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Concrete Sealer Types

Concrete sealers fall into two broad categories: penetrants and film formers. Penetrating sealers, such as silanes, siloxanes, and silicates, react chemically within the capillaries of the concrete to shield against moisture penetration and deicing chemicals. Usually they provide invisible protection without changing the surface appearance. They are most commonly used to improve the durability of exterior concrete surfaces subject to corrosion and freeze-thaw damage.

Film-forming sealers are the type most often used for decorative concrete work, and they do just what the name implies - form a protective film on the surface of the concrete. Most of them also impart a sheen that highlights the beauty of colored or exposed-aggregate concrete. In the category of film formers, you'll find three primary types, each possessing different advantages and limitations:

• Acrylics. Available in both solvent- and water-based formulations, acrylic sealers are generally the easiest to apply and the most economical. They are widely used on exterior surfaces because they are UV resistant, non-yellowing, and provide good protection against water and chloride intrusion. However, they usually are much thinner than polyurethanes and epoxies, so they wear faster and usually require reapplication sooner.
• Polyurethanes. These sealers are also available in water- and solvent-based versions. They are nearly twice as thick as an acrylic sealer and provide excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals. But most polyurethanes are moisture intolerant until they cure. That means if any water is present on the surface when the sealer is applied, a chemical reaction will occur that results in foaming and bubbling.
• Epoxies. Like urethanes, epoxies also produce a hard, long-wearing, abrasion-resistant finish. They bond well to concrete and cement-based overlays and are available clear or pigmented if you wish to add color. However, epoxies have a tendency to yellow with UV exposure, so they generally are limited to interior applications..

In addition to straight sealers, which typically must be applied to concrete that has been allowed to cure for at least 14 days, you'll also find products on the market called "cure and seals" - hybrid formulations that will both cure and seal concrete in one application. Most cure and seals are water- or solvent-based acrylic resins. These products can be applied to freshly placed concrete in lieu of a curing membrane and as a sealer on concrete of any age. Be sure to use a cure-and-seal product that meets the requirements of ASTM C1315, "Standard Specification for Liquid Membrane-Forming Compounds Having Special Properties for Curing and Sealing Concrete."

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