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Yes, you can seal old or existing concrete, but proper preparation is crucial. The concrete surface must be clean, dry, and free of any incompatible old sealant. To check if an old sealer is present, drip a few drops of water onto the surface; if the water is absorbed in under five minutes, it's ready to be resealed. If you plan to use the same type of sealer that was previously applied, you may not need to remove the old layer. However, if you are using a different type of sealer, the old one must be completely removed. Before applying the new sealer, thoroughly clean the concrete and repair or fill any cracks to ensure a smooth, well-prepared surface.

Whether it's better to stain or paint concrete depends on your budget, desired aesthetic, and DIY skill level. Generally, staining is a more durable option because the stain soaks into the concrete's surface and won't wear away like a topical paint coating. Painting concrete can trap moisture underneath the paint layer, which may cause the concrete to deteriorate over time. However, concrete paint offers a wider variety of colors, is typically easier and less expensive to apply, and is effective at covering up existing stains or blemishes on the surface.

While concrete is durable, it’s also a porous material, meaning that spills can damage the material. Not only does sealing safeguard against this issue, but it can also reduce the risk of mold and mildew.

Concrete can take years to fully settle, but interior concrete floors are mostly settled after a year. Shifting and settling can occur throughout your home’s life, but most major settling happens the first few years after the concrete is poured. It’s not uncommon for minor cracks to appear in concrete floors over time—check with a concrete pro to ensure new cracks don’t indicate a structural issue in your home.