One of the most popular concrete sealing product requests we field is for a color enhancing, wet look sealer. Everyone loves how their concrete looks after it rains and the way the water brings out the colors and textures of the substrate. This look is typically achieved by using an acrylic based sealing product of a solvent based chemistry. Solvent based acrylic sealers are fantastic products when it comes to decorative enhancement, the only downside is their longevity. With most products you need to reapply them on a yearly basis since they are very susceptible to breaking down from deicing salts, UV exposure and traffic. However, if you are committed to the wet look, high gloss finish and as long as you know it is something you will have to reapply on a yearly basis applying a solvent based acrylic is the way to go.
Pool decks are typically stamped concrete, aggregate or paver based substrates that greatly benefit from a wet look decorative sealer. Wet look sealers are typically solvent based acrylics that will immediately bring to life the appearance of a pool deck. The only negative to wet look sealers is that they are often reapplied on a yearly or biannual basis. When shopping for a wet look sealer for a pool deck look for one that is a non yellowing, pure acrylic sealer.
Most Popular Wet Look Pool Deck Sealers:
Ghostshield 5505: This product is a non yellowing, high gloss, wet look pure acrylic decorative sealer that will enhance, brighten and bring to life the colors and textures of any stamped concrete pool deck surface. Readily available at The Home Depot.
Eagle Seal Gloss Coat : This product is a high gloss, durable acrylic film. It can be used on all types of decorative concrete and will never yellow. Readily available at The Home Depot.
Acrylic sealers are commonly used as decorative sealers to add a high gloss shine or matte finish while protecting from sun, rain and salt degradation. Available in both solvent based and water based variations, we prefer a water based version with low VOCs that is environmentally friendly in all 50 states.
Most Important Features When Purchasing an Acrylic Sealer:
- Breathable formula that is non-yellowing and UV stable
- Protection from rain and sun while adding and enhancing the look of colored concrete
- Non-scratch, non-scuff, long lasting with no risk of delamination
Most Popular Acrylic Sealer Brand Reviews:
Everclear: Excellent as a cure and seal, however it is not VOC friendly in all states with a whopping 681 g/L. Adequate coverage and a fast dry time along with an easy application make it a good choice.
Eagle Gloss Coat: Even though it is solvent based it provided a nice wet look finish to decorative concrete and pavers. We like that it can also be used on new concrete instead of waiting the usual 28 days for concrete to cure. Unfortunately 1 gallon only covers 100 square feet so multiple gallons are necessary to seal any substantial substrate.
Cryli-Tek 5500 : We like that this sealer is water based and industrial grade holding up to weathering and beading water. Lasted longer than every other acrylic we tested on this list and provided a subtle shine without being excessively slippery or glossy. No delamination or yellowing and our concrete looked beautiful.
Decra-Seal: Fast drying with a high gloss finish but again extremely high VOC limit of almost 700 g/L!
Quikrete Acrylic: Can be used as a cure and seal to help retain water and leaves a finish that is not excessively glossy. Meets ASTM C 309 and covers about 200 sq. ft. per gallon.
With the extreme popularity of concrete sealers that enhance and add a wet look or high gloss shine to concrete, acrylics are the most popular and cost effective concrete sealers available. If an extreme gloss is wanted choose a solvent based variation, just make sure the VOC content is legal for your state. If a slightly less shiny finish is wanted, a matte, water based acrylic will be your best bet with low VOCs and ease of application. Solvent based sealers are usually rolled onto the surface with a nap roller, while water based sealers can be sprayer with a pump sprayer.
Best applications for acrylics include patios and pavers. Enhancing and protecting from rain, weathering and sun choose a high quality acrylic over a cheaper one. There is a reason they are more expensive, their higher percentage of solids, which aids in durability and longevity. Solvent based acrylics typically last longer than water based versions which need to be reapplied every 1-3 years, solvent based 2-5 years respectively.
Wet look sealers are usually solvent based acrylics that leave the surface with a high gloss, decorative finish. A lot of times they can also be used as a cure and seal or as a stand alone decorative product. It is important the sealer will not yellow and is still breathable to prevent moisture and delamination.
Most Important Features When Purchasing a Wet Look Sealer:
- Breathable formula that is non-yellowing and UV stable, VOC friendly in most states
- Protection from rain, sun, salt while adding a wet look and enhancing the look of colored concrete
- Non-scratch, non-scuff, long lasting with no risk of delamination
Most Popular Wet Look Sealer Brand Reviews:
Eagle Gloss Coat: Even though it is solvent based it provided a nice wet look finish to decorative concrete and pavers. We like that it can also be used on new concrete instead of waiting the usual 28 days for concrete to cure. Unfortunately 1 gallon only covers 100 square feet so multiple gallons are necessary to seal any substantial substrate.
Cryli-Tek 5505: We like that this sealer is solvent based and industrial grade holding up to weathering and beading water. Lasted longer than every other acrylic we tested on this list and provided a beautiful wet look enhancing decorative concrete. Did not delaminate or yellow and our concrete looked nice.
Decra-Seal: Fast drying with a high gloss finish but again extremely high VOC limit of almost 700 g/L!
Quikrete Acrylic: Can be used as a cure and seal to help retain water and leaves a finish that is not excessively glossy. Meets ASTM C 309 and covers about 200 sq. ft. per gallon.
The ever popular acrylic sealers dominate the market with claims of waterproofing, sealing, coating, and decorating. So what really is an acrylic concrete sealer good for? Acrylic sealers are topical solutions that are best known for giving a beautiful decorative high gloss shine or low sheen luster. Common applications include but are not limited to patios, driveways and pavers. The only problem with acrylic sealers is their longevity and their frequency to peel, flake and chip off.
When looking for a good acrylic sealer it is recommended to go with a water based version. Even though solvent based acrylics can last longer, they have a high VOC content, with noxious fumes that will not pass regulations in states like California. Water based versions are safer, and by reapplying them every 1-2 years they will last equally as long as their solvent based counterparts.
Good acrylics will also hold up to UV light without yellowing, fading or peeling from the suns heat. Good acrylics will not peel, flake or scratch and will even be able to hold up to salt, wind driven rain and they will be water repellent all while beautifying concrete. Common applications for acrylic sealers are usually exterior pavers, driveways and patios. Be careful not to use a high gloss variation on a pool deck since they can become extremely slippery.
Our Take: Acrylic sealers that last longer and hold up better than others on the market include Cryli-Tek 5500, Everclear VOX, and Decra-Seal WB
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