup. If you get it be sure to order some decent fan spray nozzles. You can get different gpm nozzles depending on the project. I would go with a red or blue.
I haven’t used that Hudson battery but I have the Chapin battery backpack. It’s awesome. The Chapin uses Black and Decker 20 volt batteries so you can pickup them up anywhere. Same goes with the nozzles. Go to Sprayer Depot and order some good teejet nozzles. The other day I was at Wal-Mart and saw that they now carried the Chapin. I believe Home Depot does too.
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I used a Husqvarna backpack sprayer for about a year.
I’ve been using an airless sprayer for about two months now.
I do think the best way to go would be a little system like the one Racer mentions in the second post. My offseason project (among other things) is to make one. With the airless sprayer you have to really be careful with overspray. And some non-water based sealers could do damage to an airless sprayer.
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Good to know, thank you for sharing! I saw the Chapin one at many of the sealer distributor websites, so I guess there’s a good reason for that.
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definitely saved @Racer’s post for the future. For now though, my truck is literally packed to the brim, so a smaller setup for this year. How did the Husqvarna backpack sprayer that you used work out for you?
What kind of sealers are you using?
Some of the stronger solvent based sealers require a metal pump sprayer made to withstand the harshness of the solvent. They’re very pricey but the plastic sprayers will get eaten right up with some solvents.
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Worked great. I loved it. Got it because it had the viton seals and because of the name recognition. It’s in top shape. I treated it well. Rinsed it out each time. And I only used it for water-based sealers.
BUT keep in mind, any non-electric or non-battery operated will require A LOT of pumping. It’s a workout.
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I will be using Concrete Remedy Deep Seal first and seal the top off with another one. Deciding between water-based, urethane, and acrylic. Doing a lot of reading today. 
I think you said you were using Top Seal? How does it compare to other water-based penetrating sealers such as Surebond, Masonry Saver, and Super Seal?
It sounds like you’re using the same product I use, Deep Seal. If you’re using Deep Seal you might as well use Top Seal because it’s from the same company. Both products are amazing and very user friendly. It’s impossible to mess-up a driveway with Deep Seal and almost impossible to mess-up a driveway with Top Seal. You can apply the Deep Seal and as soon as it dries, apply the Top Seal.
I’ve used Super Seal but not any of the others. It is labor-intensive, requires two coats, and requires dry time between coats. It can be challenging to make everything look uniform. It’s great for exposed aggregate driveways but that’s about it in my opinion.
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The harbor freight airless paint sprayer is very good for sealers. You can get one for $200. I dont like running solvent/oil base through my more expensive sprayers so i use the HF one. Also eagle sealer is really good in quality and not expensive. Can be ordered through home depot or eagle sealer .com. free delivery.
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Well, you are the reason I started looking into them, so thank you! I spoke to Greg and while he sold me on Deep Seal, I wasn’t quite as sure on Top Seal. Good to know you’re happy with both. How would you compare Top Seal and Super Seal M on Water Repellence/Durability/Spalling over time? Good longevity?
Great to know, thank you! Options, options…
To be clear, I have used SurfKoat’s AggreSeal Supreme. It’s sold under a different label in St. Louis and called Super Seal 30.
I don’t have a lot of experience with it. The majority of my experience is with Deep Seal and Top Seal. It’s amazing stuff. I keep a few photos on my phone to show customers how it works. I’m no salesman but the photos speak for themselves and they seal the deal (pun intended) for many customers. If you end up wanting to use both, PM me and I’ll tell you what I say and send you the pics I use.
The water repellence is amazing for Top Seal. I’ve even had customers say it helps with shoveling snow because I guess the product won’t let the snow penetrate/stick to the concrete. But, again, I don’t have a lot to compare by. I’ve found a product that works great. The customers love it. I’ve personally used it on all my own concrete at my previous house and my current house.
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I have a question, as a window cleaner we have to be excessively careful, and one potential fatal danger is ladder kickout on a slick surface. Many of my customers ask about “sealing concrete” but most seal jobs I’ve seen are like an ice rink when wet.
Is there something out there that has traction?
You want to use a penetrating sealer. That’s what I like about both Deep Seal and Top Seal. They are penetrating sealers. They don’t change the color, texture or feel of the concrete. No slipperiness at all.
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My customers wouldn’t go for that, they like the ‘sealed look’ to keep up with the neighbors.
