Written by: Rick Lobdell
When answering tech calls, I get a lot of questions about what a “wet-on-wet” application is for our line of water repellents. The instructions state if a second application is needed to apply it as a wet-on-wet application. That means you must time the application of the second coat as the first coat is drying. Once water repellent dries you cannot recoat with more material. Since it is a repellent, it will repel the next coat.
Let’s start with applying our first coat on the surface. Make sure the surface is dry before starting. If moisture is present at the surface during application, the material will not penetrate as far into the surface as expected. Thus, reducing the life expectancy of the material. Spray a nice even coat over the surface. I like to spray in a circular pattern, with a conical tip, instead of straight lines. That way I make sure I saturate the surface as I overlap my spray lines.
Let’s take a closer look at how to apply a second coat. I recommend wearing some sort of spike shoes, like football spikes. Since this is a wet-on-wet application, some of the product will still be wet. Dirt on your shoes could affect the end results. Spike shoes will help alleviate this.
In the image above you can see the lighter spots forming as the water repellent starts to soak in and dry. This is when you want to get back out there and start the second coat. I begin by spraying the material out the exact same way I sprayed the first coat. I don’t need to apply as much material on the second coat. The goal is to make sure I saturate the areas that have started to dry. That doesn’t mean I only spray the areas that are drying, it just means I can apply a lighter coat and make sure I hit the areas that are soaking in faster.
The last important point is to backroll, where needed, as you apply the water repellent. I have seen many projects turn white from over application. If you leave puddles on your concrete, you will have too much product in one place. This will cause a white spot that is very hard to remove. Backrolling will help spread out the material, ensuring an even coat across your slab. Wait 5-10 minutes after spraying an area before backrolling. I do this for both the first and the second coat.
Once the water repellent dries, the concrete will go back to its original color. Most water repellents don’t enhance your concrete. You will not even realize there is anything on your surface until it rains. For more info on our line of water repellents click here. If you are looking for enhancement of your concrete while still using a water repellent, check out Enhancer Shield SB.
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