How To Seal Outdoor Fountains
Outdoor fountains are often made from durable concrete or molded terra cotta. By nature, both concrete and terra cotta are absorbent materials which means that water can seep through the surface if the fountains are not sealed. Sealing concrete or terra cotta fountains is not complicated but it is a necessary aspect of fountain construction. Select the appropriate sealer for the surface of your fountain at your local garden supply center.
Things Needed
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Scrub brush
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Concrete cleaner or degreasing cleaner
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Power washer or water hose
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Stirrer
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Soft cloth
How to Seal an Outdoor Fountain
1. Clean and Rinse the Fountain
Clean the surface of the outdoor fountain with a scrub brush and concrete cleaner to remove loose debris, grease and dirt. Rinse a concrete fountain with a power washer to remove all of the suds and dirt. Clean a terra cotta fountain with a degreasing cleaner and rinse it with a water hose. Allow the clean to dry completely.
2. Prepare the Sealer
Stir the sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add liquid sealers to a spray applicator or pour them in a small bucket for brush applications.
3. Spray or Paint the Sealer onto the Fountain
Apply spray concrete or terra cotta sealer to the inside and outside surface of the fountain reservoir. You can do this by spraying, or you can use a paintbrush.
4. Wipe off Excess Sealer
Hold the spray applicator between 6 and 8 inches from the surface of the fountain reservoir. Depress the spray lever and move the spray can or spray nozzle in a smooth left to right motion until the entire surface is covered. Wipe off excess terra cotta sealer with a soft cloth. Allow the sealer to dry.
5. Allow the Sealer to Dry
Dip a paint brush into the sealer and apply a light coat onto surface of the fountain reservoir, if you decide to brush the sealer. Continue to wet the brush with the sealer and apply it to the fountain until you cover the surface. Wipe off excess terra cotta sealer with a soft cloth. Allow the sealer to dry.
6. Apply a Second Coat
Add a second coat of sealer to the outdoor fountain reservoir. Wipe off excess terra cotta sealer. Allow the sealer to dry completely.
Tip
You should not seal newly constructed concrete or terra cotta fountains immediately. Wait for one week before sealing new concrete and at least 72 hours before sealing new terra cotta. The material must have time to cure properly or the sealant will not stick to the surface.
Warning
Avoid washing a terra cotta fountain with a power washer. The high pressure spray can damage the material.