PoreShield FAQs

Not quite. In many ways, PoreShield concrete protection is better than a concrete sealer; however, it works very differently. Most conventional, solvent-based concrete sealants form a layer on top of concrete. This layer is subjected to daily wear and tear and stops working effectively after three to five years. As concrete sealers degrade, moisture and chemicals can be trapped under the surface, leading to faster deterioration. Concrete sealers are hazardous to the environment, harmful to humans, require training and personal protective equipment (PPE), and emit high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Learn more about the benefits of PoreShield here.

PoreShield is a plant-based ingredient in deeply penetrating, self-sealing concrete protectants like Phoscrete Endure™. Rather than forming a layer on the surface of the concrete like concrete sealants, PoreShield is a soy methyl ester-polystyrene (SME-PS) made from American-farmed soybeans that soaks in completely, leaving no trace on the surface and protecting from within. It protects concrete from damage caused by moisture, salt, deicing chemicals, and freeze/thaw cycles. PoreShield continually self-seals and both prevents and cures cracks, spalling, scaling, and efflorescence. Plus, it prevents calcium oxychloride formation, arrests alkali-silica reactions, and inhibits staining and corrosion. Learn more about the science behind PoreShield by looking through our case studies and the research.

Yes. PoreShield creates a barrier within concrete’s pore network and remains fluid and hydrophobic (water-repellent). These qualities prevent fluid absorption from the surface and any ions that fluid may contain.

PoreShield will reduce the absorption of oil (and fluids of similar viscosity).

Maybe. Conventional concrete sealers containing silane or siloxane can chemically react with the nontoxic SME-PS in PoreShield. If the concrete surface has been sealed and the seal is intact, products containing SME-PS should NOT be applied. If a concrete sealer was applied within the past two years, PoreShield is NOT recommended.

If the previously sealed concrete was treated two more years ago, we recommend testing a small, inconspicuous section of concrete first. Apply PoreShield with a brush. If the product is absorbed completely, and the surface appears dry, then it’s safe to apply. If the product beads up or clumps on the surface, do NOT apply products containing PoreShield.

No. Initially, PoreShield will make concrete appear dark, wet, and slick. Dampness and any slippery coating will be absorbed by the concrete within eight hours. Full coverage absorption occurs within 24 hours, but concrete may appear blotchy for up to two weeks after application. This is normal and concrete will return to its original, unified color.

PoreShield has already been used by DOTs in Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Texas, Oregon, Washington, and Nebraska. PoreShield is not listed as an approved concrete sealer in most states because technically, it isn’t one.

No. PoreShield is a biodegradable, environmentally-friendly concrete protectant made from soybeans. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – like hazmat suits and respirators – is NOT required. PoreShield is applied using brushes, rollers, garden sprayers, backpack sprayers, or truck sprayers. Learn more about the benefits of PoreShield.

Yes. Products containing PoreShield are nontoxic and low-VOC.

Yes. PoreShield is a plant-based ingredient in easy-to-apply, low-VOC products. Made from soybeans, it’s biodegradable, USDA BioPreferred, and Mandatory Federal Purchasing Certified.

100% Made in the U.S.A. PoreShield is made from American-farmed soybeans and produced completely in the US. PoreShield is a homegrown, cost-effective alternative to harmful concrete sealers.

It varies. Because PoreShield is absorbed into concrete – and doesn’t pool and cure on the surface like most concrete sealants – the application rate depends on the porosity of the untreated concrete. The application rate ranges from 200 ft² to 300 ft². High-density concrete requires less product than low-density concrete mixes.

If over-application occurs, the absorption rate will slow and may extend “drying” time. (Fun fact: PoreShield never really dries, instead, it’s fully absorbed into the pores, fissures, and cracks within the subsurface of the concrete.)

Residential @ 200ft2 per gallon.
PoreShield products are safe for people, pets, and plants, making them perfect for residential applications like sidewalks, patios, concrete pavers, and garages.

Industrial and Commercial rate for high-density concrete is 250ft2 per gallon.
High-density concrete, like the mixes used on walls and roadways, requires less product. (250 ft² for bridge decks.)

Industrial and Commercial rate for low-density concrete is 250ft2 per gallon.
PoreShield products can extend the life of factory floors, parking lots, barns, walls, and parking garages. The more porous the concrete, the more product you’ll need.

It varies. To get technical about it, PoreShield never really dries. However, it’s usually fully absorbed into concrete within four to eight hours, leaving concrete surfaces dry and free from residue or slippery coatings. In instances where very dense concrete is being used (less porous), full absorption may take 36 hours.

PoreShield’s power comes from the fact that it remains in a liquid state, far beneath the surface of the concrete, and flows into cracks as they form. PoreShield acts as a self-sealing, water-repelling barrier that is both preventative and curative. Learn more about how it works.

If too much product is applied, the pore network will fill up and absorption will stop, leaving the surface of the concrete looking “wet.” This can actually be good news: If the concrete isn’t absorbing more PoreShield, it can’t absorb water or chemicals, either. Because PoreShield is biodegradable and eco-friendly, simply wash excess product from the surface (after eight to 24 hours have passed) and allow it to dry.

Yes. PoreShield can be applied to any concrete surface, vertical or horizontal. For vertical and overhead applications, we recommend applying up to three thin coats. Allow each coat to fully absorb before reapplication. This helps prevent dripping and helps ensure more even protection from top to bottom.

Yes. PoreShield products can extend the life of new concrete or existing coating-free concrete. Often, state and county transportation departments apply PoreShield to extend the life of bridges that are decades old. Take a closer look at the different use applications for PoreShield.

Yes. PoreShield is designed for use on any cured, uncoated concrete, new or old. Allow for the initial curing of concrete – 28 days or more for most mixes –  before applying PoreShield-powered products to the surface. For high-performance or fast-setting concrete, product application can occur seven days after cast.

No. Do not dilute or alter products containing PoreShield. Pre-mixed, ready-to-apply products are available in 5-gallon buckets, 55-gallon drums, and 275-gallon totes.

Dry conditions are ideal. Here are a few quick tips to prepare concrete surfaces for PoreShield protection:

• Make sure concrete is completely dry.
• Wait 24-36 hours after rainfall before applying PoreShield-powered products.
• Do not apply when temperatures are consistently below the dew point.
• Ideal application temperature is between 20-120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Blow dirt and debris off the surface with a standard leaf blower or brush/vacuum street sweeper.
• Clean stains (leaf or oil stains) before applying the product. (PoreShield will pull the stain into the pores of the concrete, making it even more difficult to remove them.)
• Test a small area to make sure the concrete surface is uncoated and untreated.

Review the Technical Data Sheet for more information.