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.

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