Dear Glenn: I read your recent article regarding concrete seal. We had our patio finished with stamped concrete roughly two years ago. This spring, it appeared to need a coat of sealer, as it was beginning to look weathered. It had been a particularly wet spring, and it rained a lot off and on for several days. I had to put off my scheduled waiting for a period of two days without rain before attempting to put on a seal. I did sweep and clean the concrete several times before applying the seal. I used Thompson's Water Seal Clear Multi Surface Waterproofer. I put on two coats with a roller. Although I must say the sealer has worked well, I am not happy with the appearance. The surface has a very dull look in a majority of the space with other smaller areas have more of a sheen. I would like to have a more glossy appearance as it shown when it was initially completed. Do you have any suggestions? I thought of a light steam cleaning in late fall and another cleaning in the spring with a new, glossy sealer.

Al, Waterford Township

Dear Al: Thompson's soaks in. It has done its job. What you need is a wet-look sealer. Contact OPW Decks (866-856-3325, opw decks.com). They will sell you what you need for next season.