When should I reseal my stamped concrete patio in NB?

Reseal your stamped concrete patio every 1-2 years in New Brunswick -- more frequently than plain concrete because the acrylic or polyurethane sealer that gives stamped concrete its colour depth and sheen wears off under NB's UV exposure, foot traffic, and freeze-thaw stress.

Stamped concrete relies heavily on its sealer for both appearance and protection. The sealer does two jobs: it enhances and protects the colour of the concrete stain or integral pigment, and it seals the surface against moisture, road salt, and freeze-thaw damage. When the sealer thins, you lose both functions simultaneously -- the concrete looks dull and faded, and it becomes vulnerable to moisture infiltration that causes scaling and staining.

How to tell when your stamped concrete needs resealing:

• Colour looks dull or faded -- sealed stamped concrete has a distinct sheen or wet-look gloss. When colours look chalky or flat, the sealer has thinned significantly


• Water no longer beads -- pour a cup of water on the surface. If it absorbs quickly and darkens the concrete rather than beading up, the sealer is depleted


• Surface feels rough or powdery -- light surface abrasion of the sealer coat reveals the texture beneath


• White haze or bubbling visible on the surface -- this indicates the existing sealer is delaminating, likely from moisture trapped beneath it

Clean the surface thoroughly with a concrete cleaner or light power wash (1,500-2,000 PSI -- not too aggressive on stamped surfaces). Allow to dry completely -- minimum 48 hours in warm weather. If the existing sealer is peeling or delaminating, it must be stripped with a chemical sealer stripper before reapplication; applying new sealer over failing sealer creates adhesion problems.

Apply a solvent-based acrylic sealer compatible with stamped concrete in thin, even coats. Two thin coats are better than one thick coat -- thick sealer application traps moisture beneath and peels under NB freeze-thaw cycles. Apply with a low-pressure airless sprayer or a fine-nap roller, working in sections and maintaining a wet edge.

Critical NB timing: only reseal between May and September when temperatures are reliably above 15 degrees Celsius and no rain is forecast for 24-48 hours. Cold-temperature sealer application cures improperly and peels within months.

Professional resealing of a typical 300 square foot NB stamped patio costs $300-$700 depending on surface preparation required. DIY with a quality product runs $100-$200 in materials. New Brunswick Concrete can connect you with local decorative concrete specialists who maintain stamped patios across Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, and surrounding areas.