- Concrete Sealer
- Comparison Chart of Concrete Sealers
- Buying Tips for Concrete Sealer Products
- Concrete Sealer Reviews: Sealer products other contractors use and recommend
- Common Questions about Concrete Sealers
- How to Remove Concrete Sealer
- Types of Sealers
- Acrylic Sealers
- Epoxy Sealers
- Penetrating Sealers
- Polyurethane Sealers
- Polyaspartic Sealers
- Application Surface
- Driveway Sealer
- Patio Sealer
- Sealers for Stamped Concrete
- Concrete Floor Sealers
- Concrete Countertop Sealers
- Pool Deck Sealer
- Exposed Aggregate Sealer
Comparison Chart of Concrete Sealers
What is the best concrete sealer for your project?Picking the right sealer will make a difference in both appearance and performance. Compare the different types of concrete sealers in the chart below and determine which one is best for your project.
Sealer Type | How They Work | Primary Applications | Type of Finish | Performance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Penetrating sealers (includes silanes, siloxanes, silicates, and siliconates) | Penetrate and react chemically within the capillaries of the concrete to shield against moisture penetration and deicing chemicals. | Exterior concrete surfaces subject to corrosion and freeze-thaw damage Where a natural, matte finish is desired | Provide invisible protection without changing the surface appearance or leaving a sheen. | Provide excellent protection against outdoor exposure conditions. Most products are also breathable, allowing moisture vapor to escape. |
Acrylics | Form a thin protective film on the concrete surface. Available in both solvent- and water-based formulations | Both exterior and interior concrete On projects where easy application and economy is important To enhance the beauty of colored, stamped or exposed- aggregate concrete On fast-track projects, since acrylics often dry to the touch within an hour | Available in a range of sheen levels. Solvent-based acrylics generally enhance color better than water-based products. | Provide good protection against water and chloride intrusion, but usually wear faster than polyurethanes and epoxies.Solvent-based acrylics generally perform better than water-based products for outdoor use. On indoor surfaces, softer acrylic sealers usually require regular maintenance with several coats of a sacrificial floor finish, or wax, to prevent wear and black heel marks. |
Polyurethanes | Form a high-build protective film on the concrete surface. Available in both solvent- and water-based formulations | Both exterior and interior concrete On floors in high-traffic areas, to provide good resistance to scuffs and staining To enhance the beauty of colored, stamped or exposed- aggregate concrete Concrete countertops | Available in a range of sheen levels. Finish is transparent and non-yellowing. | Nearly twice as thick as acrylic sealers, and produce a very durable chemical- and abrasion-resistant finish. Most urethanes are moisture intolerant until they cure, so no water should be present on the surface when the sealer is applied. |
Epoxies | Form a high-build protective film on the concrete surface. Most are two-component products mixed prior to application. | On floors in high-traffic areas Cement-based overlays Concrete countertops May yellow with UV exposure, so generally limited to interior use | Available clear or pigmented, if you wish to add color. Most products impart a glossy finish. | Produce a hard, long-wearing, abrasion-resistant finish. Also offer excellent water repellence, but some products are impermeable and could trap moisture in the concrete |
*Note: Always check with the sealer manufacturer to verify the compatibility of its product with the decorative surface you plan to apply it to.
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