Dado Finish Sealer

[John93]

I’ve just had the external seating area completed with dado rendering and would like to seal it so the concrete finish remains as it is.

Question 1: How long should I allow it to cure before sealing? I’ve read online that 28 days is recommended.

Question 2: I’ve purchased the Crommelin Satin Wet Look Concrete & Paving Sealer, which recommends mixing the first coat with 10% Crommelin Cleaning & Thinning Solvent. How do I accurately measure the 10% ratio?

Thank You !

[JacobZ]

Hi @John93,

For curing time, 28 days is the correct and safest recommendation for cement-based finishes. While the surface may feel dry much earlier, the render continues to hydrate and release moisture for several weeks. Sealing too early can trap moisture, leading to whitening, patchiness, or adhesion failure. For an external seating area where you want a consistent long-term finish, allowing the full 28 days is best practice.

To ensure you mix your sealer accurately, I'd suggest you use a measuring jug like this Bastion 5L Measuring Jug to measure out your sealer and thinner, then give them a mix in the jug to ensure they combine before pouring the mix into a paint tray so it can be applied.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob